Awakeri Rail Adventures
Awakeri Rail Adventures
Awakeri Rail Adventures
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
WE ARE OPEN 8 AM - 5.30 PM SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK Welcome to Awakeri Rail Adventures in sunny Whakatane. Travel along a piece of New Zealand's rich rail history and experience the natural beauty of New Zealand from the comfort of your own self driven rail cart cleverly adapted to be driven along the rail tracks.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Paula T10 contributionsAbsolutely must do in AwakeriWhat 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, ride/bush walk /snack. I can't wait to do it again. Had the best time and Paul's talks and sense of humour were the icing on the cake. He was informative, and safety briefing and driving lesson were fantastic, as we set off to enjoy awesome scenery. If you haven't booked in,then I highly suggest this as an absolute MUST DO .. suitable for all ages to enjoy . Thanks for a fab morning...see y'all soon 🚉🚂Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 4, 2023
- Neil17 contributionsFun trip on the railsGood value fun! A bush walk, feed some chickens, a cup of tea and a biscuit plus 2 hours on the rails, what is not to love. A must do if in the area and the price when compared to similar trips is excellent.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 16, 2023
- Cathy M2 contributionsGreat fun!A great fun activity for a couple of hours a stones throw from Whakatane! There were just the two of us (being a midweek slot), but that did not matter. Paul is the ideal host - knowledgeable, caring and has a great sense of humour! Suitable and caters for all ages, give it a try…you won’t be disappointed.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 18, 2023
- Nancy LMission Beach, Australia40 contributionsAn absolute MUST DO Kiwi tourThis 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 views, beautiful native bush, CHICKENS! And much much more. Very mindful of safety also. If you are in the area please jump onboard toot toot!!Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 22, 2023
- Peter BSummer Hill, Australia649 contributionsAll aboardThis was an enjoyable tour left by Paul. You travel in a golf cart on a railway line through rural and bush settings. The first stop is a bush walk and a well told, funny story from Paul. Next stop was to feed the birds and then the third stop was tea/coffee/Milo and biscuits and more stories from Paul. The final stop was to turn the train around and head back to starting point. The trip was educational and enjoyed by all ages on our trip.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 25, 2023
- taits1261Nelson, New Zealand5 contributionsSuch fun!Great trip for my sister's 61st birthday! Thanks Paul for being our tour guide and that very dry sense of humour! We really enjoyed our trip, beaut scenery, lots of laughs, blew the cobwebs out too! I'll bring more whanau next time.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 25, 2023
- Kath M5 contributionsWhat a fantastic way to spend a dayStarted off getting tickets for Husband's 75th Birthday. Just loved the whole experience. Paul is an excellent host, and his commentary was clear and informative. Second trip, with overseas guests, confirmed our original conclusions. Carl was a great host. Now purchasing more tickets, for Christmas gifts.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 13, 2023
- Debbie N1 contributionFlipping awesome!Absolutely brilliant, thoroughly recommend it.. Loved the bush walk, just stunning. The whole family had a great time. Paul is very entertaining, and friendly and made the trip easy and relaxing.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 16, 2023
- Go286216424062 contributionsA must do!Bought these tickets as a Christmas prezzie for just the two of us. Was the best idea I had, other than marrying hubby, in a very long time! The lill train/cart was easy to drive. The views were amazing. The entertainment was hilarious. A cuppa in the bush hut was awesome. Highly rated! And all that wildlife….chickens galore!Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 18, 2023
- Linton HTauranga, New Zealand1 contributionAs Good As It GetsDecember 2023 & a second visit to Awakeri Rail - The Awakeri Rail Adventure is about as good as it gets for authenticity – not simply ‘just‘a tourist mainstream visitor attraction. Awakeri Rail owner & operator Paul – his product & the adventure for all – oldies, parents, & children is worth every dollar for the wonderful novelty of a close rail adventure into the open countryside. Thanks.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 27, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
691 reviews
Excellent
635
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Rachochet
10 contributions
Jul 2021
Awakeri Rail Cruisjng is the best rail cruising trip I've been on. Not only was it value for money, our host Paul was larger than life and really made the trip fun/interactive. It's not a typical rail cruise, as we loved feeding the chickens and taking a bush walk as part of the trip. I won't spoil the hidden twists but I will say - definitely not one to miss!
