Home > Dunedin > Taieri Gorge Railway and the Otago Peninsula Day Trip from Dunedin
USD $138.00
Taieri Gorge Railway and the Otago Peninsula Day Trip from Dunedin
Dunedin, New Zealand
Explore the South Island’s gorgeous scenery on a full-day excursion from Dunedin. In the morning, travel aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway through stunning mountain landscapes en route to Pukerangi. Then return to Dunedin for an afternoon tour of the Otago Peninsula by minivan. Get personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide on this small-group tour limited to 19 people.
After pickup at your Dunedin hotel or cruise port, transfer to the Dunedin Railway Station where you have 30 minutes to stroll around before departure. Take in the ornate Renaissance Revival architecture of the historic train station, known as “Gingerbread George,” then board your train for the 4-hour round-trip journey to Pukerangi.
Your train steams along the Taieri Plains and into the mountains, chugging over bridges and viaducts that span spectacular ravines such as the Taieri Gorge. The train slows down at especially scenic spots so that you can snap some photos. Enjoy a stop or two along the route where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.
As your train maneuvers along the curves of the railway carved into the rugged mountains. Your train operator provides lively commentary about the history of the region and its wilderness. In Pukerangi, you have about 15 minutes to walk around while the engine is switched for the return journey.
Travel in a comfortable, heated carriage that is equipped with large windows and restrooms; open-air platform cars offer unobstructed views. If you want a bite to eat, the onboard cafe sells a variety of sandwiches, snacks and beverages.
Upon your return to Dunedin, your guide picks you up in a comfortable minivan to take you around the Otago Peninsula. Your knowledgeable guide takes you to some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand. Your guide returns you to Dunedin in the late afternoon to end your tour.
Magnificent scenery._br/_ Lunch provided, a small picnic box containing a soggy roll, piece of fruit and a cake of some sort was not worth the trouble to eat.
Review by: Miriam S, November 2017
The train trip was fantastic. The Otago Peninsula trip was too short.
Review by: alrickpetrie, November 2017
It would be unfair to say it was not good. As a tourist the area has so much to offer if its the great outdoors you enjoy, or in this case a trip on a train through a gorge. The train was basic and the Viator train ticket meant one of the less glamorous carriages with only one viewing platform in between the generator wagon and our carriage. The rear viewing platform was adjacent to the refreshments carriage therefore unavailable. this meant it was a little crowded at times on the one side that gave the best scenery and views. Luckily we had great company and it was a happy trip. The end of the line stop was not at a village but a clearing with a small number of locals selling their wares. not much on offer! Our guide was great though and we were taken on a great drive through the Dunedin/Otago area which was worth the price of the trip alone stopping off at relevant sites. The cool weather did not stop us visiting the beach and it was worth it. Beautiful bays. Gorgeous scenery. Lovely people. Looks nothing like Edinburgh but the area is very Scottish and a fond memory for us back in Scotland. So the train was OK and the minibus was ideal which meant the trip overall was good.
Review by: ROBERT L, April 2017
Great scenery from the train
Review by: Jane M, March 2017
Great trip.
Review by: Linda, March 2017
This is a magnificently beautiful area - the terrain reminded us somewhat of Scotland. Gorge rail tour was great - the best view is from the right side of the train. We bought the lunch offered by the tour and it was good and very convenient others bought food on the train and that looked good, too. The peninsula tour was a great opportunity to see the scenery closer to the coast.
Review by: GISELA L, March 2017
Enjoyable day.
Review by: Mary O, March 2017
We went into the new cruise terminal at this stop and after a little confusion found our tour. We got into our bus and were taken to the train station in Dunedin to get ready to board our trip up the Taieri Gorge. Fortunately the seats were assigned on the train so there was no scrambling for seats. We didn't order lunch but were able to pick something up to eat on the way. We had a very nice day so the trip up was quite fascinating. If we had to do it over again I would only ride one way as after you have seen one way that is all you really need. Upon our return to Dunedin we boarded a small bus and our guide took us around the Otago Peninsula. It was a beautiful area with its mountain and water. Another beautiful place to visit in New Zealand.
