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  A great outing for everyone, Paul is an entertaining and knowledgeable guide.Fun way to spend a few hours. There are self drive carts, scenery, a short bush walk and a... read more

    avatar thumb PKHAYES842
    April 16, 2025

  • star rating  My husband and I absolutely loved this rail experience. Paul was an awesome guide who was very knowledgeable on the Awakeri area, bush and pest trapping and his sense of... read more

    fluteytootie
    January 2, 2020

  • star rating  Great Trip Amazing Guide - Paul our guide and operator of this adventure is so customer focused. 👍🏼👍🏼

    We purchased tickets pre COVID and never got the chance to do this trip and like... read more

    camerona648
    December 17, 2024

  • star rating  Such a great trip. Good guys - Paul and Brendon. Fun. Nice easy Bush walk. Surprise stop for cup oftea, biscuits. Highly recommend.

    Van2c
    June 10, 2019

  • star rating  Amazing. Paul is a fantastic guide. We all had a fantastic trip and my boys loved being able to ride with Paul as a co-pilot. Filled with great info and... read more

    avatar thumb sarah l
    December 28, 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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