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  Great way to take in the nature and visit a part of New Zealand that hasn't been logged. Paul, the host and owner was wonderful, accommodating and down to earth!... read more

    avatar thumb John P
    August 21, 2025

  • star rating  A truly wonderful experience, with humour, a walk through native bush, chicken feeding, afternoon tea and feeling the wind through your hair as you drive along the railway track in... read more

    uliveto
    February 28, 2020

  • star rating  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

    NorthStar01438435973
    January 6, 2026

  • star rating  Great family adventure! Paul, the guide, made our trip the best with his witty repartee and sense of humour. We did this rail tour with family which included overseas visitors... read more

    avatar thumb Cruiser757309
    July 30, 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

    L1533QNkyles
    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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