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  Perfection! - Outstanding in every way. Great for anyone, local or tourist, young or old. Paul is amazing with his customers, very thorough with safety and a great sense... read more

    blueeyedfem
    March 14, 2024

  • star rating  We bought our tickets from Paul at our local home show, even buying the tickets was entertaining so we knew the experience was going to be a great time and... read more

    avatar thumb Jet28522859315
    February 13, 2025

  • star rating  What a cool trip. Love the chickens, roosters and geese. Highly recommend Ben our conductor he was super informative.
    Would recommend for a school trip.
    Chicken run was... read more

    avatar thumb Vanessa C
    July 5, 2025

  • star rating  We had a fabulous experience with Paul as our tour guide this week! It was a fun and unique way to learn a little bit of local history. We enjoyed... read more

    avatar thumb Z7485MOkarene
    March 5, 2023

  • star rating  An afternoon of riding a rail line - It was an awesome experience riding a rail line where you controlled the speed. The stops along the way were entertaining and at times very funny. We would highly recommend... read more

    Journey40063324540
    September 15, 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

Book Now