These winter school holidays, the New Zealand International Science Festival is excited to bring you a Science Show... on the Taieri Gorge Train! All the way to Hindon and back, get hands-on with experiments and crafts exploring physics, engineering, forensics and more, all made possible by the moving train. Bring a picnic lunch for a stopover at the historic Hindon station and enjoy the onboard café run by Precinct. The show content is designed for 5-12 year olds, but we'll have some activities available for younger siblings and plenty for older kids and adults to take part in too. Don't miss this unforgettable journey running two days only!

FAQ:

What age is the show for?
The show content is designed for ~5-12 year olds, but we'll have some activities available for younger siblings and plenty for older kids and adults to take part in too.

Do infants need a ticket?
Children under 2 years old do not require a paid ticket, but a seat is not guaranteed so they may have to be on the lap of an adult for the duration of the trip.

What time do I need to be at the station?

We recommend you be ready on the platform no later than 9:30am. And you might want to be there even earlier because we are hoping to have some pretty interesting things to see...

How long is the trip?
The train will departs at 10am sharp and gets back at 2pm, with a picnic lunch break in between at Hindon. Experiments and crafts will occur throughout the voyage.

What if it's raining?
If the weather isn't favourable, we'll stay onboard instead of disembarking at Hindon and you'll be able to have your picnic lunch in the carriage. In this instance, we may choose to return slightly earlier - but you'll still get the full science show!

Are there wheelchair-accessible seats available?
There are two wheelchair-accessible tickets available per trip. To book and confirm these, please get in touch at [email protected] or 022 436 9074.

Who is presenting?
Presenters from the New Zealand International Science Festival, the University of Otago Physics Department, The Science of Crime, and Engineering Heritage Otago will be running the experiments and crafts.

Important Information:

• Please wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes. The train carriages are heated but you'll need warm clothes for the stopover at Hindon. Bring a picnic lunch for the family!

• Ticketing is through the Dunedin Railway Station, and has a booking fee for online purchases. To avoid a booking fee, call the train station directly on 022 436 9074, or go there in person!