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  We went on this trip with family and what a great day this was! Ben is so knowledgeable and so personable! This is a must do. 3 hours wasn’t enough!

    avatar thumb Departure15695224990
    December 14, 2025

  • star rating  This was something we've been looking forward to for a long time. Paul our guide was fantastic and we enjoyed his banter... However the actual trip along the rail... read more

    avatar thumb Robyn V
    January 27, 2019

  • star rating  A truly wonderful experience, with humour, a walk through native bush, chicken feeding, afternoon tea and feeling the wind through your hair as you drive along the railway track in... read more

    uliveto
    February 28, 2020

  • star rating  100% recomended - Thank you very much for the amazing experience. It was the highlight of the school holidays for my boys. 100% recommended.

    Leidy M
    July 16, 2023

  • star rating  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

Book Now