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Taieri Gorge Railway and the Otago Peninsula Day Trip from Dunedin provided by Back to Nature Tours

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Taieri Gorge Railway and the Otago Peninsula Day Trip from Dunedin

See all things to do
See all things to do
Taieri Gorge Railway and the Otago Peninsula Day Trip from Dunedin
4.5
20
By Back to Nature Tours
This product is unavailable to book via Tripadvisor. Contact the supplier for availability.
Full view
Tour snapshot
Duration:
7h
Taking Covid-19 safety measures
Hotel pickup offered
Group size:
15
Stroller accessible
Ticket type:
Mobile
  • Duration:
    7h
  • Taking Covid-19 safety measures
  • Hotel pickup offered
  • Group size:
    15
  • Stroller accessible
  • Ticket type:
    Mobile
About
Know before you go
  • Duration: 7h
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Available languages
English
What to expect
Know before you go
  • Duration: 7h
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Available languages
English
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
What to expect
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 6586DND4
Important information
Inclusions
  • Local guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Hotel/Port pickup and drop-off
  • Entry/Admission - Taieri Gorge Railway
  • Entry/Admission - Back to Nature Tours
Exclusions
  • Gratuities
Duration
7h
Departure details
  • Traveller pickup is offered.
  • Departure Point: Dunedin hotels, iSite Vistor Centre or Port Chalmers Cruise Port Address: Dunedin iSite Vistor Centre, 26 Princes St, Dunedin Dates: Daily Return point: Returns to original departure point at approximately 4:45pm
  • Ports:
  • Port Chalmers
  • Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Bring a waterproof jacket, sunglasses, hat and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • A maximum of 19 people per tour
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
Inclusions
  • Local guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Hotel/Port pickup and drop-off
  • Entry/Admission - Taieri Gorge Railway
  • Entry/Admission - Back to Nature Tours
Exclusions
  • Gratuities
Departure details
  • Traveller pickup is offered.
  • Departure Point: Dunedin hotels, iSite Vistor Centre or Port Chalmers Cruise Port Address: Dunedin iSite Vistor Centre, 26 Princes St, Dunedin Dates: Daily Return point: Returns to original departure point at approximately 4:45pm
  • Ports:
  • Port Chalmers
  • Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Duration
7h
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Bring a waterproof jacket, sunglasses, hat and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • A maximum of 19 people per tour
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
Travel safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
  • Gear/equipment sanitised between use
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
What you can expect during your visit
  • Gear/equipment sanitised between use
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
Itinerary
  • You'll get picked up
    See Important Information for details
  • 1
    Dunedin Railway Station
    Stop: 20 minutes
    See details
  • 2
    Taieri Gorge Railway
    Stop: 4 hours - Admission included
    See details
  • 3
    Back to Nature Tours
    Stop: 2 hours - Admission included
    See details
  • You'll return to the starting point
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
20 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
2
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Shirley G
Parramatta, Australia70 contributions
The train was great but peninsula excellent
Couples
Great to be picked up and expected the Taieri Gorge Railway trip would be the highlight but no. The shuttle trip around the peninsula exceeded expectations. While it was a wet and overcast afternoon for observing wild life our tour guide really persisted to give us a great experience. Many different birds sighted and the old sea lion then two juveniles and finally a mum sea lion with a baby delighted us. Thanks heaps.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Back2NatureTours
Hi Shirley G, Thanks for your inspiring 5 star review! This tour allows you to explore inland and coastal areas of of Otago - there aren't many tours in NZ that allow you to do this in NZ so we're super happy you enjoyed the experience, particularly out on the Otago Peninsula where we love to take people. You're a Back to Nature Tours Legend, Haste Ye Back!
Written 29 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike G
3 contributions
Great train ride, rushed tour
The train ride to Pukerangi was fantastic. Great scenery and the commentary was both informative and interesting. In Pukerangi there were a few vendors setup which my wife enjoyed looking through and even bought several items. The trip back, while obviously still very scenic was not quite the same as there was almost no commentary. I personally remedied that situation by standing on a small outdoor platform between cars and took pictures since I had a much better idea of what I wanted to capture and where on the way back.

