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.

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Fun couple of hours driving our own train cart. Animals, scenery, bush walk, good cuppa, great people

Emolzmcgee
March 9, 2019
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
What a cool trip. Love the chickens, roosters and geese. Highly recommend Ben our conductor he was super informative.
Would recommend for a school trip.
Chicken run was... read more

Vanessa C
July 5, 2025
Our Awateri Rail Adventure was fantastic.
4 hours of fun and laughter cruising in self driving rail cars with a few stops along the way.
Great value and highly recommended... read more for adults and families.

Ann M
January 9, 2026
So interesting and so much fun for both kids and adults of all ages. Worth your time, money & drive. Or a perfect gift - 100% worth it! Paul our tour guide is hilarious yet very thorough and safety conscious. The train ride is so much fun! 🐓😉

Rebecca M
July 20, 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 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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