The Taieri Gorge train route
The Taieri Gorge train travels from Dunedin Railway Station in central Dunedin to Pukerangi in inland Otago, following the historic railway through the Taieri Gorge before returning to Dunedin.
The approximately five-hour return journey travels from the city across the Taieri Plains and into the gorge, where the railway follows the Taieri River through tunnels, across historic viaducts and through remote landscapes that cannot be accessed by road.
Along the route, the train travels through Hindon and Deep Stream before reaching Pukerangi.
Dunedin Railway Station
Your journey begins at Dunedin Railway Station in central Dunedin.
Passengers checking in at Dunedin Railway Station should arrive in time to complete check-in before it closes at 9:15am. The train departs at 9:30am.
Wingatui
The Taieri Gorge train can pick up or drop off passengers at Wingatui Station on request, providing an alternative boarding point for guests travelling from Mosgiel and the wider Taieri Plains area.
- Pick-up towards Pukerangi:
Approximately 9:45am - Drop-off on the return journey:
Approximately 2:00pm
Wingatui stops must be arranged when booking and are subject to availability.
Into the Taieri Gorge
From the Taieri Plains, the railway enters the Taieri Gorge and begins following the Taieri River inland.
The railway passes through tunnels and across historic viaducts as it makes its way through the steep terrain of the gorge.
Much of the surrounding landscape cannot be reached by road, making the railway a distinctive way to experience this part of Dunedin and Otago.
Hindon
Hindon sits along the railway route through the Taieri Gorge.
Depending on the day's schedule, operating conditions and weather, the train may stop at Hindon during the journey, providing passengers with an opportunity to step off the train and experience the surrounding landscape.
Stops are not guaranteed on every journey.
Deep Stream
The journey continues through the Taieri Gorge to Deep Stream.
Deep Stream is one of the spectacular highlights of The Taieri Gorge journey. Depending on the day's schedule, operating conditions and weather, passengers may step off the train and cross the historic 130-year-old Deep Stream bridge. From the bridge, watch the train make its way through the gorge and come towards you before reboarding for the journey ahead.
More than a stop-off, Deep Stream is an experience in its own right — a chance to stand within the landscape, take in the scale of the landscape and railway, and see the train from a completely different perspective.
Stops are not guaranteed on every journey.
Pukerangi
Pukerangi in Otago marks the destination of the outbound Taieri Gorge journey.
For passengers travelling on the return experience, the train turns around at Pukerangi before making its way back through the Taieri Gorge to Dunedin.
One-way travel between Dunedin and Pukerangi is also available, with onward connections to experiences including cycle hire on the Otago Central Rail Trail and tour links towards Queenstown.
See the journey for yourself
Discover what happens during the approximately five-hour journey from Dunedin Railway Station through the Taieri Gorge and back again.