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  Enjoyed a relaxing ride through the local farmland on the Awakeri Rail Trail, and LOVED it. Paul single handedly was the tour guide, "tea lady" and dish washer upper, and... read more

    avatar thumb Joanne I
    February 8, 2025

  • star rating  A must do fun day out - We had the most fantastic morning with Paul. Our granddaughter Amber was Paul’s co- pilot which added to our experience. So much fun from the beginning to the end, including... read more

    Disherer
    November 16, 2025

  • star rating  Excellent - We had a great time as a family despite the rain. The carriages are equipped not to get wet, fortunately for us. The ride lasted more than 2 hours (10km... read more

    m0eavat
    March 2, 2023

  • star rating  Great fun (even in the rain) - Went during awful weather and still had the most enjoyable time whilst managing to stay dry. Paul was a great host and we definitely look forward to doing this... read more

    Onourown
    January 11, 2023

  • star rating  We did the 2pm Snack Run trip. Can thoroughly recommend this trip for friends and families, would probably best suit children over 5, stopped to feed the chickens, stopped to... read more

    77jasminc
    February 26, 2020

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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