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  👍🏻Something different. - Great experience. Very unique- something different to do for the whole family from young to old. Bush walk is short and easy going.

    Sherpa38513746229
    March 15, 2025

  • star rating  Fantastic morning on the rail - We had a fantastic time as Paul was a very good host. Paul also interacted with our grandchildren so they always had some surprises which kept them entertained. Lots of... read more

    Colleen V
    April 16, 2025

  • star rating  Entertainment for all ages. - Just spent a delightful afternoon completing the bush walk and snack run at Awakeri Rail Adventures. An entertaining and knowledgable host added humour and facts to all the various... read more

    Sewter6
    March 25, 2023

  • star rating  A great family activity! - We did the chicken run with our nearly 2 year old. It was a great family experience, perfect for little kids! Paul was so friendly and stopped so we could... read more

    zhendra19
    March 21, 2023

  • star rating  We did the railcart trip including the gentle bush walk. Was fabulous with a few surprises along the way. Paul is made for the job with... read more

    avatar thumb 433carolyn
    March 16, 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 & Snack Run.” 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 second is the “Express Trip.” It also covers the same 20 km of track, with one stop en route for the track-side snack and hot drink. The Express Trip is available only during summer months as an 8 a.m. early bird trip.

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 & EXPRESS RUN  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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