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  Put 2.5 hours aside and hop on a rail cart and drive along a unused railway line. We went on the Bush Walk & Snack Run tour. Very relaxing... read more

    avatar thumb RippeyCambNZ
    February 17, 2019

  • star rating  Knowledgeable and relaxing - This is the most relax railway experience I ever had ! Plus the coffee is nice.

    Paul is our best train leader and our group laugh a lot!... read more

    XIAO X
    January 26, 2023

  • star rating  Great family fun, with something for all ages, young or old. An insightful tour guide made the experience much more enjoyable as he provided a small history of the area,... read more

    avatar thumb Tanyon O
    January 3, 2024

  • star rating  Our group of 8 thoroughly enjoyed our Bush Walk and Snack Run rail adventure. Everyone took the opportunity to drive the carts which added to the fun. Our guide Shane... read more

    avatar thumb Ian M
    March 7, 2019

  • star rating  Great fun (even in the rain) - Went during awful weather and still had the most enjoyable time whilst managing to stay dry. Paul was a great host and we definitely look forward to doing this... read more

    Onourown
    January 11, 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 four types of trip. The first is an “Express Run” where you will drive over 20km of track, with one stop enroute. The Express Run takes approx 2 hours.

The second option is the “Bush Walk / Snack Run” where you will be guided on a bush walk, stop for a relaxing track side snack and other activities and still drive over the 20km of track. This trip will take approx 2.5 hours.

The third option is the “Bush Walk Run” where you travel 12km of track – enjoy a guided bush walk – wraps up in about 1.5 hours.

The fourth option is the Chicken run – travel 8 km of track and help feed the chickens and other birds (this one is ideal for the under fives).

CHICKEN RUN & BUSH WALK RUN ARE BY ARRANGEMENT ONLY.

Conveniently located just down the road from Awakeri Hot Springs

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