While there were no problems with guided tour of the Otaga Peninsula - our tour guide was right where he said he would be when we returned from the train ride, and was very pleasant and knowledgeable - the train returned later than he originally indicated that it would. This lead to what I felt like was bit of a rushed tour and the elimination of some stops that were "optional" since we were on a cruise ship and had to be back for boarding by a certain time.

All in all, we enjoyed the day and felt like we got our money's worth.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Back2NatureTours
Hi mikegY5, Great to hear you enjoyed your tour in Dunedin. Great idea to stand outside on the train! The train was delayed returning to Dunedin so unfortunately we had to limit the second component of your tour o the Otago Peninsula to make sure you got back to the ship on time. Back to Nature Tours has operated in Dunedin since 1997 and never missed a departing cruise ship:) Have a great 2020!
Written 3 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vonney755
Adelaide, Australia23 contributions
Day trip from cruise ship
Couples
We were excited to finally take our train tour. We had cruised last year and had the train booked but the weather was too bad for the cruise ship to dock in Dunedin and had to by pass it so this cruise we made it The train picked us up directly from the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship and off we went. All the staff on the day were volunteers and they were wonderful and really took care of our every need. They supplied morning tea and a lovely packed lunch and as much drinks all day that we wanted all included. The historic bridges are a spectacular sigh and at the end of the journey out the locals artisans had set up displays of their hand made ware for us to purchase. Then we were taken back to the cruise ship at the end of the day. Well worth the expense and make sure your camera is charged up
Written 22 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
vtowngirl
Vallejo, CA285 contributions
Do it yourself
Friends
The train is vintage and fun (although most of the restrooms were not in operation!). The journey is beautiful with lots of photo ops along the way. The turn around point provided a leg stretch and the locals turned out with plenty hand made items for sale. Go get your lunch early as they sell out of most things. It was often difficult to hear the commentary, but what I could hear was interesting and funny.
Back to Nature Tours picked us up at the cruise terminal, took us to the train station, and picked us up after the train ride for a tour of the Peninsula, however, the van would not start at the station. Instead of immediately sending a new van, they had 3 different people fiddle with it until we were out of time and did not get the opportunity to tour the Peninsula. THEN they sent another van to take us back to the cruise ship.
I would have just taken the shuttle had I known. It wasn't worth the extra expense. You can get a shuttle to/from the train station & buy a ticket for the train independently. Just do that!
Written 2 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Back2NatureTours
Hi Vtowngirl. Thanks for the feedback. Sorry about the van playing up after collecting you from the station. I was one of the three fiddlers so that couldn't fix the problem. In these situations are main priority is to make sure you get back to the ship on time, as you will remember the train was really late that day which added to the lack of time you had to go out onto the peninsula. We're super disappointed that you missed the peninsula, this is really the only tour in any port of call that you will see coastal and inland NZ in one day so if you ever come back get in touch and we'll take you out free of charge - we take full responsibility for messing up, but getting another van and taking you out on the peninsula wouldn't have worked because time was against us. We guarantee to get cruise ship passengers back to the ship on time, we didn't desert you, we made sure you got back on time and fully refunded you. All the best vtowngirl Haste ye Back!
Written 23 April 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul and Teress... W
Chesterfield, UK102 contributions
Wonderful journey
Couples
We took the afternoon train and sat in the old carriages.It was very comfortable and leisurely journey with fantastic views. The commentary was great and a complimentary brochure with the map of the journey.
Written 24 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Back2NatureTours
Hi TMW, Thanks for being part of our journey! Haste ye Back!
Written 23 April 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shazza1972
Brisbane, Australia135 contributions
Wonderful day trip
Couples
The trip to Taieri Gorge on the beautifully restored train was a great day trip. The train is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who make the day pass quickly with fantastic commentary. We caught the train right at the dock at Port Chalmers and had a great ride along the waterfront through to Dunedin and up to the Gorge and back. Amazing scenery and you can stand out on the platforms between carriages to take photos. Well worth it.
Written 26 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cathryn S
Mansfield, UK17 contributions
Good views
Couples
Plenty of good scenery only downside is it's a there and back trip and slightly on the long side, if like us you're only in the area 2 days you may not want to give up half a day
Written 30 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tour07736106642
Hi Cathryn, The train was slightly delayed that day but were glad you still enjoyed your tour with us. There are few tours in New Zealand that allow you to explore the inland and coastal areas of a region - Otago is the biggest in New Zealand and is pretty spectacular;) Haste Ye Back!
Written 12 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RACHEL E
Greensboro, NC21 contributions
Wonderful train ride
Couples
This railway featured spectacular scenery of which we got many great photos, both from within our carriage and from standing outside between cars. Just astonishing. Enjoyed learning about the area and its history/scenery from our well-informed and friendly conductor, and altogether had a great time!
Written 2 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Back2NatureTours
Hi Rachel, Thanks for your feedback. Glad you had a great day in Dunedin:) Haste ye back!
Written 23 April 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather L
Thirroul, New South Wales, Australia57 contributions
Fabulous Day trip.
Couples
This was just a fantastic trip, we did the trip with lunch provided. We had morning tea which was cheese, crackers and wine. Then a great lunch pack was delivered to all and again wine or beer. Morning coffee with a train biscuit. Truly a great mob of folk that all volunteer, thanks heaps.
Written 6 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brian M
Sydney, Australia24 contributions
A most enjoyable day
Couples
Chris picked us up at our motel and drive us to Dunedin Station for the delightful Taieri Gorge rail trip. He then meet us at 1.30 for a wildlife focussed tour of the Otago Peninsula, We saw Sea lions,NZ Fur Seals and Albatross, Beautiful wind swept beaches and Chris' expert commentary made for a very special afternoon. We would highly recommend Back to Nature Tours
Written 11 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2
Showing results 1-10 of 20
About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

