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 on the rail - We had a fantastic time as Paul was a very good host. Paul also interacted with our grandchildren so they always had some surprises which kept them entertained. Lots of... read more

    Colleen V
    April 16, 2025

  • 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  Great little train trip around - The scenery and each stop on the rail ride was brilliant. The guide was a hoot. Nice short trip of a couple hours and you learn some... read more

    jakspak
    January 16, 2025

  • star rating  We thoroughly enjoyed our adventure with Paul. He was loads of fun and very informative. Our bush billie tea at the end of the line was delicious. A worth... read more

    avatar thumb Diane W
    May 20, 2025

  • star rating  Paul the operator was entertaining and made sure we all followed the safety rules. Great ride, scenery and bush walk. - Great social family experience. Adults and children enjoyed the fun, we all learnt a little about our native forrest and trees. We can recommend this adventure. Thank you Paul.

    Trail20741855238
    January 26, 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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