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  We booked this for a family of 5 adults and made the booking on the day we wanted to go. They gave us a discount for paying cash and booking... read more

    reneesC637FH
    January 11, 2020

  • star rating  Awakeri rail adventures ✨️ - The rual views were amazing, Paul our guide, was very knowledgeable and made it fun. Bush walk was awesome and very informative, visiting the Kahikatea tree/... read more

    Tourist07158653058
    January 11, 2025

  • star rating  👍🏻Something different. - Great experience. Very unique- something different to do for the whole family from young to old. Bush walk is short and easy going.

    Sherpa38513746229
    March 15, 2025

  • star rating  We had a wonderful family experience here! Paul, the owner, is incredibly friendly and has a great sense of humor — the kids absolutely loved him. It was fun feeding... read more

    avatar thumb shaun H
    May 31, 2025

  • star rating  We went on this trip with family and what a great day this was! Ben is so knowledgeable and so personable! This is a must do. 3 hours wasn’t enough!

    avatar thumb Departure15695224990
    December 14, 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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