The laboratory has left the station!
Science Train on the Taieri Gorge | 18 & 19 July | 10am-2pm
Science Show on the Taieri Gorge Train
A hands-on science train excursion is coming these winter school holidays, created by the amazing team at the NZ International Science Festival.
Climb aboard the Taieri Gorge Train for a school holiday journey where the carriage becomes the classroom, the railway becomes the experiment, and science comes to life all the way to Hindon and back.
Two days only!
When: Winter school holidays. Saturday 18 & Sunday, 19 July
Where: Dunedin Railway Station to Hindon return
Best suited for: Ages 5–12
Great for: Younger siblings, older children and curious adults too
Includes: Train journey, hands-on science activities and a picnic lunch stop. Bring your own lunch, purchase food from the onboard café, or add a pre-ordered Junior Scientist Snack Pack to your booking.
In collaboration with: NZ International Science Festival
A moving science show, only by rail
This is not your usual science show.
As the train winds through the Taieri Gorge, children will get hands-on with experiments and activities exploring physics, engineering, forensics and more, all made possible by the movement, setting and wonder of the train itself.
From curious minds to future inventors, this is a journey designed to spark questions, discovery and plenty of school holiday excitement.
What to expect
Enjoy interactive experiments and activities throughout the journey to Hindon, led by the NZ International Science Festival team, University of Otago Physics Department, The Science of Crime, and Engineering Heritage Otago.
Step off the train, stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch in the peaceful surrounds of Hindon. Bring your own lunch, purchase food from the onboard café, or pre-order a Junior Scientist Snack Pack when booking.
Travel through the Taieri Gorge, one of Dunedin’s most memorable landscapes, with scenery, viaducts and railway history along the way.
The show content is designed especially for children aged 5 to 12, but there will also be activities available for younger siblings, older children and adults who want to join in.
Junior Scientist Snack Packs
Keep young scientists fuelled for a day of discovery with a pre-ordered snack pack, freshly prepared by the team at Precinct and ready to collect before boarding.
Includes:
- Ham & cheese filled roll
- Crackers & cheese
- Science-themed cupcake
- Fruit pottle
- Vanilla yoghurt pouch
Collection: Available at check-in before boarding.
Why families will love it
Whether your child loves science already or simply enjoys making, testing, solving and discovering, this is a fun and memorable way to spend a winter school holiday day out.
- Hands-on, interactive activities
- A unique school holiday experience
- Science, rail and adventure in one day
- Created by the NZ International Science Festival
- A chance to experience the Taieri Gorge in a completely different way
- Running for two days only
Make science the journey
This special collaboration brings together the wonder of rail travel and the excitement of hands-on science for a school holiday experience unlike anything else in Dunedin.
Seats are limited. Book your Science Show on the Taieri Gorge Train today.
