An Evening of Stars, Stories, and Slow Travel
The Taieri Gorge Stargazer | 9 & 24 July | 6.00pm-11pm
The Taieri Gorge Stargazer
Journey beyond the city lights for an evening of dining, rail travel and dark-sky experiences within the Taieri Gorge.
Enjoy a gourmet dinner onboard, guided stargazing with Winterstellar, astronomy talks from Tūhura Otago Museum and warm dessert beneath the stars at Hindon.
Thursday 9 July | Matariki Edition
Friday 24 July | Science Edition
Dinner begins 6:00pm
Train Departs: 6:30pm
A Winter Night Unlike Any Other
Begin with a welcome drink at Dunedin Railway Station before taking your seat for a specially prepared dinner aboard the train.
The main carriage lights are dimmed and guests are immersed in a narrated exploration of the night sky.
At Hindon, enjoy guided stargazing with Winterstellar, astronomy talks and storytelling from Tūhura Otago Museum, and a short astrophotography film, accompanied by warm dessert. Winterstellar will also lead a practical introduction to low-light photography, with tips for capturing the night sky using a camera or smartphone, along with accessible tools, apps and techniques that can be used at home.
On the trip home to Dunedin, settle back into the carriage with a mulled wine or hot chocolate (available to purchase onboard).
_Z1OfCC5.webp)
WELCOME
Welcome drink at Dunedin Railway Station
DINE
Enjoy a specially prepared dinner onboard
DISCOVER
Journey into the gorge with an immersive night-sky experience
EXPLORE
Stargazing, astrophotography, astronomy and storytelling at Hindon
INDULGE
Warm dessert, hot chocolate or mulled wine on offer as you explore activities
RELAX
Settle in for the return journey to Dunedin
Your Evening Includes
✓ Return evening rail journey to Hindon
✓ Welcome drink
✓ Gourmet dinner served onboard
✓ Immersive onboard night-sky experience
✓ Guided stargazing with Winterstellar
✓ Fireside astronomy talks & storytelling with Tūhura Otago Museum
✓ Warm dessert served at Hindon
✓ Access to one of Otago's finest dark-sky locations
Two Unique Stargazer Experiences
Thursday, 9 July - Matariki Edition
A special evening inspired by Matariki and the Māori astronomical calendar.
Explore the significance of the Matariki star cluster, traditional navigation, seasonal knowledge and the stories that connect people to the night sky.
Stargazing focus: Discover the stars, planets and celestial features visible above Hindon while learning the fundamentals of low-light photography.
Friday, 24 July - Science Edition
A journey focused on astronomy and scientific discovery.
Join expert guides as they explore planets, constellations, deep-sky objects and the fascinating science behind our universe.
Stargazing focus: Winterstellar will present a special moon photography session, sharing practical techniques for capturing lunar images using cameras and smartphones.
Low-Light Photography with Winterstellar
Ever wanted to know how to capture incredible night-sky photographs like this one?
Winterstellar will introduce you to the basics of low-light and night-sky photography. Bring your camera or smartphone and learn practical tips for photographing the stars and Moon, along with useful apps and simple tools that can help you get started at home.
Whether you're a complete beginner or already enjoy photography, you'll leave with new skills and a better understanding of how to capture the night sky.
Photo credit: Richard Zheng
_2laue8.webp)
Winterstellar Charitable Trust
Guardians of Otago's dark skies, Winterstellar combines astronomy, astrophotography and conservation to help people experience the night sky in meaningful ways. At Hindon, their expert guides will lead stargazing sessions beneath the stars of the Taieri Gorge.
_1z01hg.webp)
Tūhura Otago Museum
Tūhura Otago Museum brings scientific knowledge and storytelling expertise to the Stargazer experience. Through fireside talks and celestial interpretation, their team will explore the science, history and wonder of the southern night sky.
_1BeFGG.webp)
If The Weather Doesn't Cooperate
While Otago's winter skies often provide excellent viewing conditions, The Taieri Gorge Stargazer experience has been designed to be enjoyable regardless of the weather.
If cloud cover or light rain limits stargazing opportunities, guests will still enjoy astronomy and celestial talks from Tūhura Otago Museum, a specially curated astronomy film presented by Winterstellar, and alternative night-sky experiences onboard the train. Covered viewing areas and umbrellas will also be available where conditions allow.
_1wKlQP.webp)
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Taieri Gorge Stargazer will operate in most weather conditions and has been designed to provide an enjoyable experience regardless of the forecast. If cloud cover or light rain limits stargazing opportunities, guests will still enjoy astronomy talks, storytelling, a curated astronomy film, low-light photography sessions, and other night-sky experiences delivered by Winterstellar and Tūhura Otago Museum. While visibility of stars and celestial objects cannot be guaranteed, the event offers much more than stargazing alone. The rail journey, dining, photography, and expert-led experiences remain key parts of the evening.
Your ticket includes a return evening rail journey to Hindon, a welcome drink (sparkling wine, beer and non-alcoholic available), a gourmet dinner served onboard, an immersive onboard night-sky experience, guided stargazing with Winterstellar, astronomy talks and celestial storytelling from Tūhura Otago Museum, and warm dessert served at Hindon.
Thursday 9 July – Matariki Edition explores the significance of Matariki, traditional navigation, seasonal knowledge and Māori astronomy.
Friday 24 July – Science Edition takes a more contemporary astronomy focus, exploring the night sky through observation, science and discovery.
Check-in opens 2 hours before departure (4:30pm) and closes 30 minutes prior to departure (6:00pm) at Dunedin Railway Station. Boarding will commence at 5:45pm with dinner being served at 6pm. The service will depart at 6:30pm.
Winter temperatures in the Taieri Gorge can be cold after dark.
We recommend warm layered clothing, a jacket, hat, gloves and closed footwear suitable for outdoor winter conditions.
A red-light torch or headlamp is recommended for moving around during the stargazing experience while preserving night vision.
You're also welcome to bring binoculars or a small telescope if you have them.
Yes. Vegan and gluten-free meal options are available. Please advise any dietary requirements when booking.
Yes. A selection of beverages, including mulled wine and hot chocolate, will be available to purchase onboard, along with additional snacks.
The Taieri Gorge Stargazer is designed as an adults-focused experience and is available to guests aged 16 years and over.
Limited Winter Departures
Just two departures. One unforgettable winter experience.