We (Karen and I) had flown in to Dunedin that morning as part of an Air New Zealand 'Mystery Weekend' away. Early afternoon we decided to go on the tourist train up the Taieri Gorge, approximately two hours each way and leaving Dunedin at 2.30pm. Tickets cost $61 to Pukerangi which is as far as the train travels most days. Once or twice a week it goes on to Middlemarch.

This excursion is popular with foreign tourists, and with good reason. It's a comfortable ride, passes through very pleasant scenery, and passengers are kept well-informed by a very congenial 'commentator'. I spent a fair bit of time on the outside platform enjoying the view and, in usual fashion, taking quite a few photographs, a number of which are shown here. Next time you're in Dunedin - a great part of the country to visit - I'd recommend an outing on this train.

- Malcolm Sparrow

• 2.15pm - the railway station in Dunedin
• 3.11pm - approaching one of several viaducts
• 3.12pm - heavily-wooded countryside
• 3.30pm - the Taieri River
• 3.36pm
• 3.38pm

• 3.42pm - picking up a bunch of cyclists en route
• 3.58pm - the river again
• 4.04pm
• 4.06pm
• 4.22pm
• 4.40pm - at Pukerangi, before the return leg

• 4.57pm - into real gorge territory
• 4.59pm - more gorge
• 5.08pm - a brief stop
• 5.09pm - river at that stopping point
• 5.46pm
• 6.24pm - back into central Dunedin