By: Back to Nature Tours
282
madelinequah
madelinequah
00
Excellent tour with breathtaking scenic views
Ben, my knowledgable guide started me off with Baldwin Street, then down Otago Uni and around the beautiful Peninsu…
briantorres15
briantorres15
00
Awesome tour!!!
Awesome tour, it was just me, my partner and driver/tour guide/overall friend Ben. He was very knowledgeable about …
118materesal
118materesal
00
Well spent day in Dunedin! It was an awesome experience.
Highly recommended day your - Chris was nice, friendly and very informative. Will definitely recommend this to my …
U4178YAannem
U4178YAannem
00
Beautiful Dunedin
Our tour guide was brilliant. I loved the tour but was a bit disappointed that we didn't have tickets to see the al…
richardtL9568WQ
richardtL9568WQ
00
Otago Peninsula
We were very fortunate to see the both sealions and fur seals on a picture perfect beach on the Otago peninsula.
Cy1175
Cy1175
00
Soaring South Island Scenery
Architectural highlights of Dunedin included Otago University, Railroad station and steepest street in the world. L…
E2493VXaliciar
E2493VXaliciar
00
Fantastic
Our guide Mel was very knowledgeable and humourous. I loved watching the sea lions and penguins. Lanarch Castle the…
petaswan
petaswan
00
Yellow-Eyed Penguins
The tour is a good combination of civilisation - sightseeing in Dunedin and Larnarch Castle - and nature - sea lion…
JLS1125
JLS1125
00
Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit
A near-perfect day in terms of the tour, guide and weather. The tour was well designed with adequate time at each …
JohnWTravel
JohnWTravel
00
Outstanding, educational and scenic, tour
We did this tour during a cruise ship port stop. Our group of 12 was very comfortable in our tour vehicle, and our …
terif413
terif413
00
Amazing Day In Dunedin!
Our day with James was amazing! He was knowledgeable about Dunedin, the indigenous culture and all the wildlife in…
Dolly502014
Dolly502014
00
Half day
Chris picked us up from the ship in a minibus. As he’s lived in Dunedin for a number of years he was very knowledge…
Annie S
Annie S
00
Wonderful experience
The trip began with a very friendly guide meeting us at the port exit. The day got even better from then. The tra…
rma7477
rma7477
00
Nice trip and ride
I would recommend this day excursion as it gives a nice ride and taste of the country side through the area. The tr…
khowlettt
khowlettt
00
Rainy Day in Dunedin
We were only in Dunedin for one day and this tour gave us a good overview of the area. Our guide was very knowledge…