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 had a great time. Fantastic winter sunny day. Very beautiful scenery lots of laughs and Paul did a great job. Would recommend but do the long trip.

    avatar thumb Departure10294947505
    August 5, 2025

  • star rating  The ride was well done with some interesting stops along the way.Paul had interesting tales and it was a fun experience.

    avatar thumb Chris M
    November 12, 2024

  • star rating  We loved the whole rail ride experience! Super fun way to spend some quality family time driving on a rail track through a gorgeous landscape setting. Fun stops along the... read more

    avatar thumb arayahscompass
    March 16, 2025

  • star rating  Surprising and entertaining trip - Great activity well worth the stop at Awakeri. We did this as part of a tour so the way a big group was handled with general customers was excellent. Paul... read more

    silverthreads101
    February 6, 2023

  • star rating  A great railway trip - The railway runs through lovely country. The White Pine bush walk is stunning.
    The trip is relaxing and fun. The host, Paul, provides very good instruction
    about safety and driving... read more

    Flyer33910070307
    January 20, 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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