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 great family outing!! My family of 10, from 3 months to 72 years of age had a wonderful day. We had a couple of activities,... read more

    avatar thumb Vivien A
    March 30, 2025

  • star rating  FANTASTIC TRIP THANK YOU PAUL. PAUL IS AMAZING AND MAKES IT AN ADVENTURE. AMAZING SCENERY AND SUCH A COOL EXPERIENCE. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN... read more

    avatar thumb Kim G
    July 25, 2025

  • star rating  Bush walk and chicken run adventures - Loved it.. the guide was humorous, had good knowledge of the area and the bush we visited.

    Was thoughtful .. our son was allowed to sit beside him... read more

    Raine222
    January 27, 2025

  • star rating  Put 2.5 hours aside and hop on a rail cart and drive along a unused railway line. We went on the Bush Walk & Snack Run tour. Very relaxing... read more

    avatar thumb RippeyCambNZ
    February 17, 2019

  • star rating  Really great day out - I highly recommend it. Paul is an awesome guide and has great knowledge of the area. Lots of little stops during the 3 hour trip.... read more

    B9286NCmelissab
    January 28, 2020

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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