Dunedin Railway Station, Dunedin
The Dunedin Railway Station is one of New Zealand’s most impressive architectural landmarks and a must-visit for travelers exploring the South Island. Opened in 1906, the station was designed by architect George Troup in a distinctive Flemish Renaissance style, earning him the nickname “Gingerbread George.” With its ornate detailing, Oamaru limestone facades, and deep basalt-colored masonry, the building stands out as one of the most photographed sites in the country. The clock tower and gables, along with stained-glass windows and arched colonnades, contribute to its fairy tale-like appearance.
Although regular long-distance passenger rail services no longer operate from the station, it remains an active terminal for scenic heritage trains, such as the Taieri Gorge Railway and the Seasider. These excursions offer travelers a chance to journey through dramatic Otago landscapes, from deep gorges to coastal cliffs, all departing from this grand station. Inside, the station’s mosaic tile floor and stained-glass windows highlight the opulence of early 20th-century design, reflecting Dunedin’s former status as a commercial and industrial hub.
Beyond its transport function, the station also serves as a cultural venue. The upper level houses the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and the Otago Art Society galleries, allowing visitors to engage with local history and creativity. Throughout the year, the station’s front lawn and plaza also host events such as fashion shows, food markets, and festivals, making it an active space for community and visitors alike.
Although regular long-distance passenger rail services no longer operate from the station, it remains an active terminal for scenic heritage trains, such as the Taieri Gorge Railway and the Seasider. These excursions offer travelers a chance to journey through dramatic Otago landscapes, from deep gorges to coastal cliffs, all departing from this grand station. Inside, the station’s mosaic tile floor and stained-glass windows highlight the opulence of early 20th-century design, reflecting Dunedin’s former status as a commercial and industrial hub.
Beyond its transport function, the station also serves as a cultural venue. The upper level houses the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and the Otago Art Society galleries, allowing visitors to engage with local history and creativity. Throughout the year, the station’s front lawn and plaza also host events such as fashion shows, food markets, and festivals, making it an active space for community and visitors alike.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dunedin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Dunedin Railway Station on Map
Sight Name: Dunedin Railway Station
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dunedin, New Zealand
Create Your Own Walk in Dunedin
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dunedin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dunedin Introduction Walking Tour
Mark Twain had a way of dressing compliments in sarcasm, and when he visited Dunedin in 1895, he couldn’t resist. Looking around at the Scottish settlement on New Zealand’s southern coast, he quipped: “The people are Scotch. They stopped here on their way from home to heaven-thinking they had arrived.”
The city of Dunedin carries a name that reflects its Scottish roots. The word comes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The city of Dunedin carries a name that reflects its Scottish roots. The word comes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
University of Otago Historical Buildings Walk
The University of Otago, founded in 1869, is New Zealand’s oldest university, and its early buildings remain some of the most distinctive in the country. The story of these structures is tied to Dunedin’s wider history. When gold was discovered in Otago in the 1860s, the city boomed into a wealthy provincial capital, eager to match the institutions of Europe. Education became a central part of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles


