Taieri Gorge Scenic Railway Journey from Dunedin

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , New Zealand

Taieri Gorge Scenic Railway Journey from Dunedin

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About this experience

Experience a stunning journey through the Taieri Gorge, crossing historic viaducts and riding through tunnels while discovering Otago’s history. This scenic train ride from Dunedin to Pukerangi offers unforgettable one-way or return adventures.

Trip Highlights

Sit back, relax and experience breathtaking scenery of rural New Zealand and the Taieri Gorge (most of which is only accessible by train!).
Dive into the fascinating heritage of the Taieri Gorge track and hear stories about the Gorge from the onboard commentator.
Be amazed at the engineering marvels of a bygone era as you journey through 10 hand-carved tunnels and over 12 striking viaducts, including the Wingatui Viaduct - the largest wrought iron structure in the Southern Hemisphere!

Available options

Taieri Gorge 9.30am

What's included

Scenic rail tour (round-trip from Dunedin)

Live onboard commentary

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start your journey at Dunedin's iconic and award winning Dunedin Railway Station - the second most photographed building in the Southern Hemisphere. Travel tip: head into the station and walk upstairs to look down at the hall's mesmerizing mosaic floor.

Stop 2 Pass by

This 5-hour round-trip train starts at the award winning Dunedin Railway Station and travels through some of New Zealand's most beautiful scenery. Includes live commentary, an onboard café/bar and a scenic stop at Pukerangi.

Be amazed at the engineering marvels of a bygone era as you journey through 10 hand-carved tunnels and over 12 striking viaducts, including the Wingatui Viaduct - the largest wrought iron structure in the Southern Hemisphere!

This scenic, all-weather train ride from Dunedin to Pukerangi offers unforgettable one-way or return adventures.

What's not included

Food & drinks (available for purchase)

Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)

Parking fees

Souvenirs/DVDs

Hotel pickup/drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

84 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.5

806 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

Wheelchair access is limited. Please contact Dunedin Railways at least 72 hours in advance to check availability.

Seating is allocated at the time of purchase. Check your ticket for details.

Meeting point

Departure Point: Dunedin Railway Station - Downtown Dunedin, Anzac Avenue, Dunedin
7 minutes walk from the Octagon
Please note - the standard trip to Pukerangi is four hours return and the Middlemarch trip is six hours return. All tours depart from and return to Dunedin Railway station.

Important notes

• Please check in at the Dunedin Railway Station 30 minutes before departure.

About Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin and The Otago Peninsula offer a unique blend of Scottish heritage, stunning coastal landscapes, and abundant wildlife. This region is known for its dramatic cliffs, wildlife encounters, and historic architecture, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Top Attractions

Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle is a historic castle and garden that offers a glimpse into Dunedin's past. The castle is known for its Victorian architecture and beautiful gardens.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours Moderate

Royal Albatross Centre

The Royal Albatross Centre is the only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross in the world. Visitors can observe these magnificent birds up close.

Nature/Wildlife 1-2 hours Moderate

Dunedin Botanic Gardens

Dunedin Botanic Gardens is one of the world's best botanical gardens, featuring a diverse collection of plants, a winter garden, and a Japanese garden.

Nature/Gardens 1-2 hours Free

Dunedin Chinese Garden

The Dunedin Chinese Garden is a beautiful and serene garden that celebrates the city's Chinese heritage. It features traditional Chinese architecture, plants, and water features.

Cultural/Historical 1 hour Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Dinner Not vegetarian or vegan, contains meat and offal.

Whitebait Fritters

A New Zealand delicacy made from tiny whitebait fish mixed with egg and fried into a fritter.

Lunch Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Venison

New Zealand is famous for its game meats, and venison is a popular choice, often served with seasonal vegetables and sauces.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking Surfing Kayaking Wildlife tours Spa treatments Picnicking Beachcombing Wine tasting

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is the best time for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

15-22°C 59-72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Māori
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Dunedin is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Dunedin International Airport • 25 km from city center

By train

Dunedin Railway Station

By bus

Dunedin Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus service is affordable and convenient, with frequent departures and easy-to-use routes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Octagon St. Kilda North East Valley

Day trips

Moeraki Boulders

100 km from Dunedin • Full day

The Moeraki Boulders are large, spherical boulders scattered along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. These unique geological formations are a must-see for nature lovers.

Catlins Coast

150 km from Dunedin • Full day or overnight

The Catlins Coast is a remote and rugged coastline known for its stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife, including seals, penguins, and dolphins.

Central Otago Wine Region

200 km from Dunedin • Full day or overnight

The Central Otago Wine Region is known for its award-winning Pinot Noir and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and scenic drives.

Festivals

Dunedin Arts Festival • May Dunedin Fringe Festival • March Dunedin Winter Arts Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit the Royal Albatross Centre early in the morning for the best chance of seeing the albatross up close
Book a guided tour of Larnach Castle to learn about its fascinating history and architecture
Explore the Otago Peninsula by car or bike for a more immersive experience
Visit the Dunedin Botanic Gardens in spring or summer for the best blooming flowers and scenic views
Try local specialties like haggis, whitebait fritters, and venison for an authentic taste of Dunedin's cuisine