The Taieri Gorge
A scenic train journey from Dunedin to Pukerangi
The Taieri Gorge is a scenic return train journey from Dunedin Railway Station to Pukerangi, travelling through the remote landscapes of the Taieri Gorge.
Departing from central Dunedin, the railway follows the Taieri River through a landscape of deep ravines, historic tunnels and towering viaducts. Much of this section of the gorge is inaccessible by road, making rail the way to experience it.
The complete return journey takes approximately five hours.
- Departs: Dunedin Railway Station, Dunedin
- Check-in opens: 8:30am
- Check-in closes: 9:15am
- Train departs: 9:30am
- Destination: Pukerangi, Otago
- Return arrival in Dunedin: Approximately 2:15pm
- Journey: Return scenic train journey
One-way travel option available
One-way journeys are also available between Dunedin and Pukerangi. Onward connections from Pukerangi to other experiences such as cycle hire on the Otago Central Rail Trail or tour links to Queenstown allow you to continue your journey beyond the train.
What makes The Taieri Gorge different?
The railway takes you into parts of the Taieri Gorge that cannot be reached by road. Along the journey, the railway crosses historic viaducts, passes through tunnels and follows the Taieri River through remote landscapes outside Dunedin.
It brings together several parts of the region's story: landscape, railway engineering, history and the people and communities connected by the railway.
What you'll experience
The landscape
Watch Dunedin's urban landscape give way to open countryside before the train enters the Taieri Gorge and follows the river inland towards Pukerangi.
Stops in the Taieri Gorge
Depending on the day's schedule, operating conditions and weather, the train may stop at Hindon and/or Deep Stream during the journey. These stops provide an opportunity to step off the train, take in the surrounding landscape and experience another part of the Taieri Gorge before continuing the journey.
Railway history and engineering
The route passes through tunnels and across historic viaducts built as the railway made its way through the difficult terrain of the gorge.
Viewing platforms
Viewing platforms provide opportunities to step out from your carriage and experience the landscape from a different perspective during the journey.
Classic railway carriages
Travel aboard classic carriages as you make the return journey between Dunedin and Pukerangi.
Stories along the way
Onboard live storytelling shares the history and stories of the railway, landscape and places you pass during the journey.
Your Taieri Gorge journey
The experience begins at Dunedin Railway Station in central Dunedin. From here, the train travels inland towards the Taieri Gorge, passing Hindon and Deep Stream along the route before continuing to Pukerangi. Depending on the day's schedule, operating conditions and weather, the train may stop at Hindon and/or Deep Stream. After reaching Pukerangi, the train begins its return journey to Dunedin.
Plan your Taieri Gorge trip
Know what to expect before you arrive. Find departure and return times, check-in information, facilities, accessibility information, transport options and answers to frequently asked questions.
Make it part of your Dunedin itinerary
The Taieri Gorge can be experienced as a 5-hour return day trip from Dunedin, or connected with other travel through Otago.
Explore transport options, things to do in Dunedin and ideas for continuing your journey through the region.
