THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Climb aboard the Christmas Express at Dunedin Railway Station for a three-and-a-half-hour festive rail adventure to Hindon. Singalongs, characters, a holiday show and professional Santa photos make this an easy, memorable family outing in Otago.
Climb aboard the Christmas Express at Dunedin Railway Station for a three-and-a-half-hour festive rail adventure to Hindon. Singalongs, characters, a holiday show and professional Santa photos make this an easy, memorable family outing in Otago.
Book with Dunedin Railways
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Dunedin Railways · Dunedin, Otago Region
Board the Christmas Express at Dunedin Railway Station and trade screens for songs, stories and scenery on a three-and-a-half-hour round trip from central Dunedin to Hindon in the Otago Region of New Zealand. This seasonal family ride turns a heritage rail journey into a travelling Christmas show: onboard characters and entertainers lead singalongs and activities while the train threads through open farmland and low rolling hills, pausing at Hindon for a one-hour holiday performance. The experience balances theatre and travel. Children meet fairies, elves, Rainbow Rosalind (performing 7 Dec) or Jingle Belle (performing 21 Dec), and—of course—Santa, who is available for professional family photos after the train returns to the station. Add the Santa Photo extra at booking to receive an edited digital image the next day. Local food is available from the onboard cafe run by the Precinct team; guests are welcome to bring packed lunches and picnic blankets for the Hindon stop. Practical details matter: check in at Dunedin Railway Station at least 30 minutes before departure and be aboard no later than 15 minutes prior to leave. Seats are arranged at tables of four and are pre-allocated; separate bookings and odd-numbered groups may be split across tables. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Space for prams and large luggage is limited, and children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. What makes this outing special for Otago visitors is its blend of living history and family-focused programming. The Dunedin Railway Station provides a historic portal onto rural landscapes seldom seen from the highway; the staged stop at Hindon gives kids a chance to move, play and enjoy a small-town show in a way a city event cannot replicate. For families seeking a low-stress holiday outing that still feels theatrical, this trip delivers a concentrated, festive escape. Bring comfortable shoes and a rain jacket, dress kids in their favourite Christmas costumes, and plan for outdoor time during the Hindon stop. Accessibility requests are supported—email the operator at [email protected] at least 72 hours before travel. If you want to keep your group together, purchase tickets in one booking so the seating team can try to accommodate you. The Christmas Express is straightforward fun: a scenic round-trip, live entertainment, local food, and a chance to make a holiday memory framed against the breathing landscape of Otago. Parking near the station is pay-and-display with free parking on Sundays; consult the operator's parking guide for details. Weather in Otago can change quickly—dress in layers and bring a compact umbrella. For photographers, window seats facing the countryside toward Hindon often frame the best compositions. Book early for peak dates; these family departures fill quickly and sell out well in advance during busy holiday weekends.
Check in at the Dunedin Railway Station ticketing office at least 30 minutes before departure; boarding closes 15 minutes prior.
Food and drink are not included; local fresh options are available from the onboard cafe operated by the Precinct team and you may bring packed lunches.
Seats are pre-allocated at tables of four; buying tickets in one booking increases the chance of being seated together but is not guaranteed.
Wheelchair access may be available—contact the operator at [email protected] at least 72 hours before travel to discuss requirements.
Storage space onboard is limited; large prams are discouraged—please check with the operator before bringing one.
Santa photos are taken at Dunedin Railway Station after the return; if you purchase the add-on you will receive an edited digital copy the next day.
Dunedin Railways operates scenic passenger rail experiences based in Pukerangi, Otago. The company runs a range of day trips and one-way journeys that showcase South Island landscapes, from coastal cliffs to river gorges. Signature services include the Taieri Gorge trips between Pukerangi and Dunedin, the Victorian and Victorian Extended excursions linking Dunedin and Ōamaru, the Coastal Express, the Seasider, and the Twilight Train. Each scheduled trip highlights specific regional features: passengers travel through the Taieri Gorge and cross historic viaducts, view the winding Taieri River and Wingatui Viaduct, or follow Dunedin’s coastline past Deborah Bay, Blueskin Bay and Pūrākaunui Beach. The Victorian-themed services connect with Ōamaru’s heritage festivals, while the Twilight Train and Seasider offer shorter scenic options and choices that include local brewery stops or extended coastal routes. Dunedin Railways emphasizes immersive storytelling and unhurried travel, allowing guests to disconnect from digital devices and appreciate engineering landmarks, natural scenery and local history. Trains depart and return to established stations such as Pukerangi, Dunedin and Ōamaru, providing convenient access for visitors exploring Otago. The operator is a recognized regional tourism experience featured on reputable travel platforms and collaborates with local communities to highlight cultural events and coastal attractions. Bookings are arranged by trip type—one way or return—and cater to day-trip visitors and longer sightseeing itineraries. This clear range of services, predictable routes, and prominent regional features make Dunedin Railways a practical choice for scenic rail travel in Otago. Timetables and booking details are available through the operator's official channels online.
Book with Dunedin Railways