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 did the chicken run with our 4 year old. He had a blast! Good mix of history lesson and fund activities. Would definitely recommend

    avatar thumb ryanjohnsonhunt
    December 31, 2024

  • star rating  Recently my sister and I went on this Rail Adventure and loved every minute. Paul our Guide was amazing and so funny - have not laughed so much in... read more

    avatar thumb BrendaM3308
    February 20, 2019

  • star rating  We had a great time today with Paul on the Bush Walk and snack tour it was really fun and the rail is great fun. Thank you very much! Jess... read more

    avatar thumb Watch That S
    November 23, 2024

  • star rating  Highly Recommend - The trip was great, more than we expected. The cars are very easy to drive.
    Paul is a great guide - knowledgeable, informative and fun. He gave us just the... read more

    Tracey M
    July 17, 2023

  • star rating  Today, we had a wonderful afternoon at the Chicken Run with my two boys and friends.
    Paul was exceptional in engaging with the children, making the experience both interactive... read more

    avatar thumb Stephanie O
    March 5, 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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