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  The best afternoon we have had for ages! - Honestly this is just so much fun, well worth the time and money. Paul and Denise are such characters, enjoyed their funny stories. Felt like we left as friends. Fabulous... read more

    Explore13122402121
    October 18, 2025

  • star rating  Good family fun on the rail! - Pretty cool travelling along in your own train cart, over bridges, roads and through a couple of tunnels. Cool stops in the way, and loved the cuppa from boiling... read more

    Voyage46927517951
    January 27, 2025

  • star rating  We had a fun and interesting day on the rail trail with Paul. He is a great host and is a fun guy. The bush... read more

    avatar thumb ianwjan
    March 6, 2025

  • star rating  What a great little adventure. Wonderful guide with great scenery a a pace that allows you to enjoy it. Thank you Paul.

    Gypsyiews
    September 15, 2019

  • star rating  Well worth it! - We had a great time on the tour - Pete was a fantastic guide, who had banter for young and old! Loved the scenery and the bush cafe cuppa. Oh... read more

    marcwO7052PF
    March 20, 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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