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  Second time, will.go again! - Loved every minute of this trip! My second time going and I would definitely go again.
    Did the twilight trip this time, got back in the dark. It was magical.... read more

    Journey47680807619
    December 28, 2025

  • star rating  This was my second trip.
    I enjoyed my first experience in 2024 with friends so much that I purchased more tickets when Paul was at the Waikato Home & Garden... read more

    avatar thumb Yeti D
    August 6, 2025

  • 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

  • star rating  We had a great family outing!! My family of 10, from 3 months to 72 years of age had a wonderful day. We had a couple of activities,... read more

    avatar thumb Vivien A
    March 30, 2025

  • star rating  Put 2.5 hours aside and hop on a rail cart and drive along a unused railway line. We went on the Bush Walk & Snack Run tour. Very relaxing... read more

    avatar thumb RippeyCambNZ
    February 17, 2019

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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