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  What an amazing tour with Paul. We had so much fun exploring the track and all it's treasures along the way. Paul is such a great host with his sense... read more

    avatar thumb Frizzy-Lizzie
    March 1, 2025

  • star rating  Fun couple of hours driving our own train cart. Animals, scenery, bush walk, good cuppa, great people

    avatar thumb Emolzmcgee
    March 9, 2019

  • star rating  Awakeri Rail adventure- full of fun & interest - Paul was a friendly and knowledgeable host on the trip. The experience was enhanced by his humour and informative commentary. It makes all the difference to a tour like this... read more

    jocescott18
    November 16, 2025

  • 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  Really nice company and the host got to know everyone personally. He worked hard to make this experience perfect for everyone there. Also had a good sense of humour as... read more

    avatar thumb Demiko Z
    January 4, 2026

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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