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debra J
Feilding, New Zealand4 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Today we road the rails with Paul on the Awakeri Rail
Adventures. Paul was great entertainment and had no end of knowledge about the area and history of the trains. Obviously passionate about his business. I am always impressed with the standard of our “kiwi” tourist attractions and would recommend this trip to any overseas visitor or local, with confidence. Thanks Paul
Adventures. Paul was great entertainment and had no end of knowledge about the area and history of the trains. Obviously passionate about his business. I am always impressed with the standard of our “kiwi” tourist attractions and would recommend this trip to any overseas visitor or local, with confidence. Thanks Paul
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethan H
New Zealand2 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
Although my photography skills are in question the actual trip was fantastic. Paul was a great laugh, his wacky sense of humour was enjoyable for most. We did the full trip on the evening of the 15th of January. He even brought out his 1960s jigger because we had some train fanatics on board.
We drove in for the occasion from Taupo so it was a long and exciting day for the 25 of us. I am very surprised this isn't a more popular as it is good old simple fun.
We drove in for the occasion from Taupo so it was a long and exciting day for the 25 of us. I am very surprised this isn't a more popular as it is good old simple fun.
Written January 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fluteytootie
Tauranga, New Zealand6 contributions
Jan 2020
My husband and I absolutely loved this rail experience. Paul was an awesome guide who was very knowledgeable on the Awakeri area, bush and pest trapping and his sense of humour made the trip that wee bit more Kiwi. We enjoyed the stops on the bushwalk and snack run and will happily recommend it to our friends and family. Cheers for a memorable birthday experience for my husband
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg S
Tauranga, New Zealand1 contribution
Jan 2021
Paul was fantastic, the type of legends that are unique to the NZ tourist industry.
He is a fabulous one man band. From a friendly welcome when we arrive, collecting the tickets, shunting the train carts, giving the safety briefing, and demonstrating how to drive our carts. Paul lives and breathes the rail adventure and loves to share his passion of railways.
And then we’re off. The carts are easy to drive, we travel over bridges and through tunnels and then our first stop. Hundreds of ducks and chooks appear and Paul gives out food to everyone to feed them. We’re off again and travel at a leisurely 20km/hr and and we enjoy the stunning Eastern BOP scenery. And a few km up the track is another stop. Here Paul leads us through a small beautiful NZ native forest. We get to enjoy magnificent Kahikatea trees, the tallest native trees in our forests. Paul now shows his culinary skills off with the best billy cuppa.
We’re off on our third leg of the trip and where we reach the end of the line. Question? How are we going to head back? Do we drive backwards? Paul is now all strength and with amazing skill and sheer muscle, using a turntable he is able to turn the carts around. And now we race off mainly downhill to finish our amazing rail adventure.
It’s a great trip for young and old, the grandkids loved it, and it is a wonderful family outing. But what really made the trip was Paul, an incredible host and passionate guide.
He is a fabulous one man band. From a friendly welcome when we arrive, collecting the tickets, shunting the train carts, giving the safety briefing, and demonstrating how to drive our carts. Paul lives and breathes the rail adventure and loves to share his passion of railways.
And then we’re off. The carts are easy to drive, we travel over bridges and through tunnels and then our first stop. Hundreds of ducks and chooks appear and Paul gives out food to everyone to feed them. We’re off again and travel at a leisurely 20km/hr and and we enjoy the stunning Eastern BOP scenery. And a few km up the track is another stop. Here Paul leads us through a small beautiful NZ native forest. We get to enjoy magnificent Kahikatea trees, the tallest native trees in our forests. Paul now shows his culinary skills off with the best billy cuppa.
We’re off on our third leg of the trip and where we reach the end of the line. Question? How are we going to head back? Do we drive backwards? Paul is now all strength and with amazing skill and sheer muscle, using a turntable he is able to turn the carts around. And now we race off mainly downhill to finish our amazing rail adventure.
