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 purchased the full experience which included stopping and feeding the chickens, the bush walk in White Pine bush, and afternoon tea. Absolutely brilliant fun with Paul and his... read more

    907selinah
    January 11, 2020

  • star rating  Super fun for the family our 3 kids aged 5-7-10 loved it would recommend to anyone any age, had a few laughs and the stories were great

    avatar thumb MichelleG5289
    August 2, 2025

  • star rating  Great New Zealand Scenery and Experience - Was a great experience, a lot better for our teenager than he thought it would be. Great stops along the way, very interactive.

    Louise L
    January 22, 2025

  • star rating  Unique - there is nothing else like it.
    Value for money - 3+ hours self drive with afternoon tea.
    Great Guide - Paul made everything safe and fun
    Informative... read more

    avatar thumb gregd47
    May 10, 2025

  • star rating  I have couple of rail enthusiast friends so we took the opportunity to have a go with the Awakeri Rail adventures. What a buzz, we started with a health and... read more

    avatar thumb Christine B
    April 26, 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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