What to expect on The Taieri Gorge
Planning your Taieri Gorge journey should be simple.
The Taieri Gorge is an approximately five-hour scenic return train journey from Dunedin Railway Station to Pukerangi in Otago, travelling through the Taieri Gorge before returning to central Dunedin.
Here's what to know before you travel.
Before you arrive
The Taieri Gorge departs from Dunedin Railway Station in central Dunedin.
- Check-in opens: 8:30am
- Check-in closes: 9:15am
- Train departs: 9:30am
- Approximate return to Dunedin: 2:15pm
- Allow enough time to travel to Dunedin Railway Station, find parking if required and complete check-in before 9:15am.
- Allow enough time to travel to Dunedin Railway Station, find parking if required and complete check-in before 9:15am.
- There is plenty of public pay-and-display parking available around Dunedin Railway Station. If you are travelling in a campervan, the best place to park is the Thomas Burns carpark.
- Pay-by-plate carparks are patrolled from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Saturday, and fees apply during these times. There are also a number of off-street carparks around the city. Fees apply from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Saturday.
- Parking in the city is free on Sundays, although time restrictions still apply. Carpark buildings have their hours of operation and fees clearly posted at the entrance.
- Check all parking signs in the area so you do not get caught out. Most parking around Dunedin Railway Station is managed by Dunedin City Council. Parking fees and patrol hours may be subject to change.
Check-in
Check-in opens at 8:30am inside Dunedin Railway Station. Follow the signs to our ticket office when you arrive.
You can show your digital booking confirmation or simply give our team the name your booking was made under. There’s no need to print your ticket.
If you are travelling from Pukerangi to Dunedin, there is no ticket office at Pukerangi. Instead, please make yourself known to one of our train guards when you arrive.
Your seating
Seating is allocated before you arrive, with your seat details provided at check-in. We are unable to take seat requests on the day.
If you have a special seating request, please contact us before your journey. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request, however changes cannot be guaranteed.
Running late?
If you’re running late and don’t think you’ll arrive in time to be onboard by 9:15am, please call our booking office as soon as possible. Our team will let you know the next steps.
Please make your way to Dunedin Railway Station as quickly as you safely can. The train departs at 9:30am.
Boarding the train
Boarding at Dunedin Railway Station
Boarding begins from 8:30am. Once you’ve checked in, our reservations team will direct you to the platform where our train crew will be ready to welcome you onboard and help you find your carriage.
Please make sure you are fully boarded by 9:15am, ready for the train to depart Dunedin Railway Station at 9:30am.
Boarding at Pukerangi
If you’re joining us at Pukerangi for the journey back to Dunedin, please wait at Pukerangi Railway Station and make yourself known to one of our train guards when the train arrives.
Please be ready for boarding from 11:35am. The train departs Pukerangi at 12:00pm.
During the journey
The train leaves Dunedin at 9:30am and travels inland towards Pukerangi through the Taieri Gorge.
During the journey you can:
- Relax in your allocated seat aboard a classic railway carriage.
- Step onto the viewing platforms.
- Listen to live onboard storytelling.
- Purchase food and drinks from Precinct's onboard café.
- Take in views of the Taieri River, historic railway structures and surrounding landscape.
Depending on the day's schedule, operating conditions and weather, the train may also stop at Hindon and/or Deep Stream.
These stops are not guaranteed.
At Pukerangi
Pukerangi in Otago is the destination of the outbound journey.
Return passengers remain with the train for the journey back through the Taieri Gorge to Dunedin.
You'll disembark the train at Pukerangi for approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on the schedule.
You’re welcome to walk around and explore the area. During the summer season, there is often a selection of local market stalls to peruse.
Toilets are available in Pukerangi.
One-way passengers leave the train at Pukerangi to continue their journey. If you have a connection with another operator, they will pick you up in Pukerangi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in bad weather?
