Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand The Taieri Gorge Railway Experience Excursion

The Taieri Gorge Railway Experience

DETAILS

6
hrs Estimate Duration
Meal
Limited Accessibility

Board one of the world’s most scenic railways as you journey through the spectacular Taieri River Gorge. Welcomed aboard by a friendly crew, settle into your carriage, and get ready for a breathtaking trip into a landscape only accessible by this train. First tracing Otago Harbor, then traversing suburban Dunedin and a fertile plain, you’ll soon be climbing into the sheer cliff faces and plunging ravines of the Taieri River Gorge. Much of the ride takes place high atop soaring stone-and-lattice viaducts that early engineers, masons, and railway gangs somehow managed to build through extremely challenging wild New Zealand terrain. The fact that they succeeded is a true marvel – which you get to experience firsthand today. As you relax and watch in awe, your carriage will pass one unspoiled panorama after another, winding its way through the gorge over dramatic bridges suspended high above the placid river below, and through no fewer than 10 tunnels carved out of solid bedrock. You’ll enjoy a light picnic style boxed lunch while on board. Your journey concludes either at Dunedin Railway Station, a suitably grand Victorian landmark, or continue back to your awaiting ship.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Settle back and experience one of the world’s most breathtakingly scenic railway journeys.
• Travel over countless latticed-steel and stone bridges and through 10 tunnels as you traverse the rugged Taieri River Gorge.
• Take it all in from the civilized comfort of your carriage with morning tea and a light lunch served.
• Disembark at Dunedin’s landmark Victorian railway station, where you can opt to remain in town awhile or return straightaway to the port.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Need to Know:

Note: Although there is minimal walking on this tour, guests must be able to get on and off the railway cars – which requires managing three to four high steps. A wheelchair-accessible railway car might be available if requested in advance. There may be some wait times while boarding the train and again when returning to Dunedin Railway Station, once you’ve boarded the train, you may not disembark until tour end. Depending on the scheduled return time, free time allocated may be allocated at Dunedin Train Station as the train can only return to the port at certain times. Time permitting at the end of the tour, guests may go on their own to explore town but are responsible for getting back to the ship on time. Dunedin town is located 30 minutes from Port Chalmers where the ship is docked. Where possible, the train departs and returns to Port Chalmers and your ship. Depending on timing however, the journey between the port and Dunedin Railway Station may be replaced by coach transfer.

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ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Activity Level:

1

Easy
2

Moderate
3

Challenging

Tours with this activity level involve walking over relatively level terrain, possibly some cobblestone, gravel, or a few steps. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

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Shore Excursion Details

The Taieri Gorge Railway Experience