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  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  This trip from Awakeri along an old railway track was such fun. Paul gave us our safety briefing and away we went in our converted golf buggy with everyone in... read more

    Taurus47
    February 10, 2020
  • star rating  Our excursion last Friday was short of amazing and Paul makes it tailored to your needs. The humor the laughter and the banter made the day so entertaining and... read more

    avatar thumb Clem N
    April 13, 2025
  • star rating  Great Kiwi Experience - A fantastic family adventure! We had a beautiful sunny day which added to the amazing trip. Paul was an awesome guide involving the kids 100% in the experience. Great bushwalk,... read more

    roscotrees
    January 21, 2023
  • star rating  Highly recommended - My sister and I took a friend who was visiting from Scotland and we had a wonderful time on the Awakeri Rail Adventure. It is a fun and different... read more

    393viviennea
    March 4, 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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