Review by: Robin M C, January 2017
The train journey was somewhat boring, having the same view on the outward journey as on the return journey. The peninsula tour was limited, without even a glimpse of the castle and no penguins
Review by: Robert, January 2017
Slightly over hyped in terms of the scenery you see but staff very enthusiastic, commentary good and buffet car well stocked. Good wet day activity.
Review by: Paulino C, December 2016
Great train ride
Review by: Thomas B, November 2016
Taieri gorge is well worth a visit - this trip will enthral rail enthusiasts as well as nature fans as the historic, restored train makes its way over 14 bridges up the gorge. The scenery is spectacular and for those wanting a bite to eat or a drink the friendly team on the train is there to serve.
Review by: David P, July 2016
The tour of the Otago Peninsula was wonderful. Chris, our guide from Back To Nature Tours was so personal and informative. The train trip was just OK. Might have been better in the summer than in the middle of winter.
Review by: desioshilo, May 2016
Chris, the owner and our tour guide was wonderful. His love of the land and his knowledge was complete and well communicated. We found sea lions on the beach, he was able to take some pictures of my husband and I. The train ride was also very informative. I ordered a box lunch for the morning train ride which was well worth it. They do have a diner car on the train, but as soon as you could stand outside on the train, I did that, I also think they might have sold out of sandwiches. You can however bring your own picnic. Back to Chris's part I highly recommend this tour.
Review by: Belinda L C, May 2016
A good trip up into the highlands around Dunedin. Train travel like this is unique.
Review by: Fuddster, May 2016
A good trip up into the highlands around Dunedin. Train travel like this is unique.
Review by: bcrisler, April 2016
A wonderful tour that allows you to experience the spectacular interior scenery of theTaieri George, as well as an afternoon drive along the picturesque Otago Peninsula. The provided lunch option was good and the price was a great value for an all day tour. We were returned to our ship on time.
Review by: richardthomasau, April 2016
Very pleasant day. Railway was very scenic and relaxing. afternoon trip to peninsula was very interesting and personal in small group
Review by: Graham R, March 2016
Great trip on the train , scenery was breathtaking ane train comfortable and staff was subperb, Les took us on our mini van tour around the peninsular this was very informative , Les was a great host and took us out of the way , this trip is well worth the cost .
Review by: Sheila T, March 2016
the views are spectacular and the drive around the peninsula had great views. The tour guide was very good and showed us a lot of interesting things.
Review by: Ross K, March 2016
Great train trip. It's best to get a seat on the right of the carriage to have the best views._br/_ The commentator was American and although his commentary was okay, his accent was annoying. The endpoint of the journey inland was a little disappointing. There was nowhere to sit, just a few CWA stalls selling useless trinkets. We had to wait there while the train shunted for our return journey.
Review by: Appuswamy R, February 2016
The train Journey was interesting more from historical perspective than from sceneries. The running commentary was great with lot of information conveyed in a jovial manner to reduce the monotony of constant confrontation with boulders and Gorge. After motoring through various parts of South Island where there was abundance of greeneries and waterfalls this trip offered another side of boulders and Gorges. Yeah something different for sure!.
Review by: Ingrid J, February 2016
A very interesting and enjoyable tour! The tour guides were very knowledgeable and entertaining. The views from the train ride were spectacular. The city tour was very interesting as well, with great views.
Review by: ANNE D, February 2016
Great train trip and fantastic trip to the peninsula where I was lucky enough to see two bull sea lions, some fur seals and some penguins. Thanks to my guide Chris.
Review by: jim s, February 2016
Very good, but felt the train trip was too long, and we did not have air conditioning and our windows only opened a small amount. The train was late getting back to Dunedin which cut our bus trip short, but due to our driver, still managed to see most sights of the Otago Peninsula which was wonderful.
