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  Fantastic morning. Our family had a great time. We went last year and enjoyed it so much that we came again this year. Thank you Ben.

    avatar thumb Liam G
    October 1, 2025

  • star rating  Enjoyable Experience - Thoroughly enjoyed our Awakeri Rail trip. The weather wasn't too convivial, however the rail carts are well designed to keep you dry. Our host Paul, we found to be... read more

    Sharon M
    December 19, 2025

  • star rating  A unique adventure driving a cart along the old Awakeri - Taneatua rail track. A couple of stops on the way make it an enjoyable ride. The company owner has... read more

    avatar thumb GagsandJimbo
    October 24, 2024

  • star rating  Interesting commentary with humourous anecdotes. A lot of work has gone into this attraction. Remember to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

    avatar thumb pulhamfamily
    January 23, 2019

  • star rating  Great fun! Interesting , informative and entertaining commentary, from Paul our host.. Welcome tea/coffee and bikkies in the bush hut.

    avatar thumb Flyer11344851925
    June 6, 2025

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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