We did the 2pm Snack Run trip. Can thoroughly recommend this trip for friends and families, would probably best suit children over 5, stopped to feed the chickens, stopped to... read more walk a beautiful Doc Kahikatea Tree Forest, stopped in a little Bush Camp for a...More

  I booked a trip with friends. Had to change booking once which was easy to do. Then everything changed with our trip and I had to cancel booking. Rang Paul... read more to advise of this and thought there would be no problems as on the website it states full refund within 48 hours of booking,. mine was a week away. Paul responded with I wont be refunding you the GST as I have to pay GST on your booking, I explained to him he ill get his GST back when he generates a credit note in his accounting system when he refunds the booking. He told me then if i wanted a full refund go to the company who sold him the software for his website, to which I replied they have nothing to do with it.
He then said well I will refund you 80%, why I asked, he replied its that or nothing.
I txt him my bank details as requested to which he continued to argue the refund and how much he would be crediting into my account. He was argumentative and rude, obnoxious and a poor excuse for customer service. I finally received my refund less the GST amount he kept which I am still pursuing. I would never book with this company again and Whakatane Information website should remove him from their recommendations as he is nothing but a disgrace to New Zealand Customer Service

  We had a awesome time today I took my mum and 3 of my grand daughters aged 7 & 5 they had such a wonderful time they talked the whole... read more way home to Tauranga definitely recommend for all ages.

  Unprofessional host & disappointing product - Very disappointed.
We took friends from overseas and it was an embarrassment. Paul was 'unprofessional' is an understatement.
I'm sure he's a hoot to have a beer with, but... read more definitely missed the mark as a tourism provider.
Agree with other comments: trying to use humour with sexist, racist jokes and looooong winded stories. Could not "read the room" when everyone was cringing with his offensive Russian doll routine and misogynist jibes about women belonging in the kitchen. We learnt more about American folk history than anything about NZ or the local area.
Do not recommend.

  The ride was a great experience. - Awakeri Rail Adventures was an absolutely awesome experience. From start to finish, it was fun, exciting, and well run. The scenery is beautiful and the ride was smooth. Paul made... read more the adventure fun and enjoyable. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and memorable adventure.