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  The Rail adventure was right next to where we were staying, so we thought we would give it a try. Myself and my 2 teenage daughters enjoyed driving the... read more

    avatar thumb Nicola P
    January 31, 2025

  • star rating  Definitely recommend this attraction to families, couples and individuals young and old. They offers three different adventures on a disused section of railway between Awakeri and Taneatua. Paul the... read more

    avatar thumb Happydaz01
    January 28, 2019

  • star rating  Long weekend family fun - Great fun for the whole family !! A real hands on old school experience plus a great host !! It was an adventure with plenty of surprises!!

    Brent R
    April 20, 2025

  • star rating  Awakeri Training Day - Rainy day but Paul made it enjoyable..can see the effort Paul has gone to allow people to catch a glimpse of the history of a bygone rail era.

    Jet39685054068
    May 21, 2024

  • star rating  We had a great time. Many laughs and fun to drive. Enjoyed the bush walk and gumboot fence. Highly recommend this trip any weather.

    avatar thumb MURRAY B
    February 17, 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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