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.

  • star rating  A well worthwhile, enjoyable trip.
    Paul is a great host, entertaining, funny but always focused on safety.
    The bush walk, and break for coffee, snacks completed a great adventure, highly... read more

    avatar thumb Keith H
    March 4, 2025
  • star rating  Great afternoon with great people. Paul the host made it a great trip. A lot knowledge about the area. Meeting the other people on the tour... read more

    avatar thumb ekim60286
    February 14, 2019
  • star rating  We loved our morning with Paul and our new rail family. It was super cool being on the railway track and Paul (the owner and guide) had lots of side... read more

    avatar thumb CarlieY11
    January 20, 2025
  • star rating  We had such a fun trip with Paul. He has an awesome sense of humour, is very knowledgeable about the local area and ensured everyone was following the safety rules.... read more

    avatar thumb Katie W
    January 13, 2025
  • star rating  All aboard  - This was an enjoyable tour left by Paul. You travel in a golf cart on a railway line through rural and bush settings.
    The first stop is a bush walk... read more

    Peter B
    November 25, 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 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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