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  Such a great trip. Good guys - Paul and Brendon. Fun. Nice easy Bush walk. Surprise stop for cup oftea, biscuits. Highly recommend.

    Van2c
    June 10, 2019

  • star rating  Great family fun! We did the chicken run which was perfect for our young family.
    Paul is a great conductor who brings a quirky fun sense of humor to the... read more

    avatar thumb Traveler55358501067
    July 2, 2025

  • star rating  Long weekend family fun - Great fun for the whole family !! A real hands on old school experience plus a great host !! It was an adventure with plenty of surprises!!

    Brent R
    April 20, 2025

  • star rating  Good value for the fun experience! - Highly rate this experience!!
    Entertaining, fun and enjoyed driving our cart!
    We took grandchildren and they so loved this!

    Janny2000
    August 21, 2023

  • star rating  We took an afternoon trip on a very hot day. Riding the carts was fun but the actual trip was just through farm land. The bush walk was informative and... read more

    avatar thumb MichelleW0794
    November 29, 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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