Discover Awakeri

Awakeri offers several reasons to stay: self-guided rail rides along a historic railway line, the history of its hot springs, and a nearby forest reserve. There is also a restaurant in Awakeri. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider which of these experiences you want to shape your stay.

Hot springs: history and current access

The hot and cold springs at Awakeri Hot Springs were historically used for bathing and traditional purposes. The facility includes thermal mineral pools at 37 to 39 °C; their use is restricted to guests of Awakeri Holiday Park. The thermal bathing complex is currently closed to the public. So don't plan a public bathing visit at this location as part of your time in Awakeri. The springs are primarily part of the area's history, not a bathing option currently open to the public.

Self-guided rides on the Tāneatua Branch Line

Awakeri Rail Adventures offers self-guided rides on rail vehicles along the historic Tāneatua Branch Line. You operate the rail vehicle yourself; the ride follows a railway line with a history. Another option is the 2.5-hour Bush Walk Run, which includes a guided bush walk. If you want to include this tour in your plans, check its current availability in advance. This lets you set aside a separate time slot for the ride and guided walk, without confusing it with the shorter walking options in the nearby forest reserve.

Forest and trails in White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve

White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve is in the vicinity of Awakeri, on State Highway 2 between Awakeri and Tāneatua. The 4.5-hectare reserve includes a remnant of Kahikatea forest. A 250-metre-long trail is wheelchair accessible. The White Pine Bush Road Loop is a different trail: it passes through native trees, is flat, and is family-friendly. The reserve also has a nature trail for school groups. These different descriptions help you distinguish the trails by their specific features rather than treating them as interchangeable routes.

The creek and waterfall can also be associated with a particular trail: a scenic creek and a small waterfall are visible from the White Pine Bush Track. The reserve provides habitat for native birds, including Tui, Kereru, fantails, bellbirds, New Zealand fantails, Grey Warblers, and Ruru. The range of species adds another nature-focused aspect to the forest; it offers a different way to plan your visit from focusing on trail length or surface. Families will find an option explicitly described as family-friendly in the flat loop. The wheelchair-accessible trail is characterised by its length of 250 metres and its accessibility.

Dining and choosing the right location for your stay

The Smokin' Goose is an American barbecue restaurant and beer garden in Awakeri, serving American barbecue dishes. This means rail rides, dining, and the nearby forest reserve offer different possible focuses for your stay. When choosing a holiday rental, it may help to weigh these priorities: would you prefer to focus on the attractions in Awakeri, or set aside time for the forest and trails in the nearby reserve? Guide your search by deciding which day's activities matter most to you, rather than assuming one location suits everyone's interests.

Explore more destinations: Ohope, Minginui, Whakatane, Murupara, Taneatua, Matata, Edgecumbe, Nukuhou

For the broader travel overview: Whakatane District.