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  Part comedy, with some spooky elements and history thrown in for balance. Paul is quite a character, it’s a very unique experience. I find the whole back story and thought... read more

    avatar thumb Connector09634221944
    January 16, 2025

  • star rating  Fantastic morning on the rail - We had a fantastic time as Paul was a very good host. Paul also interacted with our grandchildren so they always had some surprises which kept them entertained. Lots of... read more

    Colleen V
    April 16, 2025

  • star rating  We had a wonderful experience with Paul on the Railway ride. He is very personable and made the experience fun. We loved seeing the countryside as well as the... read more

    avatar thumb Steve P
    December 9, 2025

  • star rating  A well worthwhile, enjoyable trip.
    Paul is a great host, entertaining, funny but always focused on safety.
    The bush walk, and break for coffee, snacks completed a great adventure, highly... read more

    avatar thumb Keith H
    March 4, 2025

  • star rating  Fabulous day out - Fabulous trip today. Well worth it, kids loved it as did we. Paul is a fabulous guide, very informative and also great sense of humour. Highly recommend.

    Familyfun1012
    February 6, 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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