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 purchased the full experience which included stopping and feeding the chickens, the bush walk in White Pine bush, and afternoon tea. Absolutely brilliant fun with Paul and his... read more

    907selinah
    January 11, 2020

  • star rating  Best family fun day - A wonderful family day out. Paul, our host, was lots of fun with a wicked sense of humor. It was the best fun we have had in a long time.

    CatherineF2506
    November 22, 2025

  • star rating  From the moment we arrived our host and owner of awakeri rail adventures Paul entertained us we had a safety briefing then we were off had some wonderful surprises... read more

    avatar thumb SharaM80
    June 2, 2019

  • star rating  Always wanted to do this, and it did not disappoint!! Thank you so much for an awesome experience, loved the banter and the kids had a blast!! Spiderman will... read more

    avatar thumb Paradise45895065853
    January 5, 2025

  • 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

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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