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  Fun. Fact and laughter - Absolutely brilliant. Not just a rail trip but an experience. Fun. Laughter and facts.
    Thoroughly recommend

    Thank you Paul

    Carol D
    November 22, 2025

  • star rating  Thoroughly recommend going on this wee adventure, beautiful scenery, a cool bush walk and great fun cruising in the cart on the railway tracks. Cup of tea/coffee & biscuits... read more

    avatar thumb Excursion20297991461
    May 23, 2025

  • star rating  Well worthwhile activity. - What a brilliant day. Very thorough health and safety chat before hand. Good explanation of how things worked. Hand held radios for each rail cart and great communication throughout the... read more

    Vacation32967117061
    March 8, 2025

  • star rating  Amazing. Paul is a fantastic guide. We all had a fantastic trip and my boys loved being able to ride with Paul as a co-pilot. Filled with great info and... read more

    avatar thumb sarah l
    December 28, 2023

  • star rating  Totally amazing awesome family fun day - A beautiful experience for all ages. Fabulous day for the whole family. Paul is awesome and had everyone laughing including kids. Most definitely one of the best days my family... read more

    tralleam
    January 1, 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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