Dunedin - Taieri Gorge Train Ride vs White Pass Yukon Train Ride ???

[suncityga]

We have seen a number of CC reviews with photos and YouTube videos of the Taeiri Gorge Train Ride as a shore excursion in Dunedin, but we are still not sure if we should try it.

 

If you have visited Skagway (Alaska) and if you have done the White Pass Yukon Train... how would you compare the Taieri Gorge and the White Pass train rides for scenery and shore excursion value?

 

Thank you ! ! ! :)

[kiwipete]

We have done both and really I would not even begin to compare.

They are both excellent examples of railway engineering in the gold rush days and BOTH very worthy of a visit.

Just enjoy both!

 

We have seen a number of CC reviews with photos and YouTube videos of the Taeiri Gorge Train Ride as a shore excursion in Dunedin, but we are still not sure if we should try it.

 

If you have visited Skagway (Alaska) and if you have done the White Pass Yukon Train... how would you compare the Taieri Gorge and the White Pass train rides for scenery and shore excursion value?

 

Thank you ! ! ! :)

[johndon]

Suncityga

 

We havent done the Skagway trip but have done the Durango to Silverton. The Taieri Gorge trip compares with that.

There are two ways of booking the Taieri Gorge trip, one on the ship and the other direct with the Railway company. The ship tour will cost you approx $195NZD with kids $145NZD. By booking direct with the railways on taieri.co.nz it will cost approx $90 NZD with kids travelling free. The ship train leaves from next to the ship where as if you book with the railways the train leaves from Dunedin Railway Station. The Railways provide a shuttle bus from the ship to Dunedin Railway Station. It was $5NZD each way last April when we were there and for $20 total the bus will take you on a City Tour after the train returns from the Gorge in the afternoon.

There is another train called the "Seasider" which follows the coast from Dunedin to Palmeston. This can also be booked online with the railways. I dont know the cost but it is not as much as the gorge trip. It gets back to Dunedin before the Gorge train

The railway booking does not require payment up front. You collect your tickets from the booking office before boarding the train and pay for them then.

If you require any further info, just post it and I am sure you will get many answers and help.

 

John

[suncityga]

Thank very much ! ! ! We appreciate the feedback.

[sparky-elpaso]

We've been on both and while the scenery was different it was all spectacular.

 

We got on the train at the siding at the dock.

 

 

Saw lots of sheep. :)

 

 

 

 

Seating was at tables for 4 and lunch was included with the RCL excursion. Very nice.

[MrsBBuffalo]

We have done both and will be back in Dunedin in March and are planing to go again! I'd go on the White Pass again too. Both wonderful experiences!

 

One note, from our Celebrity 3/16/13 trip, you can ONLY book thru the ship.

 

Hi to GA!!!! We lived in Chamblee/Tucker and Lawrenceville for 35 yrs.

 

Beth

[Florida gator 1]

We, too, will be on the Solstice March 16th departing from Auckland.

Any explanation as to why the Gorge trip can only be booked as an excursion through the ship?

Any other tips, suggestions, information would be greatly appreciated.

[fairywren]

Yep, when 2 ships are in port they book out both trains, so no public train on those days.

We have the same situation on 27th Feb. :(

 

The website shows which dates can be booked direct and which can only be booked through the cruise company.