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  Great way to take in the nature and visit a part of New Zealand that hasn't been logged. Paul, the host and owner was wonderful, accommodating and down to earth!... read more

    avatar thumb John P
    August 21, 2025

  • star rating  What a unique and exciting adventure this was! Paul was an awesome guide and his stories and knowledge of the local area made the ride interesting and insightful! Driving the... read more

    tomben20
    January 16, 2020

  • star rating  This was a great trip. Kids are teens and absolutely loved feeding the chooks and other birds. Bush walk was really educational and the amount of passion displayed... read more

    JessBoydTaupo
    November 15, 2019

  • star rating  Great day out - We really enjoyed this trip, so did our kids, these carts are actually drive yourself ones.easy as, I think there were 3 stops along the way, bush walk feeding chicken... read more

    Nixx-Nicole
    August 26, 2023

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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