Hundreds of visitors, many from all over the world have enjoyed the experience!

Welcome to Awakeri Rail Adventures in Whakatane. Travel along a piece of New Zealand’s rich rail history and experience the natural beauty and adventure from the comfort of a rail-cart, cleverly adapted to be self-driven along the rail tracks. Our rail cars are FULL self drive – you are in complete control of your rail vehicle – you may stop any where you wish to take photographs (or pick up your hat).

Your adventure starts from Awakeri traveling at a leisurely 25 kilometeres per hour with family and friends along a piece of historic railway line. There are 4 bridges, numerous cuttings and bush scenes along the track.

  • star rating  We travelled on the Awakeri Rail Adventure on Friday 15th November 2019. We thoroughly enjoyed it and our host Paul was great. We travelled in golf carts that had... read more

    tiredanddusty
    November 15, 2019
  • star rating  Awakeri Rail Adventures, a funfilled experience, just one hour from Tauranga - An adventure that's part thrill ride, part nature walk, and 100% fun at Awakeri Rail Adventures. Surrounded in New Zealand’s stunning countryside, this little gem is perfect for all ages.... read more

    shazcool
    January 16, 2025
  • star rating  Paul is an exceptional host. He is both entertaining and informative. He is thorough with your safety on the trip and in making sure you understand the macanics of driving... read more

    avatar thumb Passport06597228678
    January 6, 2025
  • star rating  Enjoyable Autumn Adventure  - Paul was extremely helpful as we had lost our voucher for our trip that we'd purchased from the Napier very show, and he found the proof of purchase and honored... read more

    Wander68175293708
    April 28, 2024
  • star rating  We had a fabulous afternoon doing the rail adventure with the grandies, thoroughly enjoying ourselves and having a ball. Lots of scenery, birds and animals to see along the way,... read more

    WANDDZ
    October 5, 2019

Travel along a piece of New Zealand’s rich rail history and experience the natural beauty and adventure from the comfort of our rail-cart

Awakeri Rail Adventures offers three types of trips.

The first and most popular trip is the Bush walk and snack run 9am-12:30pm & 1pm-4.30pm. It covers 20 km of track and includes a guided short bush walk, a stop for a relaxing track-side snack and hot drink, as well as the opportunity to feed the chickens, ducks, and geese. This trip takes 2.5 to 3 hours and departs twice daily.

THE TWILIGHT TRAIN IS AN EVENING TRIP OPERATING IN THE SUMMER MONTHS ONLY, FOR VISITORS WHO HAVE OTHER ACTIVITIES EARLIER IN THE DAY. A FANTASTIC TRIP ON A SUMMERS EVENING. IT STARTS AT 5.30 PM AND CONCLUDES AT ABOUT 9PM .   (IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL  CHILDREN.) FARES ARE THE SAME AS THE BUSH WALK AND SNACK RUN.

The third trip is the “Chicken Run.” Covering 10 km of track, it’s ideal for kids under 5 years old. Along the way, feed the chickens, explore an old railway hut, and meet “Pushy,” the 75-year-old bulldozer.

CHICKEN RUN & TWILIGHT TRAIN  ARE BY ARRANGEMENT ONLY BY CALLING – 08005374724
OTHER TRIPS CAN BE BOOKED ON LINE (OR CALL US)  

Conveniently located just down the road from Awakeri Hot Springs

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