A little rain won’t stop us. The Taieri Gorge operates in all weather conditions, so your journey will still go ahead if the forecast is looking wet, cold or a little wild. Depending on the conditions on the day, we may adjust our planned stops at Deep Stream and/or Hindon. Our train crew will keep you updated onboard if there are any changes to the journey. Dunedin weather can change quickly, so we recommend checking the forecast before you travel and bringing an extra layer or a rain jacket, particularly if you’re planning to spend time on the viewing platforms.
What should I wear?
Weather conditions can change during the journey, particularly when moving between Dunedin and inland Otago.
Comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended. Bring warm layers and waterproof gear, as the weather can change quickly.
What should I bring?
Cash for the onboard café, as the train may travel through areas with limited or no mobile reception.
Can I bring children on The Taieri Gorge?
Little travellers are very welcome onboard The Taieri Gorge. The return journey is approximately five hours, so we recommend bringing along anything your family might need to stay comfortable and entertained along the way.
Children are welcome to move throughout the train and visit the viewing platforms with an accompanying adult. For their safety, children must be supervised at all times, and we ask that families follow the instructions of our train crew while onboard.
Can I travel with a baby or toddler?
Infants aged 0–2 years travel free. However, they still need to be included on your booking and have their own ticket.
You’re welcome to bring baby food, bottles and snacks for younger children onboard. Our onboard café, run by our friends at Precinct, also has a selection of child-friendly food and drinks available to purchase.
Please note that car seats cannot be brought onboard, and there are no baby-changing facilities onboard the train or inside Dunedin Railway Station.
Can I bring a pram onboard?
Prams can travel with you, however storage space onboard is limited. Please contact our team before booking and at least 72 hours before departure so we can confirm there is space available for your pram.
Are there special family trains?
Keep an eye out for our special family and event trains throughout the year. On selected journeys, you might find themed activities and special food options from Precinct created especially for the occasion.
What accessibility options are available?
We want everyone to feel comfortable and confident about travelling with us. If you have accessibility requirements, we encourage you to get in touch before your journey. Our team can talk you through what to expect and help find the best option for your needs.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
We have a wheelchair-accessible carriage with a wheelchair lift, allowing passengers to remain in their wheelchair for the duration of the journey. An accessible toilet is also available within this carriage.
The wheelchair lift has a maximum capacity of 200kg, with maximum dimensions of 900mm x 700mm. Mobility scooters can also be accommodated, subject to the same size and weight restrictions.
Space in our accessible carriage is limited, so use of the wheelchair-accessible carriage and lift must be arranged at least 72 hours before departure.
Please note that there is no wheelchair lift available at Pukerangi. Passengers who require the wheelchair lift to board or disembark will need to begin and end their journey at Dunedin Railway Station.
Wheelchair users are unable to move between carriages during the journey as the gangways between our carriages are not wheelchair accessible.
What accessibility support is available for limited mobility or walking aids?
Walking aids, including walking frames, are welcome onboard. Ramps are available to assist passengers with limited mobility when boarding the train, however these ramps are not suitable for wheelchair access.
If you have limited mobility, you can also request a seat that may make your journey more comfortable. Please contact us in advance and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request, although specific seating cannot be guaranteed.
Dunedin Railway Station has ramp access into the booking office.
Can support people and service dogs travel onboard?
Support workers travelling with a passenger who requires their assistance are eligible for a complimentary ticket. Please contact our team to arrange this before booking.
Service dogs are welcome onboard our trains.
What if I have hearing, vision or other accessibility requirements?
If you have hearing or vision requirements, a hidden disability, or anything else that may affect your journey, please let us know before you travel.
Every passenger’s needs are different, and our team will do their best to find ways to make your journey more comfortable.
Who can I talk to about accessibility before I travel?
If you have accessibility requirements or you’re unsure whether any part of the journey will be suitable for you, please get in touch with our team before booking.
Email info@dunedinrailways.co.nz or call our booking office to talk through your requirements.
Use of the wheelchair-accessible carriage and lift must be arranged at least 72 hours before departure.