Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway

4.9 (15 reviews) 9 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

15 reviews

4.9

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky Kiwi means you’ll experience the very best of Central Otago in a way that’s personal, luxurious, and unforgettable.

Most tours are about getting from A to B. Ours is about everything in between. From the moment you board the historic Taieri Gorge Train in Dunedin, you’re immersed in a world of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and thoughtful stops that showcase Central Otago’s hidden gems.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours Rail Tours Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own)
Included: Taieri Gorge Train ticket (Dunedin to Pukerangi)
Included: Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
Included: Small group experience (max 15 guests)
Included: Hotel drop-off in Queenstown
Included: Water and snacks provided on the bus only (not available on the train)

Not included

Not included: Hotel pickup in Dunedin
Not included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing by

Begin your journey in Dunedin, the cultural capital of the South. Admire the elaborate architecture of the station before boarding the Taieri Gorge Train.
Taieri Gorge Railway

2 hours Admission included

Experience the engineering marvel of the Taieri Gorge Railway. Traverse narrow gorges, deep canyons, and century-old viaducts as you travel inland toward the Otago highlands.
Stop 3

5 min

Disembark at this remote high country outpost and meet your guide for the second leg of the journey — a scenic road adventure through Central Otago’s most historic and picturesque locations.
St. Bathans

30 min

Step into the eerie beauty of this ghost town frozen in time. Visit the surreal Blue Lake, formed by gold mining, and wander the preserved streets of this former gold rush settlement.
Stop 5

5 min

A perfect photo stop, the 1880-built suspension bridge spans the Manuherikia River and showcases the pioneering engineering spirit of 19th-century Otago.
Cromwell

Passing by

Nestled at the confluence of two rivers, Cromwell is a charming Central Otago town with a vibrant heritage precinct and award-winning local produce.
Kawarau Falls

Passing by

Journey through the striking Kawarau Gorge, where steep cliffs, turquoise waters, and tales of gold seekers unfold around every corner. Take in views of Lake Dunstan and the dramatic Gibbston wine region.
Queenstown

Passing by

Conclude your day in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel — leaving you with unforgettable memories of the landscapes, legends, and stories that shaped this region.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Begin your journey in Dunedin by collecting your tickets at the Dunedin railway station, check in, before boarding the Taieri Gorge Train. The train departs at 9:30am, please ensure you are checked in at least 20 minutes prior to this time.

End point

You will be dropped to your centrally located Queenstown accommodation

Using your ticket

Please check in at the Dunedin Railway Station for the Taieri Gorge Train at least 30 minutes before departure. The train departs at 9:30am. Your train tickets have been booked under the names provided on your Viator/Tripadvisor booking.

Please disembark the train at Pukerangi, where your guide will be waiting for you to continue to Queenstown by bus.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.