Accusations of 'highway robbery' have been levelled at some tourism operators, after American tourists have allegedly paid more than 200 dollars for train tickets costing 72 dollars.

Talking with the Otago Daily Times yesterday, Taieri George chief executive Murray Bond agreed tourists were charged more, however he was unavailable for comment when 9 local news called this afternoon.

An industry insider believes all the tours are booked in advance on the cruise boats, and prices are nothing to do with local operators, and is just the way it is.