Price:

• NZ$245 Per Person

Tour Includes:

• Port Transfers (by coach) and Guided City Tour.
• Return train trip along the Taieri Gorge from;
• Dunedin Railway Station - Pukerangi - Dunedin Railway Station;
• Approximately 4 - 4.5 hours in duration (for return trip) from Dunedin Railway Station (plus Port Transfer and Guided City Tour)

Enhance your stay in Dunedin with a truly unforgettable rail experience through the stunning and secluded rugged landscapes of the Taieri Gorge.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the 1860's Central Otago gold rush, which served as the inspiration for the Otago Central railway line connecting Cromwell with Dunedin, the largest and richest city in New Zealand, at the time.

Your Taieri Gorge Train Tour starts at the iconic Dunedin Railway Station — one of New Zealand’s most prominent architectural landmarks.

Pulled by powerful 1960s DJ diesel electric locomotives, our train will steadily carry you towards Pukerangi as you enjoy the comfort of contemporary carriages originally built in the 1940’s. These fully enclosed carriages feature table seating where you can sit back, relax and relish the picturesque views. 

Traverse over hand-made stone bridges that span the river rapids below and through historic tunnels, skilfully cut into the mountain rock including the Caversham Tunnel, the third longest tunnel in the South Island. 

You will also see the historic Wingatui Viaduct, a wonder of 1880s engineering, and the largest wrought iron structure in New Zealand. Standing 47m high, this outstanding structure shows the creativity and skill of New Zealand’s pioneers. 

Towards our destination of Pukerangi witness the steep drop which is the Taieri Gorge. Featuring the amazing Flat Stream station and the incredible Notch’s, which is 4 bridges spanning 200m, clinging to the side of the gorge with stunning views of the river below.

Absorb the history, stories, and culture of the region with our onboard commentary and indulge in an experience that will create memories of a lifetime.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Taieri Gorge Railway

• Journey through the rugged and spectacular Taieri River Gorge
• Viaducts and Tunnels
• Full commentary on the construction and history of the Railway

Enjoy a introductory city tour of Dunedin

• A lookout over Dunedin harbour and city
• New Zealand’s first botanical garden
• New Zealand’s oldest University
• Dunedin’s classic old railway station and courthouse precinct
• Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street
• Olveston House
• The Robbie Burns statue: Scottish poet & unofficial patron to the arts of Dunedin
• Otago Boys High School

Mobility:

• Passengers are required to board the Train, unaided.
• Carriages are 1940’s vintage and not the same height as ground level, therefore for safety reasons, passengers must be able to climb 3 vertical steps, unaided.
• Lightweight foldable walking aides can be transported in the luggage hold of the van during the service.

How Do Cruise Passengers Transfer From Port To Dunedin Railway Station:

The following shuttle/transfer information relates to passengers who have purchased their shore excursion direct from Pounamu Tourism Group.

At 8.45am (depending on the cruise ship’s arrival/departure times), our coach departs the Dunedin Port and takes you to the Dunedin Railway Station.

At 9.30am, depart Dunedin by train on the Taieri Gorge Railway

At 2.30pm, following the Taieri Gorge Rail Journey, you will rejoin the coach and set off on a full-commentary coach tour of Dunedin City. Take in the ‘dress circle’ of Dunedin’s original homes of the wealthy settlers, travel up the world’s steepest street to a lookout overlooking the city, University campus and out to the Peninsula high road for some spectacular harbour, rural and ocean views. Lastly, see the St Clair beach esplanade before returning back to your ship between 4:00 pm-4:30 pm.

Special Notes:

• Closed toe shoes are recommended on board the train, kindly avoid sandals/thongs as these are a trip hazard.
• Bathroom facilities are available on board.
• Children under 14 must supervised at all times and be accompanied by an Adult.
• An outdoor, covered viewing platform is included as one of the carriages.
• Warm clothing is recommended as Taieri Gorge can get very cold, even in summer.