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14 Day Australia - New Zealand Cruise
Sydney, Australia - Auckland, New Zealand
Celebrity Millennium

Taieri Gorge Railway
Dunedin, New Zealand
Day 10 - Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The Taieri Gorge Limited train is Dunedin's prestige tourist train operating from the historic Railway Station. Departing daily (except Christmas day) it takes you on a journey through the rugged and spectacular Taieri River Gorge, across wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago.

The shore excursion with the Taieri Gorge train to Pukerangi is one of the most popular throughout New Zealand and offers you a very convenient way to see the spectacular rugged scenery of the Taieri Gorge. You can book this exclusive package as part of your cruise!

By the time your ship arrives at Port Chalmers/Dunedin, the Train will be waiting for you at the wharf, ready to depart into one of the most scenic experiences on your cruise.

Enjoy the sights of Dunedin as you travel along Otago Harbour on your outward journey into the Taieri Gorge. For your comfort not every seat is used in your carriage so that you may enjoy that little bit of extra space.

You will be hosted by crew members who are amongst a team of award winning voluntary staff members. They will cater to your every need during the entire trip and be on hand to answer any of your questions. The trip includes morning tea or coffee, continuous drinks service of local beers, soft drinks or water followed by a light picnic lunch served with a choice of delicious South Island wines.

On the way back to your cruise ship you may decide to disembark at the Dunedin Railway Station to have a look around town and make your own way back to the cruise ship. Some ships also offer the Taieri Gorge excursion in conjuction with other attractions. If you book on one of these tours you will transfer to coaches at the Station to continue your Dunedin adventure.

WHY TAKE THE SHORE EXCURSION?

Departs from the wharf alongside the ship (the public train departs from Dunedin Railway Station 12km from the wharf)
Included is morning tea, drinks service throughout the trip and a picnic style lunch.
The trip includes table service
Not every seat is filled allowing more space and room to move
Trip is risk free with the ship waiting if the train is late
Everything is organised for you
Train generally has a carriage with a lift for disabled or less mobile passengers
Train returns to the wharf or allows passengers to disembark at the historic Dunedin Railway Station to explore the city
Is not affected by the weather
One of the few shore excursions to experience the spectacular inland scenery in New Zealand
Trip includes sightseeing stops
Outside viewing platforms on many carriages

THIS TOUR CAN ONLY BE BOOKED THROUGH YOUR CRUISE COMPANY:

Pick up and drop off at the wharf is included in this journey
Individual cruise ship trips may vary slightly from the described above
You can expect to pay a little more on this journey due to all the extras listed above.

Click on each photo below for a larger image.

Bording The Taieri Gorge Train Right At The Port

Shirley & Irving Cepinko, Barbara's Parents.

Barbara Cepinko, My Wife.

Information on The Taieri Gorge Railway

Riding The Taieri Gorge Railway

Champagne & Mirmosa served on the train.

Coffee served on the train.

New Zealand Scenery Along The Route

Having a local New Zealand Brew On The Train.

The Conductor's Seat.

Stopping At A Scenic Spot On The Route

Barbara, my wife, disembarking at a scenic spot along the route.

Steve Grande (me) and Barbara Cepinko (my wife).

Barbara And Everyone Getting Back On The Train

Going Through The Gorge On The Train

Irving Cepinko, Barbara's Dad.

Shirley Cepinko, Barbara's Mom.

Continuing Through The Gorge

A Toilet On The Train.

Left: Manual Switch By The Tracks.
Right: Manual Train Brake.

Steps Off The Train.

Barbara Stepping Off The Train.

Pukerangi - End Of The Line

At this point the locomotives disconnect from one end the train and are switched around to the other end of the train. This is the end of the line for this trip. Thus the engines need to be placed at the other end of the train for our return trip back on the same tracks that we took to get here.