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  Our group of 8 thoroughly enjoyed our Bush Walk and Snack Run rail adventure. Everyone took the opportunity to drive the carts which added to the fun. Our guide Shane... read more

    avatar thumb Ian M
    March 7, 2019

  • star rating  As Good As It Gets - December 2023 & a second visit to Awakeri Rail -
    The Awakeri Rail Adventure is about as good as it gets for authenticity – not simply ‘just‘a tourist mainstream visitor... read more

    Linton H
    December 28, 2023

  • star rating  Wonderful time had by all - Fun trip, very enjoyable, many surprises along the way. Great guide too. Very entertaining. We loved the bush walk and cuppa too.

    DonnaL159
    March 19, 2024

  • star rating  Surprisingly awesome. - A fantastic experience. We were invited to go on a family trip, and honestly wasn’t too sure, but was really pleasantly surprised. Paul the operator is constantly amusing.... read more

    Departure51463462214
    July 20, 2024

  • 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

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 four types of trip. The first is an “Express Run” where you will drive over 20km of track, with one stop enroute. The Express Run takes approx 2 hours.

The second option is the “Bush Walk / Snack Run” where you will be guided on a bush walk, stop for a relaxing track side snack and other activities and still drive over the 20km of track. This trip will take approx 2.5 hours.

The third option is the “Bush Walk Run” where you travel 12km of track – enjoy a guided bush walk – wraps up in about 1.5 hours.

The fourth option is the Chicken run – travel 8 km of track and help feed the chickens and other birds (this one is ideal for the under fives).

CHICKEN RUN & BUSH WALK RUN ARE BY ARRANGEMENT ONLY.

Conveniently located just down the road from Awakeri Hot Springs

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