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  Very rude staff. - Was looking at going but staff were so rude we decided to spend our money elsewhere. We we really shocked! 🙁 shame for the local community to have that... read more

    AmyT3525
    March 19, 2024

  • star rating  This was such a cool experience. We loved all the quirky little stops and the information shared. It was definitely money well spent and will be recommending it to our... read more

    avatar thumb Marcelle M
    October 6, 2023

  • star rating  A great educational, fun and entertaining experience. Paul, the host, was very nice, and shared a lot of interesting information. The snacks at the end were delicious, and the golf... read more

    avatar thumb Hawkes_Bay_Express
    October 4, 2024

  • star rating  This was a great small group adventure, just us and three others. Two carts plus guide Paul in the lead cart. A high emphasis on safety with a practical briefing... read more

    avatar thumb John D
    March 13, 2019

  • star rating  A fun family day. - Awakeri rail adventure is a fun unique experience. We took a 4 year old and a 11 year old and they loved the journey. Highlights were feeding the bird... read more

    Seaside07824690429
    September 27, 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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