Dunedin Railway Station

Opened in 1906, the once-busy Dunedin Railway Station still services the Taieri Gorge Railway, a scenic journey that extends into the Central Otago countryside. Today the golden age of rail is long over, and now there’s a restaurant on the ground floor, while the upper floor houses the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and the Otago Art Society. The striking venue is also used for special events.

Many sightseeing tours of Dunedin include a stop at the station, and it’s also an easy place to visit independently. Railway lovers can take the return day trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway, which offers spectacular views and marvelous feats of engineering.

• A local farmers market is held in front of the station every Saturday morning. It’s a great place to go if you’re self-catering in Dunedin.

• To learn more about the history of Dunedin and the gold rush that led to the building of the station, visit the nearby Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.

• Sports fans shouldn’t skip a visit to the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, housed in the station building.

The Railway Station is easy to find in central Dunedin, just southeast of the Octagon. Many hotels are located within walking distance of the station. Several bus routes pass through the Octagon, and taxis all know where to go.

The station can be visited year-round, as the building is attractive in all weather, and Taieri Gorge Railway trips run throughout the year. Opening hours are 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 2:30pm Saturday and Sunday.

Lovers of colonial architecture—or just travelers interested in history and New Zealand culture—should also pay a visit to Larnach Castle, located on the Otago Peninsula, a short drive from the Dunedin Railway Station and central city. The beautiful 19th-century house and gardens can be toured, and there’s an upmarket lodge on the premises.