Taieri Gorge Scenic Excursion & Dunedin Railways
Experience an iconic train journey through Otago’s sweeping
countryside and through the stunning Taieri Gorge.
The Taieri Gorge train is the scenic excursion train that runs from Dunedin inland to the small settlement of Pukerangi (near Middlemarch) and return. It runs through the rugged Taieri Gorge with some of New Zealand’s most unique scenery.
FEATURES
Your clients start their excursion at the historic Dunedin Railway Station, an architecturally award-winning heritage landmark building.
Sit back, relax and take in the breathtaking scenery, spectacular views of rural New Zealand and the Taieri Gorge (most of which are viewable only by train).
Dive into the fascinating heritage of the train and the region with live, engaging, informative commentary from friendly on-board hosts.
Your clients will be amazed at the engineering marvels of a bygone era as they journey through 10 hand-carved tunnels and over 12 striking viaducts, including the Wingatui Viaduct. The Wingatui Viaduct, at 197 metres long and 47 metres high is an engineering masterpiece -it is the largest wrought iron structure in the Southern Hemisphere!
The total excursion time is 5 ½ hours round trip; from Dunedin to Pukerangi and return to Dunedin.
Departure Location: Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin.
Departure Time: 9.30am. Check-in opens 8.30am, CHECK-IN CLOSES 9.00 am
Arrival Time Pukerangi: 11.35am
Return Time Dunedin: 2.15pm
One Way Travel:
Dunedin to Pukerangi
Arrive Pukerangi 11.35am. No facilities at Pukerangi but coaches can pick up.
Pukerangi to Dunedin:
Be at Pukerangi no later than 11.40am for the trip to Dunedin. (note there are no facilities at Pukerangi). Arrive Dunedin 2.15pm.
Schedule
As we evolve from a period of hibernation, we are striving to offer regular services for our trade partners and passengers.
Effective from 1 July 2025 we will run the Taieri Gorge Train as follows:
· Winter Schedule:
o 1 May – 31 August
o Friday to Sunday inclusive (3 days per week)
· Summer Schedule
o 1 September – 30 April
o Thursday to Monday inclusive (5 days per week)
Tour Groups:
One-off tour groups or series groups are welcome, even if their dates fall on days outside of the above schedule. In this instance we could run a service for your tour group(s). Please note we would open the train for other bookings.
About Dunedin Railways: The Taieri Gorge train is part of Dunedin Railways, which also operates:
· The Seasider – to Merton (north)
· The Victorian – to Oamaru (north)
· The Coast Express – To Waitati (north)
Dunedin Railways is a commercial business owned by Dunedin City Holdings, the commercial entity of Dunedin City Council. The General Manager, Rebekah Jenkins is based at the Dunedin Railway Station and manages all aspects of the business.
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