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.

  • star rating  Had a great afternoon out with the family, ranging from 8 to 68. Paul was a very wonderful guide keeping all entertained during a well thought out and enjoyable tour.

    avatar thumb Tony C
    August 28, 2023
  • star rating  All aboard  - This was an enjoyable tour left by Paul. You travel in a golf cart on a railway line through rural and bush settings.
    The first stop is a bush walk... read more

    Peter B
    November 25, 2023
  • star rating  A very enjoyable and entertaining trip and about the right length. Tripping along in the cart is a different experience from walking or driving. A short walk in... read more

    avatar thumb William T
    March 27, 2025
  • star rating  10/10 trip along the historic railway - Myself and my wife went on this beautiful historic rail ride. We were the only ones on this particular trip and Paul the host/owner gave us the deluxe trip which... read more

    Carmel M
    March 11, 2024
  • star rating  From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave the guide will keep you and the kids entertained. Awakeri rail is an activity for all ages and all strengths... read more

    regalvanston1979
    October 9, 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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