Taieri Gorge Scenic Railway Journey from Dunedin

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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

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.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Taieri Gorge 9.30am

Reviews

4.51

877 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

565

224

The commentating seemed...
Kylie F,
Sep 27, 2025
- Viator
4.00
The commentating seemed to take ages to say the info because of all the fumbling and pausing but did have a nice voice to listen too, and some of the info was interesting. The bugging out by a train man about people climbing down instead of the ramp at Hinton was weird it should be a choice, yet it was fine to climb down once back at the station? It was great to be able to go outside on the platform for fresh air, better views and to get away from the crowd was a small hike to get there, 4 carriages to go through. Ticket man was super and one lot of neighbours were friendly saw some pigs with lots of piglets and saw about 7 goats
Very enjoyable experience.
Tony W,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Very scenic and informative experience. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable. Enjoyed the entire day.
Historic railway excels
Jim B,
Mar 4, 2020
- Viator
5.00
Amazing geology and scenery. Gives a great insight into the early settlers lives. The old coaches were comfortable and beautifully kept.
Big hills and deep gorges.
Sue D,
Jan 21, 2020
- Viator
5.00
A very comfortable train journey. The staff were very good. The commentary was helpful. Booking was easy and the staff in the station were pleasant and professional. The scenery is wonderful and as you cannot get there by road it was nice to see a bit of wilderness before it is all gone. A nice rest from driving. The buffet car has a good selection of snacks and drinks.
Train times
Geoffrey T,
Jan 16, 2020
- Viator
5.00
The trip itself is wonderful but we had to rebook via our cruise ship because there was not enough time to get to Dunedin railway station for the train. Booking via the cruise line the train leave from the cruise terminal? This is not entirely clear when you book.