Things to Do in Port Chalmers

If you want easy access to Dunedin's most popular attractions or some various unknown locals only attractions. I own this business and take great pleasure in giving my clients the best day we can Greate in the short time we have to discover Dunedin city and surrounds.

Its a mini tour of the harbour as we cross from one side to the other. The scenery is stunning, there are many birds to see on the way. The skipper gives a commentary about the history and volcanic nature of the area, as well as the other interesting aspects we see on the way. Comfortable custom built vessel, cushioned seats, heated cabin.

Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored exclusively for your group of up to six passengers. A knowledgeable driver-guide will show you the city’s best spots in the comfort of a spacious van, giving you the flexibility to spend as much time as you like at each stop. A larger group option is also available. Take a scenic drive through Dunedin and along the Otago Peninsula, soaking in some of the region’s most breathtaking views. Your tour includes a stop at the Royal Albatross Centre (about 1 hour), home to the world’s only mainland colony of Royal Albatross. Here, you can enjoy lunch, explore the visitor centre, or step outside to see these magnificent seabirds in flight — and maybe spot nearby seals! On the return journey via Portobello Road along the harbour, keep an eye out for wading birds. With this tour, you have the freedom to create a truly memorable experience, customised to suit your group’s interests.

We meet you at the Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal for the 'Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour' Stops include: -Dunedin Railway Station (most photographed building in NZ) -Baldwin Street (world's steepest street) -Otago University (NZ's oldest University) -Signal Hill Lookout -Heritage Buildings Plus more After the 'City Highlights Tour' we drop you off at the Octagon in the City Centre. You will have 1 hour of free time for lunch & shopping. Meridian Shopping Mall is 2 blocks away with a Food Court. After lunch we depart on the journey up to the Castle. We take in the magnificent views of the peninsula and make a quick stop at a lookout for a great photo opportunity. On arrival we take you on a guided tour of the Castle with time afterwards to do some of your own exploring or check out the award-winning gardens. You also have the option to visit the Ballroom Cafe for refreshments. ($48 NZD Larnach Castle/Gardens entry fee is included in our tour price) No hidden fees.

Enjoy a personalized small group tour of Larnach Castle and Dunedin City. This is a 6 hour fully guided tour that lets you explore Dunedin and Larnach Castle at a leisurely pace. Included is a fully guided tour of Larnach Castle's unique interior. Chilled spring water is provided complimentary to those who bring their own re-useable water bottles. The tour takes in many interesting buildings and landmarks in Dunedin city such as the Larnach family tomb, the old University and all the main city attractions. The drive to Larnach Castle offers spectacular views from the Otago Peninsula with a lookout stop along the way. On arrival at Larnach Castle, your table will be reserved for lunch at the Ballroom cafe (lunch is own cost). After lunch and the guided tour inside the Castle, your guide will also take you through the award winning gardens offering fantastic views over the Otago Harbour.

A tour that "cruise" the city of Dunedin and Larnach Castle. Sit back and relax and let Horizon Tours introduce you to Dunedin and its iconic buildings and landmarks. ​ Pick up is from Port Chalmers and en-route to Dunedin City we'll see the world's steepest street, Baldwin Street, our covered Sports Stadium and the University campus. After stretching our legs at Baldwin Street we make our way towards the city centre to learn more about the city's history and view some of Dunedin's iconic landmarks including the Railway Station, Law Court House, First Church of Otago and other historic buildings in the city centre. ​ We next drive along the picturesque Otago Peninsula en-route to Larnach Castle where guests will have up to 90 mins of free time exploring the castle and gardens, maybe grab a cup of tea from the castle cafe. After Larnach Castle we may have some free time to see more of the city centre before making our way back to the cruise ship.

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago Harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more. Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat. Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration. -Full professional amplified commentary -Quality binoculars provided. -Bathroom onboard, heated cabin -Learn about historic Quarantine Stations and old shipwrecks. -See and learn about the fishing boats, workboats, dredges and ships as we pass Port Chalmers and Careys Bay. -Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas. -See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations. -Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.

