Ocean Beach Railway

Ocean Beach Railway is a heritage train line beside the beach in Saint Kilda, Dunedin, running along a track of about 900 meters. The route goes between John Wilson Drive and Moana Rua Road and carries passengers in original carriages and locomotives from different periods.

The New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society bought a steam locomotive from Otago Harbour in 1960, starting the country's railway preservation movement. This action marked the beginning of organized efforts to protect and restore historical train equipment in New Zealand.

The name comes from its location beside the beach, where historical locomotives and carriages from different eras of New Zealand's railways are on display. Visitors see different types of vehicles during rides that show how train transport evolved in the country.

Train rides operate mainly on Sundays during summer months, typically from Labour Weekend to Anzac Weekend, with departures between mid-morning and late afternoon. Visitors should arrive early to ensure a place on the train, as spots fill up on popular days.

Among the equipment is a hand-operated crane from 1874, one of the oldest working devices on the site and rarely noticed by visitors. This gear shows manual techniques from the steam locomotive era that most people overlook.

Location: Dunedin City

GPS coordinates: -45.90690,170.51000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:47