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.

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Perfection! - Outstanding in every way. Great for anyone, local or tourist, young or old. Paul is amazing with his customers, very thorough with safety and a great sense... read more

blueeyedfem
March 14, 2024
Really enjoyable trip, can't recommend it enough. The trip took around 2 1/2 hours but never dragged. We particularly loved the bush walk - the bird song... read more

JediJan
March 24, 2025
Heaps of fun with extended family. Great host. Lots of safety focus. Not at all scary. Just fun, recommend for all age groups.

Anthony M
December 29, 2025
Loved this trip. Nothing fancy but so very worthwhile doing. We recommend everyone should do it. Our guide was very informative as well

Trip42025026277
March 22, 2025
A Memorable Experience - Really fun and interesting trip, would definitely recommend to others. Especially thankful for the teams brilliant assistance when I discovered I had 'mislaid' my car keys at the end... read more of the trip!

Jet53697511628
January 8, 2025

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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