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 Adventure, wonderful host. - Had a great time at Awakeri Rail Adventure, Paul was a excellent host, full of interesting info about the area lots of funny tales, made everyone one the trip... read more

    Sunshine04995212391
    October 30, 2025

  • star rating  Amazing experience! - We had an amazing time with Paul. He's a laugh too. Loved feeding the chickens and geese! Will definitely come back for some more fun on the rails!

    Trip09607791445
    November 24, 2025

  • star rating  Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Did the Bush walk trip 2.5 hours. Paul was very entertaining and a wealth of knowledge.

    avatar thumb D8289QEmichaela
    September 8, 2023

  • star rating  Fun even in the rain - This was such a fun quirky adventure. The weather was less than ideal but it was such fun! Loved the views, driving the cart on the rail and learning about... read more

    Snoosin75
    March 10, 2024

  • star rating  A Rail-ly Awesome Time - Fantastic outing for the family. So much to see along the ride and so fun to drive a little rail car. Host is fantastic, great with kids.

    Sherpa22085054391
    January 11, 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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