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  We had a wonderful experience with Paul on the Railway ride. He is very personable and made the experience fun. We loved seeing the countryside as well as the... read more

    avatar thumb Steve P
    December 9, 2025

  • star rating  10/10 trip along the historic railway - Myself and my wife went on this beautiful historic rail ride. We were the only ones on this particular trip and Paul the host/owner gave us the deluxe trip which... read more

    Carmel M
    March 11, 2024

  • star rating  We really enjoyed the visit and would do a longer one next time - We had a family visit 4 adults and 1 dog. Got to feed, and to touch a number of the animals. Really enjoyed the chicken run Touching the roosters and other animals

    Dreamer63586993952
    July 7, 2024

  • star rating  Hours of devoted toil by an ex-train driver have created a brilliant experience of running along the railway lines in converted golf buggies. Guided along the track by walkie-talkies, the... read more

    avatar thumb Brian_StNeots
    February 27, 2019

  • star rating  We visited the Awakeri Rail with our daughter, son-in-law and their 4mth old baby. Surprisingly we all had a great time. The ride caters for all ages and even the... read more

    avatar thumb OdetteR_13
    June 2, 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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