Take the Long Way Along the Coast
Duration: 9 hrs 30 mins | 4-hour Stopover | Destination: Ōamaru
More Coast. More Train. More Seasider.
Spend more time on the tracks with The Seasider - Full Day as it follows the historic Main South Line north from Dunedin to Ōamaru. Settle in for a longer coastal rail journey, travelling alongside the Pacific Ocean and through the rolling farmland of North Otago, with stories and plenty to see along the way.
Choose The Seasider – Full Day to Ōamaru with a relaxed 90-minute stopover, or make a full day of it with The Seasider – Full Day+, including an extended four-hour stop in Ōamaru on selected festival days.
Adult $199 | Child $59
Live in Otago? Book via our Otago Locals page for local rates.
Ōamaru Victorian Heritage Celebration
Saturday 14 November 2026
All aboard for a day of Celebration, Fun, Frolics & Festivities at this year’s Victorian Heritage Celebrations.
Depart Dunedin at 8am aboard The Seasider - Full Day+, following the coast north to Ōamaru. The train arrives in time for the Grand Street Parade, with a four-hour stop to explore the festivities, heritage precinct and local flavours before settling back aboard for the scenic journey home.
The Victorian Heritage Celebrations run from 12–15 November 2026, bringing the people, places and stories of Ōamaru’s heritage to life.
Click ‘Book Now’ to take the scenic route to the festivities. Live in Otago? Book via our Otago Locals page for local rates.
Image by Loga Creatives
The Seasider - Full Day
Our Seasider - Full Day excursion blends coastal scenery with rich heritage. Enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean before arriving in Ōamaru, one of New Zealand’s most charming historic towns, where you’ll have a 90-minute stopover. From heritage architecture to coastal landscapes, this journey offers outstanding photo opportunities and a relaxed, rewarding day out.
The Seasider - Full Day+
The Seasider – Full Day+ is scheduled to coincide with Ōamaru’s major events, including the Ōamaru Steampunk Festival and Victorian Heritage Festival. Enjoy scenic coastal views, fascinating stories, and plenty of photo opportunities along the way, before arriving in style for a four-hour stop to enjoy the festivities, explore the town, have lunch, and relax on the return journey to Dunedin.
What to Expect
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Seasonal Highlights
Our Seasider - Full Day+ train runs to coincide with major events such as the Ōamaru Steampunk Festival and the Victorian Heritage Festival. These special departures celebrate the region’s heritage and creativity.
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Ōamaru’s Victorian Charm
Step into a living museum — explore cobbled streets, elegant limestone buildings, and a vibrant arts scene set against the coast.
Classic Carriages
Travel in classic carriages from the 1930s on a relaxing full-day trip through Otago’s countryside to Ōamaru.
Open-air viewing carriage coming soon!
Flexible Options
Choose from The Seasider - Full Day with a 90-minute stopover in Oamaru or the The Seasider - Full Day+, which includes an extra hour to explore Ōamaru’s festivals.
Local Food & Craft
Enjoy Ōamaru’s renowned cafés, artisan shops, and the famous Steampunk HQ — all within a short stroll.
Coastal Scenery
Enjoy ever-changing views as the train tracks the shoreline, passing dramatic cliffs, farmland, and beaches.
Train to the Ōamaru Steampunk Festival
3–7 June 2027
Each year, The Seasider – Full Day+ heads north to Ōamaru for the annual Steampunk NZ Festival, turning the journey there into part of the day.
In 2027, the festival returns with the theme “Stories of STEAM”. Follow the coast and historic Main South Line from Dunedin before arriving in Ōamaru with plenty of time to step into its wonderfully unexpected world of steampunk, filled with costumes, creativity, performance and Victorian-inspired invention.
Then settle back aboard The Seasider - Full Day+ for the scenic journey home as the day winds down.
2027 Seasider departure details coming soon.
More Ways to Experience the Seasider
The Seasider
Experience Otago’s stunning coastline — a must-do for visitors and locals alike.
Take in the full stretch of Dunedin’s spectacular coastline on the Seasider — a scenic journey showcasing historic tunnels, ocean views, and hidden seaside gems including Arc Brewery. It’s the complete coastal experience, perfect for travellers wanting to see it all at a relaxed pace.
Seasider Express (Returns Summer 26)
A taste of the coast — perfect for cruise passengers and day-trippers.
Short on time but still want the views? The Seasider Express offers a condensed version of our iconic coastal journey — a quick escape packed with dramatic scenery and local charm. Ideal for cruise passengers or anyone after a bite-sized Dunedin adventure.
Local Rates for Seasider - Full Day
Book a rail journey at a special local rates — exclusively for residents who pay Otago Regional Council rates.
Click on the ‘Book Now’ button on the Ōtākou/Otago Locals’ page (located in the main menu) and select your preferred journey.
