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  A very interesting and informative rail experience. Paul's local knowledge and sense of humour made for a great adventure. Driving your kart, feeding the animals, experiencing the wonderful bush walk... read more

    stantrisha
    January 9, 2020

  • star rating  Had a great afternoon on the Bush Walk & Snack Run. Paul did an excellent job guiding and entertaining us with some great stories and anecdotes which had us... read more

    avatar thumb Suzy W
    January 7, 2026

  • star rating  We were pleasantly surprised on our 'chill out', Saturday morning trip where we were the party crashers on a large family birthday tour. Whilst Paul (the owner/operator loves what he... read more

    avatar thumb OnAir12067008570
    August 17, 2024

  • 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  Wonderful family adventure! - We had an amazing time! Paul was great and we had a lot of laughs. The kids say if they could give 6 stars they would! Thank you for a... read more

    chloe k
    October 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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