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
921 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience - not to be missed if visiting Dunedin
DianeTshh,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely brilliant trip. Had seen it on TV on 'Great Railway Journeys of the World. Lived up to expectations. An absolute must if visiting Dunedin. Starts in Dunedin Railway Station, whose building is a treat in its own right. Excellent on board commentary and fantastic scenery.
A lovely half day trip
Alison M,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We really enjoyed the trip. The scenery was great. And our couple of short stops added to the journey. Unfortunately it was very hard to hear the commentary as we went along but all in all very enjoyable
Great! (but...)
Yves G,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great experience, amazing views, confortable journey. Sitting on the right side of the train is a big plus as the train is going back and forth rather than turning around (only the loco does), and the best views are by far on the right side. Yet, we don't get to choose because the seats are assigned to us at the registration desk. It would be very easy to assign a seat one way (S3A for instance; window seat left side of carriage S), and then the seat on the opposite side on the way back (S3C, window seat, right side of carriage S). This simple difference would have moved my evaluation to a 5-stars rating.
Thank you
Helen C,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Excellent commentary and knowledge sharing. Made the trip far more interesting. Perhaps more GF food.
What a gem!
L0reneO,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I love train travel and this was a real gem of a trip. The commentary for various locations was interesting and quirky. The scenery was just spectacular and the locals-operated 'market stalls' at the end of the line were worthwhile. Altogether a great way to spend a day.
Dramatic Landscape
Lynn L,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Definitely worth taking this trip. Takes you through very dramatic landscapes. Commentary was very informative. Having viewing cars would increase riders appreciation of the gorge
Spoiled by a loud know it all motor mouthed passenger.
Oscardog16,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Tried hard to listen to the interesting commentary. Instead, we got to listen to a man speaking at 2 other tourists he had just met. We heard all about the recent rainfall in the UK, the trout he caught in Queenstown and his opinion on Trump. And it went on and on, until 1 hour before the conclusion of the 5-hour trip (we got a reprieve during the turn around stop). He was sitting diagonally opposite and behind us. We think the other tourists feigned sleep, so he started speaking louder to address a couple sitting opposite him. The tour company needs to place prominent signs on each table with a suggestion that loud conversations be taken to the café cart. Or “please be mindful some people want to listen to the commentary not you”. The commentator could also make frequent announcements reminding people to use their inside voices. Perhaps they could sell tickets for a quiet cabin. Very disappointed to pay NZ $290 for a trip to hear about motor mouth’s experiences. The scenery was nice, but we don’t recommend this tortuous experience.
An excellent experience
CarolHampshire,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spectacular scenery with excellent commentary throughout. Comfortable seating and good catering on board. Staff friendly and helpful.
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.
From NZ$159.00
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