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  Awakeri Rail Adventures - great fun - This was wonderful good old kiwi fun - our age range was 13, 16, 40 and 68 and we all really enjoyed it. I would thoroughly recommend this no matter what age

    DayTrip63661702040
    November 9, 2025

  • star rating  Amazing experience  - What an amazing experience we had such an great time with lots of laughs and fun filled time learning new history facts great Milo and bikkie topped off the day... read more

    Voyage48180156431
    November 25, 2023

  • 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  Hubby and I were hosted by Paul, on 2nd January, and had a fabulous afternoon. Approx 3hrs return, with a few surprise stops along the way. Paul was very informative,... read more

    avatar thumb Toesontour19
    January 5, 2025

  • star rating  A relaxing and fun way to spend the day. Trip starts with the wonderful guide, Paul, giving a humorous safety brief and then off on the track for a unique... read more

    avatar thumb 760cathrinev
    February 22, 2025

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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