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  I brought an experience for my husband as he loves trains, we had an amazing experience, beautiful weather lots of laughs and fresh air. I have also brought an experience... read more

    avatar thumb Wander54450752278
    May 6, 2025

  • star rating  Lovely Quirky Trip along the rail track - This was a lot of fun driving our rail car along the track. It is a quirky different thing to do and we really enjoyed ourself. I can't... read more

    Wendy J
    February 22, 2025

  • star rating  This is areal ‘Kiwi’ experience. The trip starts with a surprising stop at Caulfield Station and off to feed the chooks. The highlight is the bush walk through the... read more

    RobT462018
    June 21, 2019

  • star rating  As Good As It Gets - December 2023 & a second visit to Awakeri Rail -
    The Awakeri Rail Adventure is about as good as it gets for authenticity – not simply ‘just‘a tourist mainstream visitor... read more

    Linton H
    December 28, 2023

  • star rating  Absolutely brilliant. Much, much better than expected. Will probably go again with grand children. Paul was great person

    avatar thumb Venture10988218809
    October 30, 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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