An iconic rail journey through the remote mountain scenery of the world-famous Taieri Gorge. Inspired by the famous Central Otago gold rush of the 1860’s, plans were drawn up for an Otago Central railway line to Cromwell from Dunedin - the largest and richest city in New Zealand at the time. Experience an epic rail journey over white water rapids, towering viaducts and historic tunnels along the remote Taieri Gorge. Your 4 to 4 hours 30 minutes rail journey begins in Dunedin. Enjoy a box lunch as you travel in the comfort of contemporary or heritage carriages, fully enclosed with air conditioning, table seating and panoramic windows. The trains are hauled by powerful 1960s DJ diesel electric locomotives. Detour via Dunedin Railway Station, which is one of the country's most prominent architectural landmarks, taking pride of place in the central city. Continue to the Taieri Gorge, all the way through to Pukerangi Station along the way taking in the magnificent stone and wrought iron viaducts and bridges, with sheer drops plunging down to the river gorge far below. Weave your way through no less than eight tunnels carved into the mountain rock, including the famous Caversham Tunnel which is 1,407 meters long, making it the 3rd longest in the South Island. Traverse the historic Wingatui Viaduct, a marvel of 1880s construction that remains the largest wrought iron structure in New Zealand. Absorb the history, stories and culture of the region with onboard commentary.