Join our guide for a personalised tour of Larnach Castle and learn about Dunedin's early history along the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Otago Peninsula, the Otago Harbour and our rugged coastline as your bus travels across it's volcanic countryside. Your guide will give a full commentary throughout your journey. Hop aboard a special Wildlife Cruise experience and find out why Dunedin is known as the Nature Capital of New Zealand. Spot royal albatross, fur seals, historic lighthouses and so much more!

A relaxed and friendly small group tour (max. 8 pax) showing you Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights, including a tour of the only castle in the country: Larnach Castle. With an entertaining mix of storytelling, photo ops, scenery, and charm, our tours provide visitors with an unforgettable experience and a fantastic insight into our hometown - Otepoti Dunedin. Auch auf Deutsch!

Rated as one of the top 10 experiences in NZ in 2025 by Tripadvisor! The Clearwater family farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin. A chance to see yellow-eyed penguins, NZ sealions, NZ fur seals & pups, albatross, and a wide variety of sea & wading birds, in their natural habitat. The Clearwater family have been the caretakers of the pristine land a wild & untamed, dramatic environment that we are lucky enough to share with some of NZ's rarest species. Not accessible to the public, our working farm envelops one of the most beautiful coastal headlands & beaches in NZ. Your private tour will be guided by an experienced & knowledgeable local guide. Commentary on the tour also includes local history & Dunedin city highlights. Our comfortable 4WD vehicles are all air conditioned & we provide quality Nikon binoculars & wind & rain proof jackets. We recommend a 15-minute stop to purchase coffee, food or snacks as there are no food stops along the way.

With this tour, you will enjoy a small-group experience with personalised attention while discovering the beauty of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You’ll also avoid wasting time waiting for a large group to get on and off the bus. You’ll be introduced to the city in the best possible way, with an itinerary designed to make the most of your time. See Dunedin’s key highlights and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Otago Peninsula via Highcliff Road — a route not suitable for larger buses, giving you a more exclusive experience. Your tour also includes a one-hour guided experience at the Royal Albatross Centre. This begins with a short documentary and an informative talk about the albatross, followed by a walk to the viewing platform, where you’ll spend around 30 minutes observing the nesting area and seeing these magnificent birds gliding up close. Please note that the walk to the viewing platform takes approximately five minutes uphill.

Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored just for your group of up to 6 passengers. A knowledgeable driver - guide will show you the best spots in Dunedin in a private vehicle. You will be very flexible to spend any amount of time at all the stops. Scenic drive from Port Chalmers through the countryside road to the city. Suggested stops are: Baldwin Street, Signal Hill Lookout Point, upper Botanic Garden with bird aviaries, Otago University, Octagon, First Church, Dunedin Railway station, Olveston House. Continue with a scenic drive onto Otago Peninsula with the most breathtaking views. Stop for a drink and a short stroll at Glenfalloch gardens or St Clair Beach. You will be flexible and will have a great choice to create a memorable tour to suit your interests.

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more. Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat. Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration. -Fully commentated. -Quality binoculars provided. -We pass by the historic Quarantine Stations and old shipwrecks. -See and learn about the fishing boats, workboats, dredges and ships as we pass Port Chalmers and Careys Bay. -Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas. -See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations. -Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.

Enjoy a guided tour of Dunedin city, take in the highlights and enjoy a café lunch in a lovely garden setting. This 5 hour tour explores the city before heading out onto the stunning Otago peninsula. A visit to Larnach Castle , New Zealand's only castle is a must see. There is a café here which has tea coffee and a variety of food on offer. Then spend the rest of the visit enjoying the very extensive gardens. (Admission to the gardens is included. The tour inside castle can be booked and paid on the day). During the tour you will view some outstanding scenery that we have on offer here in paradise (AKA Dunedin). There are fantastic photo opportunities during the tour.

Discover top attractions and iconic sites and lookouts around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take in key sites of interest such as the World famous Baldwin Street, University of Otago, Olveston Homestead gardens and Dunedin's Grand Railway Station. Awesome lookouts over Otago Harbour and from Signal Hill. Visit the Octagon (city centre) for some shopping and a bite to eat. All transport to and from the cruise ship wharf is included. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 20 people. Daily departures are available for cruise passengers and city-based passengers.

