A Taieri Gorge train crosses a tall steel viaduct spanning a rocky, grassy gorge between rolling hills.

The Taieri Gorge Journey

From Dunedin Railway Station to Pukerangi

The Taieri Gorge journey begins at Dunedin Railway Station in central Dunedin and travels inland to Pukerangi in Otago before returning to Dunedin.

Over approximately five hours, the journey moves from the city into countryside and then deep into the Taieri Gorge, following a historic railway through landscapes that cannot be accessed by road.

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A blue and yellow train crosses a tall steel viaduct spanning a rocky, grassy gorge between rolling hills.

The Journey

Leaving Dunedin

Your journey starts inside one of Dunedin's best-known heritage buildings: Dunedin Railway Station.

After departing the station at 9:30am, the train leaves the city behind and begins its journey inland.

As Dunedin gives way to open countryside, the landscape begins to change and the railway approaches the Taieri Gorge.

Children run along a sunlit platform beneath a large metal roof structure and a Dunedin Railway station sign.

Into the Taieri Gorge

The railway follows the Taieri River through the gorge, travelling through tunnels and across historic viaducts constructed through the challenging landscape. The line was originally constructed in the late 19th century, with work on the Dunedin to Central Otago railway through the Taieri Gorge completed in 1889.

This is where travelling by train makes a difference.

Much of the landscape surrounding the railway cannot be reached by road, allowing passengers to see a part of the region they would otherwise miss.

Viewing platforms on the edge of the carriages provide opportunities to experience the landscape beyond your seat as the train travels through the gorge. An open-air viewing carriage is planned to arrive in the 2026 summer season, offering an even more immersive way to take in the scenery.

An aerial view shows The Taieri Gorge train traveling along a track winding through a hilly, yellow-blossom-covered landscape.

Stops at Hindon and Deep Stream

As the train travels through the Taieri Gorge, the journey takes you through Hindon and Deep Stream.

Depending on the day's schedule, operating conditions and weather, the train may stop at Hindon and/or Deep Stream, providing an opportunity to step off the train and experience the surrounding landscape.

These stops are not guaranteed on every journey and may vary depending on conditions on the day.

Two young girls holding hands stand outside a historical yellow train station building labeled Hindon while someone takes their photo.

Stories of the railway

The scenery is only part of the journey.

Live onboard storytelling introduces the history of the railway and stories of the people, places and communities connected by it.

The railway itself is part of what you have come to see, with its tunnels, viaducts and route through the gorge telling the story of how this landscape was crossed by rail.

Two smiling women lean out of the Taieri Gorge train window, looking at a smartphone while traveling through a mountainous Otago landscape.

Arriving at Pukerangi

The train continues inland until it reaches Pukerangi in Otago.

Pukerangi marks the end of the outbound rail journey before the train begins its return journey to Dunedin.

A man leans out of the Taieri Gorge train window, talking on a walkie, as people stand on the platform nearby.

Back to Dunedin

The return journey gives you another opportunity to see the gorge from the train before arriving back at Dunedin Railway Station at approximately 2:15pm.

From here, you're back in central Dunedin and can continue exploring the city.

A blue and yellow train crosses a tall steel viaduct spanning a rocky, grassy gorge between rolling hills.

Make the most of your journey

Everything you need to plan your journey, from checking departure times and check-in details to booking your experience. Get prepared before you arrive, then sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.