Taieri Gorge Scenic Railway Journey from Dunedin
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
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!
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Dunedin Railways
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.
Taieri Gorge Railway
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 Included
Scenic rail tour (round-trip from Dunedin)
Live onboard commentary
Food & drinks (available for purchase)
Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
Parking fees
Souvenirs/DVDs
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Options
Taieri Gorge 9.30am
Reviews
912 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best way to see this part of Otago.
DavidinDunedin,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Well organised trip, well worth doing. The scenery is special and the engineering something to behold. The carriages were comfortable and refreshments available from the buffet car. The train stops at strategic points to get a good view of points of interest. All staff were friendly and helpful. Sadly, the train no longer goes through to Middlemarch, this would be a great extension that ought to be reinstated. On the down side, it is expensive. Locals can get a discount but this isn't well publicised. Also.there is no wi-fi and, on our trip, the Eftpos wasn't working; so make sure you have some cash handy. They did run a tab scheme to get around this problem.
Enjoyable 😉
W9135IBcolinw,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A really good day out. Very interesting. Lots of information about the history of the region and a lovely clean train and snack bar.
Very scenic!
225jacquelinem,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the 4 hour tour. We began our journey from the cruise port. Easy to get to the station from the ship. The train ride was comfortable, informative, and full of beautiful sights. Lots of great pictures!
Fun day out
Susan H,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Fun day out, great scenery and informative commentary. Weather wasn’t great but it didn’t matter. Well worth doing.
Enjoyable way to spend a few hours
571angelamariaf,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very pleasant experience. Wonderful landscape and vistas. Staff on board were very friendly and accommodating. The train itself was very comfortable and the snacks available for purchase were very filling and delicious.
Worth the trip
bellsearch2025,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If they put on their site where parking is available as couldn’t get anyone at hotel to tell us. Amazing inhospitable scenery, amazing how they built the bridge over the gorges. Knowlegible commentary very informative
Not worth it
P3202EIreneem,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Overpriced! All you are paying for is a seat on a train. They no longer use the old original train. Yes the view is decent but definitely not worth the price. They had food to purchase on the train but $12 for a pie is ridiculous!
Great journey through...
Dianne T,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great journey through amazing countryside. Take snacks and a camera and enjoy the ride. All ages catered for with 2 chances to hop off. Cinnamon scolls at the market at the top delicious 😋.
A memorable trip into the treasured past of an Iconic Landmark.
mollya51,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely stunning scenery! The history, background stories and commentary provided during the trip enhanced and made the experience even richer. The food offerings were fantastic and the ones we selected were delicious. Being able to walk across the Gorge and see the construction up close gave an even greater appreciation of what it took to build.
A must -do travel experience
Julie H,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a wonderful trip through gold fields history and comes with a wonderful live commentator, great photo opportunities and helpful staff and a nice little train cafe (but only filtered coffee, no lattes!). A terrific experience
From NZ$159.00
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