The quickest and most fun option to get to see New Zealands only castle. A fast water taxi ride across the beautiful Otago Harbour to Macandrew Bay, a small seaside village on the Otago Peninsula. Here you transfer to our executive shuttle van for your scenic drive up the hill to the castle. Your entry fee to the castle and gardens is included in your fare. You'll have an hour and a half to explore the castle and gardens. You'll then be brought back down to the harbour, for your second water taxi ride into Steamer Basin, in the heart of Dunedin. From Steamer Basin it's a short 5 minute walk to the iconic Dunedin Railway Station and Toitu, the Settlers Museum. This is also the departure point for the Cruise ship shuttles that return to Port. Please note- Trips from 9.00am to 11.15am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Trips from 12.00 and 12.45pm leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city. All trips conclude in Dunedin City except the 11.15am trip that returns to Port Chalmers at 2.15pm

With this tour, you will experience the pure beauty of Dunedin through a journey rich in heritage, spectacular scenery, and memorable highlights. You’ll explore the stunning Otago Peninsula via scenic Highcliff Road, with its rugged beaches and bays, and visit the gardens of New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle. Along the way, you’ll visit some of Dunedin’s most iconic locations: • Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street • A local lookout point with panoramic views of the city, harbour, and peninsula • The University of Otago — New Zealand’s oldest university • The Octagon • Dunedin Railway Station • The Dunedin Botanic Garden — internationally significant and the oldest in the country In addition, you will join a one-hour guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, one of Dunedin’s true treasures. Every piece inside the house is original, offering an intimate glimpse into the life of the family who once lived there.

This is a short tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers but anyone can participate so long as it is a cruise ship day. The tour stops at all locations mentioned with a chance to get off and have a walk around. Comfortable vehicles and a commentary is provided. A full refund will be offered if at the conclusion of the tour the customer is dissatisfied with any part of the experience that is within the operator's control so long as the issue is raised first with the operator before any third party. (Subject to tripadvisor complying with operator request)

Take in the best of Dunedin City on this 3-hour, small-group tour. Ride in the comfy, safe van to the highest vantage points, around heritage buildings, and view the white sand beaches of Dunedin. You'll visit the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, the world's steepest street, and a lot more. Take great photos from the best spots and learn as the expert commentary from your local guide gives you a real feel for the past and present of New Zealand's first city. Enjoy free pickup and drop-off from your cruise port, your hotel, or in town for either the morning (9am) or afternoon (1pm) tour. Group size is limited to 12 people.

Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin, Little Blue Penguins and NZ Fur seals in the wild. Specially designed hides allow for close viewing of Yellow Eyed Penguins in their nesting habitat *please note the penguins are not kept in captivity in the reserve and they may not always be visible from the hides. A visit to the penguin rehabilitation hospital is also included in this tour. This tour also visits the Royal Albatross Colony for a guided tour of the nesting area. Lookouts, photo stops and full commentary provided throughout. Also included is a brief tour of Dunedin's main city sights.

Explore Historical Dunedin city and spectacular Otago Peninsula on this full-day mini group tour. Visit Baldwin St (steepest street in the world), the University of Otago and Dunedin’s famous Scottish heritage sites. Then we will travel alongside the picturesque Otago harbor and take a lunch break at Larnach Castle Ballroom Café and visit the beautiful Larnach Castle and Castle garden. We then drive through rugged Otago wilderness to Hoopers Inlet and near by Allans Beach to observe the unique birdlife and wildlife.

Start at Port Chalmers and discover the beauty of Dunedin on a unique 5–6 hour tour combining rich heritage, spectacular scenery, and exclusive wildlife experiences. What makes this tour special is the chance to explore the stunning Otago Peninsula up close, with its rugged beaches, bays, and abundant wildlife, all guided by an expert who shares local insights and highlights the most breathtaking viewpoints. Enjoy about an hour at the Royal Albatross Centre, home to the world’s only mainland colony of Royal Albatross. Here, you can relax with lunch at the café, explore the visitor centre, or step outside to see these magnificent seabirds in flight and observe nearby seals — a truly rare and memorable experience. The tour also features Dunedin’s city highlights and, being designed for small groups, provides flexibility, comfort, and personalised attention — making it an unforgettable way to experience both the city and the Otago Peninsula.

