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  We took our family, who were visiting from overseas, on the Awakeri Rail Tour, and it was a fantastic experience! The staff were incredibly friendly, and the owner was welcoming... read more

    avatar thumb Maps09903797498
    February 24, 2025
  • star rating  Thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon on the rail adventure, stopping along the rail at different points of interest, Paul was very informative,his witty comments make it a fun trip.We particularly liked... read more

    avatar thumb Doug O
    February 11, 2019
  • star rating  The trip was a wonderful experience for me and my parents. It’s an experience for it self to get to know different parts of the region such as about the... read more

    avatar thumb Laura K
    December 25, 2025
  • star rating  All aboard  - This was an enjoyable tour left by Paul. You travel in a golf cart on a railway line through rural and bush settings.
    The first stop is a bush walk... read more

    Peter B
    November 25, 2023
  • star rating  A fun family day. - Awakeri rail adventure is a fun unique experience. We took a 4 year old and a 11 year old and they loved the journey. Highlights were feeding the bird... read more

    Seaside07824690429
    September 27, 2023

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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