The Taieri Gorge Stargazer - Science Edition

Step aboard the Taieri Gorge Stargazer for a winter evening of rail travel, dining and dark-sky experiences deep within the Taieri Gorge.

Begin with a welcome drink at Dunedin Railway Station before taking your seat for a specially prepared dinner aboard the train. The journey then travels into the Taieri Gorge, where a range of dark-sky experiences await. The main carriage lights are dimmed and you’re immersed in a narrated exploration of the night sky.

At Hindon, you can choose from a range of experiences including guided stargazing with Winterstellar, astronomy talks and storytelling from Tūhura Otago Museum, or a short astrophotography film. Warm dessert will also be served while you explore the site.

Two departures are available this winter. The 9 July departure celebrates Matariki and the significance of the Māori New Year, while the 24 July departure explores the night sky through a contemporary scientific lens.

As the train returns to Dunedin, settle back and enjoy the relaxing journey home with a mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand.

Don’t miss out on this unique winter rail experience celebrating one of Otago’s greatest natural wonders, the night sky.

What's included

• Atmospheric return journey to Hindon
• Sparkling wine on arrival
• Gourmet dinner served onboard
• Guided stargazing and astrophotography talks
• Matariki and astronomy fireside chats
• Dessert service

What's not included
Mulled wine, hot chocolate, and additional food and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Highlights

• Immersive, atmospheric narrated rail journey
• Expert-guided stargazing at one of Otago’s dark-sky locations
• Gourmet onboard dinner with a welcome drink
• Intimate, adults-focused winter experience

Pricing
Adult tickets: $309+booking fee
Your ticket includes a welcome drink, gourmet dinner and access to all of the activities at Hindon.

Additional Information

Check-in details
Check-in opens 90 minutes before departure and closes 30 minutes prior to departure at Dunedin Railway Station. You must be checked in and boarded by 5:45pm to be served dinner at 6pm before departure at 6:30pm.

What to bring

• Very warm, layered clothing + wet weather gear
• Closed footwear suitable for cold outdoor conditions
• Red light torch or headlamp (recommended)
• Small telescope or binoculars (optional)

Special requirementsVegan and gluten-free menu options are available on request.

Restrictions
Only red lights to be used during the stargazing experience; avoid white-light torches and flash photography during telescope viewing. Service is not suitable for people with mobility issues.

Extras
A selection of additional drinks and snacks (including mulled wine and hot chocolate) available to purchase onboard.

Disclaimers
This is a weather-dependent astronomy experience; visibility of stars and celestial objects cannot be guaranteed. To preserve night-sky visibility for all guests, only red lights should be used during stargazing and white-light torches and flash photography are discouraged.

Visit our website for more information and to make your booking.

Mānawatia a Matariki!