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  Great fun! - A great fun activity for a couple of hours a stones throw from Whakatane!
    There were just the two of us (being a midweek slot), but that did not matter.... read more

    Cathy M
    November 19, 2023

  • star rating  Was an awesome trip, lots of knowledge and comedy, meeting up with 'animal friends' along the way. Paul was very informative and entertaining. Highly recommended. 5 stars.

    avatar thumb Miranda Cross S... T
    August 15, 2024

  • star rating  Surprisingly awesome. - A fantastic experience. We were invited to go on a family trip, and honestly wasn’t too sure, but was really pleasantly surprised. Paul the operator is constantly amusing.... read more

    Departure51463462214
    July 20, 2024

  • star rating  Querky trip through countryside in little self-drive (easy) rail cars + a short interesting bush walk with Morning Tea, lead by competent & informative owner.

    avatar thumb SMILYEXPLORER
    May 7, 2019

  • star rating  Paul is amazing he is the owner and nothing better than owner operated his knowledge is outstanding on the area. It is fun and very safe awsome for families with... read more

    avatar thumb Chantal K
    August 25, 2024

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 four types of trip. The first is an “Express Run” where you will drive over 20km of track, with one stop enroute. The Express Run takes approx 2 hours.

The second option is the “Bush Walk / Snack Run” where you will be guided on a bush walk, stop for a relaxing track side snack and other activities and still drive over the 20km of track. This trip will take approx 2.5 hours.

The third option is the “Bush Walk Run” where you travel 12km of track – enjoy a guided bush walk – wraps up in about 1.5 hours.

The fourth option is the Chicken run – travel 8 km of track and help feed the chickens and other birds (this one is ideal for the under fives).

CHICKEN RUN & BUSH WALK RUN ARE BY ARRANGEMENT ONLY.

Conveniently located just down the road from Awakeri Hot Springs

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