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.

Tours Contact Us

  • star rating  This was our first visit to Whakatane & it was specifically to go to Awakeri rail adventure. we took our 11 year old grand daughter. the trip was very... read more

    avatar thumb pinklady1963
    March 31, 2019

  • star rating  Great experience. - We had an fantastic afternoon at Awakeri Rail adventure.
    Beautiful scenery, lots of fun.
    Thank you Paul for everything 😊

    Henriet H
    November 10, 2025

  • star rating  Highly recommended - We would thoroughly recommend this very entertaining, educational, humorous and fun few hours, with Paul and his Awakeri Rail Adventures! So much work and effort has gone into the upgrading... read more

    GrandTour07139233540
    February 7, 2025

  • star rating  Awakening Rail Advenutre 15 November 2025 - Great fun afternoon out with friends. Paul was full of fun facts and Jokes anplenty. Enjoyable sausage sizzle. Would recommend the outing.

    Jenny K
    November 14, 2025

  • star rating  We did this as an afternoon activity and had a great time. You get to enjoy the country side and learn about the rail and area along the stops on... read more

    avatar thumb 481francesi
    March 12, 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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