Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the iconic Taieri Gorge Railway
Dunedin, New Zealand • 
Must Do
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
12°C – 23°C, warm summer weather with minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
12°C – 23°C, warm summer weather with minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Wheelchair-accessible carriage available; advance notice required.
Wheelchair-accessible carriage available; advance notice required.
Value for money
Medium
Stunning scenery justifies the cost for many couples.
Stunning scenery justifies the cost for many couples.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
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Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Scenic Journey
Couples loved the stunning, ever-changing scenery from start to finish.
Romantic Views
The perfect romantic outing! Breathtaking views and comfortable carriages.
Wonderful Experience
Staff commentary added to the wonderful experience for couples.
Overpriced Tickets
Some couples felt the price was high for the length of the journey.
Limited Privacy
Carriages can get crowded, making it difficult to find privacy.
Booking Issues
Bookings are essential, which can be a hassle for spontaneous couples.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
9:30 AM - 2:15 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 2:15 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 2:15 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 2:15 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 2:15 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 2:15 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 2:15 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Journey on a vintage train through Otago’s golden hills from Dunedin
Discover breathtaking views unfold from every window of the Taieri Gorge Railway
Experience an rail adventure where historic engineering meets Otago’s untouched natural beauty
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
11-21°C
Early summer features warm temperatures and low rainfall, perfect for outdoor excursions.
Early summer features warm temperatures and low rainfall, perfect for outdoor excursions.
Open
Operates Thursday to Monday during the summer schedule.
Operates Thursday to Monday during the summer schedule.
Recommended
December's warm weather and festive atmosphere make it a popular time for the Taieri Gorge Railway, though early booking is recommended due to higher demand.
December's warm weather and festive atmosphere make it a popular time for the Taieri Gorge Railway, though early booking is recommended due to higher demand.
January
HIGH
12-23°C
Warm summer weather with minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities.
Warm summer weather with minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities.
Open
High demand; advance booking recommended.
High demand; advance booking recommended.
Recommended
January offers warm temperatures and clear skies, making it an excellent time to experience the Taieri Gorge Railway. However, as it's peak season, expect larger crowds and higher prices. Booking in advance is advisable to secure your spot.
January offers warm temperatures and clear skies, making it an excellent time to experience the Taieri Gorge Railway. However, as it's peak season, expect larger crowds and higher prices. Booking in advance is advisable to secure your spot.
February
HIGH
12-23°C
Warm summer weather with minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities.
Warm summer weather with minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities.
Open
High demand; advance booking recommended.
High demand; advance booking recommended.
Recommended
February continues the warm summer conditions, perfect for the scenic railway journey. Similar to January, it's a peak tourist month, so anticipate higher prices and crowds. Early reservations are recommended.
February continues the warm summer conditions, perfect for the scenic railway journey. Similar to January, it's a peak tourist month, so anticipate higher prices and crowds. Early reservations are recommended.
March
MEDIUM
10-20°C
Mild autumn weather with slightly increased chance of rain.
Mild autumn weather with slightly increased chance of rain.
Open
More availability; booking still recommended.
More availability; booking still recommended.
Recommended
March marks the beginning of autumn, offering cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. It's an excellent time to enjoy the Taieri Gorge Railway with more comfortable conditions and better availability.
March marks the beginning of autumn, offering cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. It's an excellent time to enjoy the Taieri Gorge Railway with more comfortable conditions and better availability.
How to get there
Shuttle
Recommended
Taxi
Recommended
Bus
Car
Walking
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required