Review by: KENNETH T, February 2016
A great day_br/_ The bus was on time,the train trip was great. And the packed lunch was very fresh and tasty
Review by: Stephane R, February 2016
Train ride was disappointing: there was really nothing much to see. Some carriages were not air-conditioned. We booked a package with lunch box, which we did not receive and got NZD 20 refund instead. Otago Peninsula is beautiful, and worth much more than Taieri Gorge: make the former your priority.
Review by: George C, January 2016
great way to see the area
Review by: HELEN S, January 2016
From the time we were picked up for our Taieri Gorge Railway journey it was an enjoyable experience. The views along the way were magnificent and one that you would always remember.
Review by: Dee T, December 2015
Pick up and drop off at the cruise ship terminal was very smooth and on time. Bus driver/tour guide was very informative. The train ride through the Taieri Gorge was wonderful, scenery was amazing.
Review by: James M, December 2015
Great views but the volume on the speaker system needs to be turned up, train staff very polite and friendly.
Review by: Michael J P, December 2015
The whole day was perfecttly organised by Chris, owner of Back to Nature Tours. He collected us in good time for the comfortable 'vintage' train from Dunedin's beautiful railway station and was there to collect us from the platform when we got back early afternoon. The train had a dining car, so we went through spectacular scenery on the way out with coffee and biscuits, and back sitting on the opposite side this might not be possible with a full train unless you negotiate with passengers across the way with a NZ minced beef pie and glass of NZ Chardonnay. There was a 'live' commentary, i.e. by a man on the train with us it was interesting and appropriate but not as detailed as the optional recorded commentary on KiwiRail trains. There were a few stops where we could climb literally down from the train and take photos. In the afternoon Chris took us on a tour of the Otago Peninsula, on some roads that wouldn't have been possible with our own transport. He was very knowledgeable indeed about wildlife, and pointed out interesting views, buildings, birds etc that we would have driven straight past if on our own. We had the tour to ourselves because bad weather had prevented a cruise ship from coming into Dunedin - we felt very fortunate to have Chris's exclusive expertise, but it would still be excellent if the minibus had been full. Chris was also enjoyable to talk to about general NZ topics - and provided super experiences the following day because he recommended the fantastic Toitu Museum and a brilliant fish restaurant, The Reef.
Review by: Ted BJ Cruises, October 2015
The train trip was great but, even better was the tour given by the local tour company. They were very informative and took us to places you normally don't get to see on normal tours. The vehicle was clean and comfortable and the driver, owner was great!!!
Review by: Tishani S, September 2015
Our local guide Chris was great and took us around the key areas of Dunedin and was very knowledgeable of the whole area. My husband and I were the only ones on the tour which was great because he tailored the trip to our interests. The train ride was beautiful and would highly recommend getting the lunch packs as they were great value for money. Overall a really great day trip.
Review by: G. Paul W, June 2015
Tour guide, Chris, was excellent for day trip. Rail trip certainly revealed the rugged terrain of New Zealand and how difficult it must have been for early settlers to make a living in such a beautiful but challenging land.
Review by: Weldon B, June 2015
An excellent experience. Just wish I had more time to stay overnight in one of the stops. Got lots of video and a few digital photos on the train.
Review by: Marie V H, April 2015
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Aine O, March 2015
The tour was fantastic. I ended up being the only person on the tour that day as it was during Christmas and consequently the guide tailored the tour specifically for me.
Review by: Terrence O, March 2015
Great weather and very accommodating and knowledgable guide made it a memorable trip
Review by: IMRAN K, February 2015
One of the main things to do in Dunedin. Lengthy tour. Some good pictures along the way but would not do it again. Would have preferred to stay longer in Queenstown instead.
Review by: aampt, December 2014
Taieri Gorge trip: meals on the train were snack-sized and overpriced. Scenery beautiful.
Review by: Anne P, September 2014
Chris Roberts was the epitome of what every Tour Guide should aspire to. His attention to detail was meticulous and his PR skills first class. He started as a Tour Guide and finished as a friend. A most enjoyable experience.
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