In short
- An accessible carriage is available but requires advance booking.
- Power wheelchairs face restrictions due to historic carriage sizes.
- Certified assistance dogs are permitted on board.
In this article
The Taieri Gorge Railway operates using classic 1930s heritage carriages. Because of this historic design, standard doors and aisles are narrow. The railway accommodates wheelchair users with a specific accessible carriage.
Can wheelchair users take the train?
Yes, wheelchair users can ride the train by reserving a spot in the accessible carriage.
You must book this carriage in advance. Seating is allocated at the time of booking, and passengers must sit in their assigned spaces.
Are power wheelchairs allowed on the train?
Power wheelchairs might face restrictions on the Taieri Gorge Railway.
The historic 1930s carriages have strict dimensional limits. You must verify that your specific power wheelchair will fit before arriving at the station.
Can I bring a mobility assistance dog?
Yes, certified assistance dogs are allowed on the train.
No other pets are permitted on board. Make sure your assistance dog has the proper certification visible when you arrive at Dunedin Railway Station.
What is the boarding process at Dunedin Railway Station?
Check-in begins 1 hour before departure at Dunedin Railway Station.
Check-in ends exactly 15 minutes before the train leaves. Platform 1 is almost 1 kilometre long. Arriving early gives you plenty of time to find the accessible carriage.
Are there off-train stops for passengers?
The train stops at Deep Stream Bridge and Pukerangi Station.
Disembarking at these stops involves stepping down from the historic carriages. Passengers must follow crew instructions before getting off at the Deep Stream photo stop.
How much are tickets?
Adult return tickets cost $159 NZD.
Child tickets for ages 5 to 15 cost $49 NZD. Infants aged 0 to 4 travel for free. These are starting prices per platform and may change.
Questions travellers ask
Does the train run year-round?
Yes. It operates Thursday to Monday in summer and Friday to Sunday in winter.
Is there mobile reception in case of emergency?
Mobile phone reception is limited or non-existent in the deep gorge areas.
Can I use the open-air viewing platforms?
The train features open-air viewing platforms. However, moving between carriages in a wheelchair may be restricted by the 1930s carriage dimensions.
