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  What a great day. From the minute we walked in we all had a great time.
    Paul is funny, friendly and very knowledgeable. Our son and granddaughter enjoyed every minute... read more

    avatar thumb Trek09676865097
    January 11, 2025

  • star rating  We bought our tickets at Field Days last year so had to make plans to head down country especially for this adventure. We weren't disappointed. We were greeted and led... read more

    avatar thumb SharonWindust
    February 19, 2019

  • star rating  Excellent - We had a great time as a family despite the rain. The carriages are equipped not to get wet, fortunately for us. The ride lasted more than 2 hours (10km... read more

    m0eavat
    March 2, 2023

  • star rating  Flipping awesome!  - Absolutely brilliant, thoroughly recommend it.. Loved the bush walk, just stunning. The whole family had a great time. Paul is very entertaining, and friendly and made the trip easy and... read more

    Debbie N
    December 17, 2023

  • star rating  A Must Do Experience! - We had a FANTASTIC time at the Awakeri Railway! Myself and 3 others (including our elderly grandma) were all super impressed by the sense of humour & knowledge of our... read more

    Rachel P
    March 13, 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 & Snack Run.” 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 second is the “Express Trip.” It also covers the same 20 km of track, with one stop en route for the track-side snack and hot drink. The Express Trip is available only during summer months as an 8 a.m. early bird trip.

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 & EXPRESS RUN  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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