Taieri Gorge Scenic Railway Journey from Dunedin
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Journey deep into the Taieri Gorge on a 5-hour heritage rail experience from Dunedin. Cross spectacular viaducts, hand-carved tunnels, and step onto the Deep Stream Bridge Walk. A rare moment high above the Gorge.
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!
A highlight of the journey is the Deep Stream Bridge Walk, turning a scenic rail journey into something beyond the view from your seat. One-way and return options available.
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
947 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good day
Ian G,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A pleasant 5 hour trip with good commentary. Views of the gorge were good. Food on the train but no food at the destination.
Looked forward to it, then ....
valneil55,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00My friend and I would definitely ask for a child free seating arrangement if we did this trip again. Being stuck for 5 hours in an unexpected seating arrangement with a family of 6 was not our idea of fun Especially as toddlers became tired and fractious before we even got to the turnaround. Crying toddlers take the gloss off any pleasure for others. Val
A relaxing way to see...
Blair P,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A relaxing way to see outstanding examples of rock formations, rivers and isolated scenery. A great day out
Sit back and relax Taieri Gorge train trip
688kerriet,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Relaxing train journey through Taieri Gorge. Great commentary and comfortable seating. We purchased lunch from local cafe before boarding, however they do have an onboard cafe.
Scenic
I2093YCannj,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Was great scenery. The cafe had nice food but the chocolate caramel slice was divine
A simply wonderful trip
bcripps1,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Taieri Gorge is unique with wonderful scenery and the only way to experience it is by taking this trip, which was recently filmed by the BBC for their 'World's Great Train Journeys' series. The train crosses bridges and viaducts and offers an amazing variety of views as it climbs up through the gorge. A special moment is when the train stops just over half way up the gorge, offering passengers the opportunity to walk across one of the long viaducts via a specially constructed footpath and providing some stunning views. The train them crosses the viaduct giving passengers a unique opportunity for photographs before getting back on. There is the opportunity to purchase items from a range of stalls set up by locals at the top end of the gorge while the locomitive changes ends. The seats are very comfortable, restrooms clean and there is an excellent cafeteria serving a range of food and drinks at attractive prices. An excellent commentary full of stories and history of the gorge is provided. Highly recommend this trip. Great value, great experience. Don't miss it.
the comentry was informative
S792HWmikek,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00the country side was beautiful
Perfect day in Otago!
Julie V,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect way to see the Taireri Canyon and hear all about the history of Otago. Great food on board and excellent description of the history of this area. Beautiful views from both sides of the train.
Stunning scenery beautiful train. Great guide who was very knowledgeable about the area and funny. Plenty of stops to..
KATHY W,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Stunning scenery. Great guide who was very knowledgeable about the area and very funny. Worth it....
Fantastic trip, don't miss it.
Escape61510782334,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous trip so enjoyable, excellent service, commentary and stunning scenery.
From NZ$159.00
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