It’s a great trip for young and old, the grandkids loved it, and it is a wonderful family outing. But what really made the trip was Paul, an incredible host and passionate guide.
Written January 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ooNaomioo
Tauranga, New Zealand41 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
I didn’t know what I was expecting but this experience exceeded my expectations. They have just started doing twilight tours during the summer and I cannot recommend this enough! Starts at 6pm so is much cooler and we got some pretty sunset colours on the way back. The tour itself was great. Informative and humorous and a great experience driving the carts. We brought some drinks and snacks to have at the hut and the tour also provided hot drinks and snacks. At the time of writing this review the twilight tours are not yet up on the website so give them a call to book in.
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edgewood48
Llangollen, UK338 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
On arrival paid $70 each having a discount of $20 each. Were met by a man who attempted to be humorous, but was not. Has a hopeless Health and Safety talk and then set off in our golf buggies. After about ten seconds, boredom set in until we all stopped to see a woman try and feed her chickens. Absolutely pathetic.
Then finally on to the end of the track where we helped turn around the buggies for the return trip. Oh! Forgot about the trip to the woods which was so interesting I forgot about it.
Stopped for our food. A BBQ of a sausage on a piece of sliced bread. Two packets of crisps and some biscuits. Oh! and some onions. Not many! I did have four sausages as zi was trying to get value for money but I think that was impossible.
The consensus of our party was that this trip was totally underwhelming and grossly overpriced.
Then finally on to the end of the track where we helped turn around the buggies for the return trip. Oh! Forgot about the trip to the woods which was so interesting I forgot about it.
Stopped for our food. A BBQ of a sausage on a piece of sliced bread. Two packets of crisps and some biscuits. Oh! and some onions. Not many! I did have four sausages as zi was trying to get value for money but I think that was impossible.
The consensus of our party was that this trip was totally underwhelming and grossly overpriced.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Funwithkids
2 contributions
Oct 2022
My husband purchased our family a pass for the bush walk and snack run and to be honest I was a little dubious about how the kids would manage the 2+ hours adventure. I shouldn't have worried it was fantastic! Paul is a fabulous host and has a great sense of humour. We were really well taken care of and the trip allowed lots of opportunities to hop off and stretch your legs. We enjoyed the ride, loved feeding the chooks, got to pet a duckling and wander through the bush on an easy trail. I would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone, especially parents wanting to get the kids off their devices and into nature. Just make sure you take a warm jumper as it can get breezy as you ride the rails!
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taurus47
Camberley, UK2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This trip from Awakeri along an old railway track was such fun. Paul gave us our safety briefing and away we went in our converted golf buggy with everyone in walkie talkie contact. The views of the countryside were stunning and our walk through the beautiful native bush amazing with much being done to preserve it and keep it in pristine condition. Our tea/coffee stop was well organised, Paul had great knowledge of the forest and kept us amused with anecdotes along the way. Watching the carts being turned around for the return journey was fascinating and the 2 1/2 hours went by too quickly. This is something we will do again and will recommend to anyone visiting the area. Paul’s dedication is clear to see and he is to be congratulated. We highly recommend the journey,
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John W
London, UK5 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We appreciated that Paul was happy to take just the two of us on the morning tour which we had booked. He has developed an excellent railcart adventure full of really enjoyable experiences. He made the tour friendly and personal, was informative and used his sense of humour to good effect. His safety briefing and driver instruction were first rate.
With quirky birdlife, a lovely bush walk, varied rural landscape and a relaxing morning tea, we loved every minute of it, and it was fun having turns at driving. We were very impressed with Awakeri Rail Adventures and have purchased a gift voucher for our grandchildren, who we know will love the experience.
With quirky birdlife, a lovely bush walk, varied rural landscape and a relaxing morning tea, we loved every minute of it, and it was fun having turns at driving. We were very impressed with Awakeri Rail Adventures and have purchased a gift voucher for our grandchildren, who we know will love the experience.
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Michelle.
There are several rides and prices for each vary .. please visit our web site or call us on 0800 53747245 for details..Thanks!
Written April 2, 2017
Hi we have 3 , 4 and 2 seat carts.
Written December 20, 2016
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