Dunedin Railway Station is a building that makes visitors stop and stare. Designed by George Troup, nicknamed Gingerbread George for his ornate style, and opened in 1906, it combines Flemish Renaissance details with Dunedin's dark basalt and pale Oamaru stone, topped by a clock tower and turrets. Inside, the booking hall has a floor of tiny mosaic tiles that depict a steam locomotive and the station's coat of arms, while stained-glass windows and decorative plasterwork complete a space that feels more like a cathedral than a transport hub. At its height, the station handled hundreds of trains a day, but passenger services have declined, and today it is mainly used by heritage trains and as a venue. Tourist rail journeys such as the gorge and coastal trains depart from here, and the building also hosts, on Saturday mornings, the Otago Farmers Market, which is a good place to sample local food. Even if you do not take a train, a visit to the station is a must for architecture lovers and photographers, and there is no charge to enter the main hall.
How to visit
The station is on Anzac Avenue at the northern edge of the city centre, about a ten-minute walk from the Octagon. Entry to the main concourse is free during opening hours, and you can wander at your own pace. If you plan to join a train journey, arrive early to give yourself time to admire the building. The farmers market runs on Saturday mornings, so plan around it if you want to browse the stalls.
What to expect
The main hall is high, bright and ornate, with plenty to photograph. The mosaic floor is the highlight, and you may need to stand on the balcony to see it properly. Stained-glass windows depict locomotives, and the plasterwork includes cherubs and other decoration. Outside, the platforms are long and quiet when no trains are in, giving views of the station façade. The market, when on, is busy and lively, with stalls of fresh produce, baked goods and coffee.
Making the most of it
Take the time to look up and around, as the details are in the ceilings and corners. Visit early on a market Saturday to avoid crowds. Pair the visit with a ride on the gorge train or a stroll through the nearby streets. Photographers should visit in the morning when light enters through the windows. Combine it with the street art trail, which passes through the nearby warehouse area.
Good to know
The station is a Category 1 heritage building, which means it is protected and maintained as a significant part of the country's history. Its popularity as a photograph subject means it appears on postcards and in guidebooks around the world. The heritage displays and the trains themselves give a sense of the role that trains played in the growth of Dunedin, from the gold rush days to the age of the motor car.
Events and weddings are sometimes held in the building, so occasionally parts of the hall are closed. Check ahead if you have a particular interest in seeing the whole interior. Wheelchair access to the main hall is generally good, though upper levels can be harder to reach, so ask if you need help.
What to expect
The experience
A free visit to a grand early twentieth century station with a mosaic floor, stained glass and a Saturday market.
Best time
Saturday mornings for the farmers market, or weekday mornings for quiet photography.
How long
30-60 minutes
Tips
Look up as well as down, arrive early on market days and allow extra time if you are taking a train.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Architecture and photography lovers and anyone starting a rail trip.
- Families
- Children enjoy the colourful floor and the trains.
- Couples
- A romantic, photogenic stop with a market breakfast on Saturdays.
- Pair with
- The Taieri Gorge Railway or the street art trail nearby.
- Time needed
- 30-60 minutes
Good questions
Is it free to enter the station?+
Yes, the main hall is free to visit during opening hours.
Who designed the station?+
It was designed by George Troup, nicknamed Gingerbread George, and opened in 1906.
Is there a market at the station?+
The Otago Farmers Market is held at the station on Saturday mornings.
Do trains still run from here?+
Heritage and scenic trains depart from the station, though regular commuter services have declined.
How long should I allow?+
Half an hour to an hour for the building, longer if you visit the market or take a train.