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  Fun trip on the rails - Good value fun! A bush walk, feed some chickens, a cup of tea and a biscuit plus 2 hours on the rails, what is not to love. A... read more

    kiwitraveller189
    November 17, 2023

  • star rating  This was a very amazing and fantastic experience. We brought the grandparents with us and they loved driving the carts. Milo was good. Paul is such a funny and cool... read more

    avatar thumb Maps62331887211
    November 9, 2024

  • star rating  Great fun trip with more than a touch of comedy! - This was a great experience and Paul made it all the more enjoyable with his jokes and off the wall antics. What a character. Would recommend this for all ages.... read more

    joareeves
    January 6, 2025

  • star rating  Third time visitor an still want more trips! - This is my third time doing the Bush Walk and Snack Run tour with Paul. Each and every time has been the best fun! This time it was myself and... read more

    Katie W
    December 8, 2025

  • star rating  Great little train trip around - The scenery and each stop on the rail ride was brilliant. The guide was a hoot. Nice short trip of a couple hours and you learn some... read more

    jakspak
    January 16, 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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