Transport in Dunedin

Dunedin transport divides into rail, road and the one-way scenic tours that carry you on to Queenstown or Te Anau, and the rail side doubles as sightseeing. Heritage trains leave from the ornate Dunedin Railway Station on Anzac Avenue, while the Otago Peninsula, where most of the wildlife is, is a drive away. Both feed into the wider things to do in Dunedin.

Heritage train journeys from Dunedin Railway Station

Dunedin Railway Station is one of the city's best-known heritage buildings and the departure point for the historic Taieri Gorge train. Trains head inland through the gorge, where the line crosses viaducts and runs through hand-carved tunnels, and north along the Otago coast past bays and beaches. A journey such as the Taieri Gorge scenic railway takes several hours, so it works as the main plan for the day rather than a quick hop.

Getting to the Otago Peninsula

The Otago Peninsula is reached by road. The Royal Albatross Centre at Harington Point is a 45 to 50-minute drive from Dunedin city and a 60 to 70-minute drive from Dunedin International Airport, which is worth knowing if you want to see the albatross colony on an arrival or departure day.

On land, Dunedin tours reach the albatross colony and penguin sites, and on the water Dunedin cruises follow the same coast.

One-way transfers from Dunedin to Queenstown and Te Anau

Dunedin to Queenstown and Dunedin to Te Anau are long hauls, and here they come as guided scenic tours rather than plain shuttles: small groups, stops along the way and a hotel drop-off at the far end. The Queenstown route starts at the railway station with a Taieri Gorge train ride, and the Te Anau route runs via the Catlins.

Planning rail and road in one visit

Anzac Avenue helps: the railway station is at number 22 and Emersons Brewery is at number 70, so a train day can finish with a brewery tour in Dunedin food and drinks.

Frequently asked questions

Where do Dunedin's heritage trains leave from?

Dunedin's heritage trains leave from Dunedin Railway Station at 22 Anzac Avenue in central Dunedin.

How far is the Royal Albatross Centre from Dunedin city?

The Royal Albatross Centre at Harington Point is a 45 to 50-minute drive from Dunedin city.

How far is the Royal Albatross Centre from Dunedin Airport?

The Royal Albatross Centre at Harington Point is a 60 to 70-minute drive from Dunedin International Airport.

Can you travel one way from Dunedin to Queenstown or Te Anau?

Guided one-way tours run from Dunedin to Queenstown and to Te Anau, with small groups and a hotel drop-off at the destination.

Are Dunedin train journeys wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair access varies by journey. The Taieri Gorge train offers a wheelchair accessible carriage and lift on request only, because capacity is limited, and the coastal scenic train is listed as wheelchair friendly.

What should you bring on a heritage train journey in Dunedin?

Bring warm, casual clothes and flat shoes for any stops, plus cash for the onboard café, because phone reception on the Taieri Gorge line is limited and cards are not always accepted.

Dunedin transport works best when it is part of the day out: a heritage train from the station, a drive to the peninsula or a scenic one-way tour on to Queenstown.