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  Absolutely must do in Awakeri  - What an amazing hidden gem in Awakeri!!! I couldn't recommend this journey enough to everyone. We had the absolute pleasure of joining Paul, our guide for an awesome 3hr trip,... read more

    Paula T
    October 4, 2023

  • star rating  It was great ,grandchildren 4 and 7 enjoyed the ride and the bush walk and feeding the birds Paul the owner was funny and very good at explaining things

    avatar thumb Go28737352281
    January 8, 2025

  • star rating  An absolute MUST DO Kiwi tour - This is a MUST DO!
    Paul is passionate about what he does and this tour allows you to slow down and enjoy the beautiful countryside of New Zealand.funny commentary, stunning... read more

    121nancyl
    November 22, 2023

  • star rating  Fantastic Experience and fun  - What a fun time. Went with two older kids and what a laugh. Great way to spend time together. Paul was full of fun, full of know and made the... read more

    Margi C
    January 2, 2024

  • star rating  This was a very amazing and fantastic experience. We brought the grandparents with us and they loved driving the carts. Milo was good. Paul is such a funny and cool... read more

    avatar thumb Maps62331887211
    November 9, 2024

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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