Dunedin Shore Excursion: Taieri Gorge Railway & City Sightseeing

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , New Zealand

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Taieri Gorge Railway & City Sightseeing

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About this experience

When your cruise ship docks in Dunedin, take a trip through the spectacular scenery surrounding the Taieri River on board the Taieri Gorge Railway. Travel through tunnels and over viaducts on this train-lover’s shore excursion, and then see Dunedin’s top sights before returning to the Dunedin port. This is one of the most popular shore excursions in New Zealand and has been awarded the TripAdvisors Travellers Choice Award.

Available options

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Taieri Gorge Railway & City Sightseeing

What's included

Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee

Professional guide

Port pick-up and drop-off

Round-trip tour on the Taieri Gorge Railway

Dunedin city sightseeing tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

At 8.45am the coach departs the Dunedin Port and takes you to the Dunedin Railway Station.
Please be there at 8.30am for a 8.45am departure.

Stop 2

At 9.30am, depart Dunedin by train on the Taieri Gorge Railway. You will travel through the spectacular Taieri Gorge to Pukerangi, across wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago. This is one of the great train journeys of a bygone era. Throughout this round trip journey, there will be numerous stops to afford you some magnificent photo opportunities. You will return to Dunedin Railway Station around 2.00 pm

Stop 3 Pass by

2.30 pm Returning from your 4.5 Taieri Gorge Rail experience you will rejoin your coach at Dunedin Railway Station for your 2 hours Dunedin Highlights / Sightseeing Tour departing from the Dunedin Railway Satation.

The sightseeing tour will take in the highlights of central Dunedin City, including the Octagon and several historic sites.

See the St Clair beach and esplanade

Check out New Zealand’s first botanical garden.

Stop 7 Pass by

Take in the ‘dress circle’ of Dunedin’s original homes of the wealthy settlers and travel up the world’s steepest street to a lookout overlooking the city, University campus and out to the Peninsula high road for some spectacular harbour, rural and ocean views.

See some great views of the New Zealand famous and historic Otago University, before returning to Port Chalmers and your cruise ship around 4 / 4.30 pm

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

280 reviews

5★

145

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

23 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Should your cruise ship timetable be indicating that you will be berthing in Dunedin (Port Chalmers) at 9.00am or later, this does not preclude you from booking these tour options., however, the itinerary maybe adjusted to accommodate the later arrival of the cruise ship.

Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark

Meeting point

Meeting instructions are:
The tour will depart from the Visitors' Building on the ship's wharf at 8.45AM.
The Driver / Guide will meet you inside by the Private Tours area.
Look out for our sign "Welcome LEISURE TOURS"
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour departure

Important notes

Please note: The tour departs at 9am, please arrive at 8.45am to check-in for the tour.

Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port

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