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 fun trip with more than a touch of comedy! - This was a great experience and Paul made it all the more enjoyable with his jokes and off the wall antics. What a character. Would recommend this for all ages.... read more

    joareeves
    January 6, 2025

  • star rating  Awakeri trail - lots of fun for everyone - Very interesting stories and funny commentary by the guide. It is great fun for young and old. Worth spending 2 hours here

    Nicolien v
    November 10, 2024

  • star rating  OMG WOW what a wonderful afternoon we had.... The rail ride was fantastic with so many surprises along the way.... had us earnestly looking out for the many... read more

    avatar thumb Vacation16682718431
    May 8, 2025

  • star rating  Great way to take in the nature and visit a part of New Zealand that hasn't been logged. Paul, the host and owner was wonderful, accommodating and down to earth!... read more

    avatar thumb John P
    August 21, 2025

  • star rating  Such a fun family experience today at Awakeri Rail Adventures. Our host was so enthusiastic and such a good laugh. A 3 hour experience through beautiful scenery all while... read more

    avatar thumb l D
    October 25, 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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