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  What a fantastic way to spend a day - Started off getting tickets for Husband's 75th Birthday. Just loved the whole experience. Paul is an excellent host, and his commentary was clear and informative. Second trip, with overseas guests,... read more

    KathM254
    December 13, 2023
  • star rating  Paul was a great host which made for a fun trip. We were well looked after and Paul was full of very interesting facts. The weather was gorgeous which highlighted... read more

    avatar thumb Ginny C
    February 23, 2025
  • star rating  Awakeri Training Day - Rainy day but Paul made it enjoyable..can see the effort Paul has gone to allow people to catch a glimpse of the history of a bygone rail era.

    Jet39685054068
    May 21, 2024
  • star rating  Don't miss this great experience! - We went as a family, with a 7 year old and a 4 year old. Paul was a great host, lots of laughs and very safe. Beautiful farmland and interesting... read more

    SarahSoren
    July 10, 2024
  • star rating  Definitely recommend this attraction to families, couples and individuals young and old. They offers three different adventures on a disused section of railway between Awakeri and Taneatua. Paul the... read more

    avatar thumb Happydaz01
    January 28, 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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