They told us to be prompt so we wouldn't miss the train. So we and about 50 other cruiser arrived early and were given bus numbers. We thought that we would get right on a bus to the train station. There were three buses that they pre assigned bus numbers to. So we had to wait until others on our buss arrived. So, all three buses were delayed because of delayed passengers. Those of us who arrived early had to wait for late passengers on our assigned bus. So we missed the train. What they should have done was load the buses as the passengers arrived and checked off our names. But, instead each passenger was assigned a specific bus and had to wait for the later comers. Let the late comers get on the last bus and they would clearly understand why they missed the train. But for us who arrived early had to suffer because we were on a predetermined bus and had to wait. Then we were stuck on a long bus trip to catch up with the train. Terrible experience. Because the train ride was amazing I will give this two stars. Rude people and very disorganized. The bus driver could not be heard in the back of the bus and apparently didn't care.

Wonderful train ride. We were there in mid December and the hills were covered with yellow Scott Blooms. It was a spectacular sight. I was told that this only last a couple of months. So if you can time your visit, it will be great.

Had a wonderful day, enjoyed every moment of it. Our bus driver, Bill, was very knowledgeable about the area. Can highly recommend this tour.

The railway tour was excellent and good value, it was a quick tour around Dunedin not a lot really to see

The following is the full review we have posted on TripAdvisor following our day out on the Taieri Gorge Railway.

Although we enjoyed the Taieri Gorge Railway, it wasnt as good as it had been built up to be.
We always attempt to give fair and honest reviews and realise and accept that there may be several factors for our reluctance in giving this adventure an excellent rating.
Firstly it was raining off and on which obviously reduced the long-distance visibility.
It was therefore a disappointment not to be able to enjoy the distant sights which we had been led to believe were fabulously scenic as the trip had been described by some people as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.
Added to that is the fact that we have been fortunate enough to have experienced some fabulous scenic railway journeys, so maybe we were with hindsight expecting too much.
In saying all of that, there were many positives to the day as we met some lovely people on the train including a Fireman and his wife from Adelaide, the pies and beer were really tasty, the commentary was entertaining, the history of the Taieri railway was fascinating and we are glad we did not miss the trip. In addition to all that we booked the trip independently through Canterbury Leisure Tours via Viator at a far lesser rate than what our cruise ship wanted.
We had a good day and hope this review doesnt put people off.

Train tour was great just very long....unfortunately the tour was cut short due to our train being delayed which cut our city tour.

great trip on the vintage train up a beautiful valley

Ship late arriving in Dunedin and by that time the train had departed. Not a problem the company Canterbury Leisure Tours had arranged a bus to take us up to where train turned around for return journey. It really was a better alternative and the route provided different scenery. Train ride back to Dunedin fantastic, cafe car provided good food, great day, well done to all involved.

What a fabulous ride on this beautiful train. We enjoyed every minute on this lovely heritage train throu the beautiful Taieri Gorge. And at half the price as the same trip offered by the cruise ship it was also great value for the money.

If you really want to get a true sense of the country take this tour. Well narrated, interesting city and country reflecting thousands of years of history.