Roundtrip train travel from dockside in Port Chalmers, a Princess exclusive, makes this Taieri Gorge Railway trip as convenient as it is scenic. And, as one of the world's great train journeys, it's a must for any rail buff. Sit back and take it all in through panoramic windows as your imagination conjures the prospectors and pioneers who passed this way before you. Enjoy morning tea, a light picnic lunch served along the way with continuous refreshments and take in the open-air viewing platforms.

Travel in the comfort of vintage or contemporary carriages, as you experience an amazing variety of landscapes of the city, farmland, forests and the wild Taieri River Gorge. Taieri Gorge Railway carriages are fully enclosed and have heating. Trains include heritage carriages dating back to the 1920s and featuring opening sash windows, wooden trim; and/or panorama carriages featuring panoramic windows. The trains are pulled by classic 1960s DJ diesel electric locomotives.

Cross magnificent stone and wrought iron viaducts and bridges, and gasp at the sheer drops to the river below. Plunge into ten tunnels with the schist rock walls only inches from the side of the train. Disembark at points of interest to take photographs (weather, time and operational conditions permitting). The track glides across awesome Wingatui Viaduct, a marvel of 1880's construction that remains the largest wrought iron structure in New Zealand.

The views through the panoramic windows will keep you on the edge of your seat and the lively onboard commentary will enhance every passing sight. Learn the lore of the central Otago region, from its colorful gold rush days, through to the emergence of the train as a modern-day tourist excursion.

Continuing across curving bridges, you'll pass crossing stations and a popular picnickers stop before emerging from the gorge near Pukerangi, the turn-around point for your railway adventure.

As your train pulls into the historic Dunedin Railway Station, get ready to step into the grandest "gingerbread house" you'll ever see. Nicknamed "Gingerbread Gorge" after its architect George Troup, this elaborately decorated building boasts a mosaic floor of almost 750,000 porcelain tiles, among many ornate embellishments. After this short stop, re-board the train for the continuation of your rail trip to Port Chalmers and your waiting ship.