Land Transport

The Drive Is the Point

The honest truth about Coastal Otago is that the road itself is the experience. The whole strategy here is getting off State Highway 1 whenever you can. The coastal detours south of Dunedin through Taieri Mouth and Brighton, then north through Blueskin Rd and Karitane, are genuinely lovely. You meander, you stop, you find beaches. SH1 just doesn't do that for you.

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Taieri Gorge Railway

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4.3 68 reviews

The Train Worth Knowing About

If you're after something different, the Taieri Gorge Railway out of Dunedin is a solid half-day. The gorge scenery is the real thing, and the commentary is actually good. Use promo code RANKERS to save 10% on that one. The railway station building itself is also worth a look even if you're just passing through.

For getting between spots without your own wheels, Catch-a-Bus gets decent marks from people who've used it, and the reviews mention the countryside scenery as part of the appeal. Shuttle options to the airport are also around if you need them at the Dunedin end.