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  A wonderful, quirky, relaxing and fun day out - Wow! This really was a wonderful day out. What an enjoyable, relaxing and funny adventure. Paul was great with all his stories to both young and old and he is... read more

    LvdW16
    March 9, 2025

  • 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  Very rude staff. - Was looking at going but staff were so rude we decided to spend our money elsewhere. We we really shocked! 🙁 shame for the local community to have that... read more

    AmyT3525
    March 19, 2024

  • star rating  A Memorable Experience - Really fun and interesting trip, would definitely recommend to others. Especially thankful for the teams brilliant assistance when I discovered I had 'mislaid' my car keys at the end... read more

    Jet53697511628
    January 8, 2025

  • star rating  Great day had by all, well organised beautiful scenery a must do if visiting Awakeri. Highly recommend

    avatar thumb Roving11694506198
    October 19, 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 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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