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  Great experience through the countryside with views of horses, sheep cattle and hens, ducks and weka.
    Loved the bush walk with very old kahikatea and nikaus. Billy tea or coffee... read more

    avatar thumb Road21719462366
    June 22, 2025

  • star rating  We had a wonderful experience with Paul on the Railway ride. He is very personable and made the experience fun. We loved seeing the countryside as well as the... read more

    avatar thumb Steve P
    December 9, 2025

  • star rating  Day out on Matariki - A very unique experience. Great for a range of age groups. A different way to view countryside of New Zealand. If you're female, make sure to use the rest room... read more

    tinaquillo
    June 20, 2025

  • star rating  Had a great time with the family including a 3 year old. Heaps to see and keep us all entertained . Hilarious host. Very scenic. Enjoyed tea, coffee, milo and... read more

    620quintonj
    January 17, 2020

  • star rating  This was my third visit and each time has been great. Entertainment 100%. Great information, beautiful environment and overall fun time!

    avatar thumb Frances F
    July 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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