Dunedin Railway Station
A first-class destination
Ornate and flamboyant, the Dunedin Railway Station is today considered one of the world’s best.
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The significance of Dunedin Railway Station
The beloved Gingerbread House
The railway station is one of Ōtepoti Dunedin’s most prominent architectural landmarks, taking pride of place in the central city. This magnificent Flemish Renaissance-style edifice features white Oamaru limestone facings on black basalt rock, giving it a dramatic air and its characteristic 'gingerbread house’ appearance.
Opulence at scale
Fitted out in the lavish style of the times, the booking hall alone features a mosaic floor of almost 750,000 Minton tiles. The sheer size, grandiose style and rich embellishments of the station earned architect George Troup the nickname of Gingerbread George.
The station was built in 1906, when rail neared its zenith. The architecture reflects the confidence in rail, which grew to the stage where 100 trains departed Dunedin Railway Station each day.
The Dunedin Railway Station is proudly owned and operated by the Dunedin City Council.
What you can do
Explore and snap pictures
Often said to be the country’s most photographed building, the Dunedin Railway Station is open to the public to visit.
Marvel at the ornate interiors, which includes a beautiful mosaic of a locomotive on the booking hall floor, and a locomotive-themed stained glass window.
Patronise the restaurant, gallery and Sports Hall of Fame
A large restaurant takes up part of the ground floor and the upper floor houses an art gallery and the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.
Otago Farmers Market on Saturdays
Time your visit to join the locals at the Saturday morning Otago Farmers Market. Held in the carpark next door, this is where local artisan producers sell all manner of delicious treats as buskers add to the atmosphere.
Take a ride
Book a train trip through the iconic Taieri Gorge - another Tohu Whenua.
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