Our Family Works Youth Buddy Programme is thrilled to be named as the recipient for the Taieri Gorge Rail Walk 2017.
Monica Lindemann, Communication, Marketing & Fundraising Director said, “We are most grateful to The Lions Club of Dunedin South and Dunedin Railways who are passionate about raising funds for youth related organisations”
“Presbyterian Support is very excited to be the recipient for 2017 walk. Funds raised will contribute to purchasing a new van to provide access to healthy, engaging and fun activities for vulnerable children.”
Tickets are $59 per person and must be booked prior to the day. Tickets will sell faster than a speeding train! Book online today, visit Dunedin Station or call 03 477 4449. Dunedin Railways will allocate the seating.
What is the Taieri Gorge Rail Walk?
The walk happens once a year and is on Sunday 7 May 2017. Train leaves Dunedin Railway Station at 8.30am and returns at approximately 3.00pm.
The train trip will take you through part of South Dunedin, Caversham and Green Island most people don’t get to see, then through a couple of tunnels on the way to Wingatui. It will stop briefly to pick up more passengers.
After crossing the farmland of the Taieri Plains it will climb the winding tracks above the Taieri River. There are five spectacular bridges to cross and three more tunnels to disappear into and views of what nature has created over millions of years. If your eyes are sharp enough there is even the odd fault line to observe!
The train stops at Flat Stream, the passengers disembark and begin the 8km (up to two hour) walk back to Deep Stream and Machine Creek. Walkers are picked up again at this point and taken through to Hindon, where everyone can enjoy a sausage sizzle.
Dunedin Railways recommends strong footwear (ideally boots) and bringing wet weather gear, which can be left on the train if not required. A torch for extra light in the tunnels is also recommended.
The route is fairly flat and will appeal to most age groups, however a reasonable level of fitness is required and children under 12 years, are not encouraged because of the narrowness of the rail cuttings and steep fall off from the railway sleepers and ballast.
Bring a water bottle and lunch or snacks. Taieri Gorge will have a buffet car on the train, and walkers are to carry their own water and snacks on the actual walk.