Join our group tour of Otago Harbour on our latest vessel, "Adagio" Fast, safe, and comfortable, you will see more of our beautiful harbor with its extensive history and abundant wildlife. Your skipper and guide will give you a commentary along the way, pointing out places of interest and facts about the wildlife you will encounter. The main attraction, of course, is the albatross colony at Taiaroa Head at the entrance to the harbor. Watch as these magnificent birds glide along the cliff faces and swoop down along the waves, sometimes beside the boat. An experience not to be missed.

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on cruise ship days The tour stops at all locations mentioned with a chance to get off and have a walk around. Comfortable vehicles and a commentary is provided. A full refund will be offered if at the conclusion of the tour the customer is dissatisfied with any part of the experience that is within the operator's control so long as the issue is raised first with the operator before any third party. (Subject to tripadvisor complying with operator request)

Join us for an invigorating wildlife cruise experience. By the time you get back to your ship you’ll know why Dunedin is the Nature Capital of New Zealand. The cruise will travel around beautiful wharves and boatsheds, then through the historic Quarantine Islands. You’ll see the Careys Bay fishing village and its motley collection of boats before continuing along the harbour. Enjoy a nice hot drink and biscuit for morning tea. As you arrive at the entrance to the Otago Harbour you’ll see the tidal Aramoana sandflats and the spectacular volcanic cliffs of Taiaroa Head. You’ll see the royal albatross breeding colony, the only mainland colony in the world. Beneath a picturesque lighthouse you’ll find a large population of fur seals, watch as they swim, play and sleep on rocky platforms close to the boat. A short way out to sea we often spot other species of albatross and seabirds. We sometimes see dolphins, sea lions and blue penguins. Don’t forget your camera!

With this tour, you will enjoy a small-group experience with personalised attention while discovering the beauty of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You’ll also avoid the delays that come with larger groups getting on and off the bus. You’ll be introduced to the city in the best possible way, with an itinerary designed to maximise your time. See Dunedin’s key highlights and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Otago Peninsula via Highcliff Road — a route not suitable for larger buses, offering you a more exclusive and immersive experience. Your tour also includes a 1.5-hour guided walk at OPERA (Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance), where you will visit the Yellow-eyed Penguin habitat, observe a variety of wildlife such as New Zealand fur seals, Little Blue Penguins in their nests, and occasionally sea lions — and with some luck, even Yellow-eyed Penguins. Wildlife viewing varies from day to day, each visit offers something different, as nature decides what you will see.

When your cruise ship docks in Dunedin, take a trip through the spectacular scenery surrounding the Taieri River on board the Taieri Gorge Railway. Travel through tunnels and over viaducts on this train-lover’s shore excursion, and then see Dunedin’s top sights before returning to the Dunedin port. This is one of the most popular shore excursions in New Zealand and has been awarded the TripAdvisors Travellers Choice Award.

Staring dickside, discover Dunedin’s roots when your ship is in port on a shore excursion that takes in the city's central sights and historic Larnach Castle. In the am you will visit Larnach Castle, where admission and a guided tour of the castle has been arranged for your enjoyment. Returning to the central city you will have some free time to explore, get some lunch and maybe doing some shopping. In the pm see Dunedin’s highlights -- including Otago University, botanical gardens, Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world and many historic buildings on a two-hour sightseeing tour prior to being returned to your cruise ship.

We love showing you our city and will always give you a trip to remember - we cannot wait to show you our city. We are very well known, always have immaculate vehicles and very fun knowledgeable guides. The castle is NZ only castle and holds a lot of history as well as a garden of International significance its well worth the visit! We also stop at the Worlds Steepest Street, Signal Hill Lookout for a view over the city as well as taking a stroll in the oldest gardens in NZ - the Botanic Gardens before stopping at the Dunedin Railway Station - NZs most photographed station! You will love the Otago Peninsula - one of the most stunning places you can visit in our city We will have time of stopping and photo taking before entering the castle for a guided tour.

