The Taieri Gorge Scenic Rail Tour

Iconic Train Trip through the Taieri Gorge

The Taieri Gorge | 5 hours | Destination: Pukerangi (via Taieri Gorge)

Experience one of New Zealand’s most scenic train journeys — a ride through Dunedin’s countryside, over towering viaducts, and alongside the Taieri River.

The Taieri Gorge is one of New Zealand’s great heritage rail journeys. Travelling deep into the landscapes beyond Dunedin, the historic railway winds through hand-carved tunnels, across towering viaducts and alongside the Taieri River. Departing from Dunedin Railway Station, the journey reveals landscapes and engineering feats only accessible by rail.

The Taieri Gorge departs from the Dunedin Railway Station Thursday-Monday, 9:30am.

View Taieri Gorge Schedule

The Taieri Gorge Return Journey

Take in the full Taieri Gorge experience with a relaxing return journey. As the train climbs and descends through the gorge, each curve reveals new outlooks.

Settle into your seat, enjoy the stories and onboard service, and soak up the changing scenery as it unfolds at a gentle, unhurried pace.

A return journey offers the most complete Taieri Gorge experience, giving you time to unwind, take photos, and appreciate the scale and remoteness of this remarkable landscape.

Adult $169 | Child $59

Live in Otago? Book via our Otago Locals page for local rates.

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The Taieri Gorge Train Winding through the Gorge

What To Expect

An iconic journey through rugged landscapes, hand-carved tunnels, and historic viaducts — with panoramic views, local stories, and timeless charm.

Viaducts & Gorges

Marvel at dramatic landscapes as the train winds through the Taieri Gorge, crossing historic bridges and viaducts.

Classic Carriages

Travel in classic carriages from the 1930s.

Open-air viewing carriage coming soon!

Live Commentary

Hear the stories of the people, places, and engineering feats that shaped this remarkable line, brought to life by our friendly onboard storytellers.

Deep Stream

Step off the train for a guided walk along Deep Stream Bridge. Get your cameras ready to enjoy a unique view as a train crosses the bridge towards you.

This stop-over is weather dependent.

Refreshments Onboard

Relax with a selection of locally produced food and drinks from the award-winning team at Precinct available to purchase as you enjoy the view.

Check out Precinct's café menu here.

Perfect Photo Moments

Capture unforgettable shots from our viewing platform of the best of Otago’s scenery.

One Way Option

Dunedin → Pukerangi

Depart from Dunedin’s historic Railway Station and journey through the Taieri Gorge to Pukerangi, where Dunedin meets Central Otago. Connect directly with local operators including the Central Otago Rail Trail and Cheeky Kiwi Travel for onward adventures through to Middlemarch, Clyde or Queenstown — the perfect way to link rail and road across the region.

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Cheeky Kiwi Tours

Connect directly between Dunedin and Queenstown

Travel seamlessly between Dunedin and Queenstown with our Taieri Gorge train and Cheeky Kiwi connection. Enjoy a scenic rail journey through the Gorge to Pukerangi (or from Pukerangi to Dunedin), then continue by premium small-group minivan through Central Otago’s spectacular landscapes.

Cheeky Kiwi Travel is Queenstown’s #1 rated tour operator on TripAdvisor, offering small-group travel with local guides and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. With a maximum of 15 guests and hotel pick-up and drop-off included in Queenstown, it’s an easy and comfortable way to continue your journey.

Choose your Cheeky Kiwi tour below.

One Way Option

Pukerangi → Dunedin

Rejoin the train at Pukerangi for a stunning return through the gorge towards Dunedin. This leg of the journey offers new perspectives of the dramatic rock formations, engineering marvels and river views — a perfect way to finish your cycling or Central Otago adventure.

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