A unique opportunity to experience the very best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer. This shore excursion combines sightseeing of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula with a guided tour of the stunning Larnach Castle and its grounds. Also included is Dunedin’s Chinese Gardens: an authentic Chinese Garden crafted by a team of artisans and craftsman from Dunedin’s sister city of Shanghai. Adjacent to the gardens, explore the Otago Early Settlers Museum with emphasis on the early settlement of Otago.

Experience an authentic local Maori guide. Learn about the interesting history of the area, discover local crafts and gain insights into how Maori lived prior to European arrival. Iconic Tours provide comfortable small group transportation and your friendly driver guide to keep you entertained and add to your local experience. Some excellent photographic opportunities on this tour, especially the lookouts on route, the guided walk with nearby coastal cliffs, and the Moeraki Boulders make for a fascinating subject.

Explore the captivating sights of Dunedin on this comprehensive full-day tour, departing from Port Chalmers. Visit iconic locations like the Octagon, Baldwin Street (the world's steepest street) and enjoy a guided walk through the stunning botanical gardens featuring aviaries with exotic and native birds. The full-day tour includes scenic views from Signal Hill and a stop at St Clair Esplanade. Knowledgeable drivers provide insightful commentary, ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of the region's rich history and culture. Perfect for cruise ship passengers, with flexible pick-up times and options for lunch breaks. - Includes entry to Larnach Castle for self guided tour. - Scenic stops include Baldwin Street and Signal Hill lookout. - Experience a guided walk through botanical gardens. - Knowledgeable local driver/guide.

An unique opportunity to experience the very best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer. This tour combines sightseeing of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula with a guided tour of Larnach Castle and its grounds. Also included are Dunedin’s Chinese Gardens and the Otago Early Settlers Museum.

Private Transport option with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests - SEE THE BEST SPOTS OF YOUR CHOOSING!

Otago’s deep-water port has shaped New Zealand’s history since the 1840s. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore Port Chalmers’ rich maritime heritage, from its origins as the Māori settlement of Kōpūtai to its role in the gold rush era, and its continued importance today. You’ll also discover how its historic architecture, artistic community, and working port atmosphere give this harbourside town its distinctive character. The tour starts at Port Chalmers Maritime Museum, built in 1877 on reclaimed land. You’ll weave through the historic town center, passing the grand Municipal Town Hall, before climbing to a spectacular lookout with panoramic views of Otago Harbour, Quarantine Island, and the Otago Peninsula. The tour ends near the commemorative garden marking the 150th anniversary of the Port Chalmers land purchase.

A custom built boat, with a custom built bike rack, Rachel effortlessly loads your bikes onboard her vessel, so you can ride the Otago Harbour Cycle Loop. A mostly flat, paved and scenic cycleway, a must do when visiting Dunedin. The Port To Port Cycle Ferry is iconic in Dunedin and ensures you can complete the loop in a safe and enjoyable way. Owner skippering and guiding experience on Otago Harbour stretches back to 2004 and is unrivalled by any other company, making your experience safe, unique, exciting and professional. You will receive an explosive live commentary full of local history as you cross.See shipwrecks, birds, boats, volcanic rocks and much more.This is a one woman show and a family owned business. Port to Port's values are reflected in a friendly and professional service loved by locals. Mix with the locals and join Rachel onboard.

Experience Dunedin’s top cruise-ship attraction with a visit to the stunning Larnach Castle and Gardens, enhanced by a beautiful harbour crossing aboard the Port to Port Ferry. This scenic and informative ferry ride shortens road time and adds unforgettable views to your day. Choose to explore Dunedin city by bus before or after your castle visit—an easy way to see the best of the city and the peninsula in one seamless, memorable tour.

Wanting to get from Portobello to Port Chalmers or Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua? Ride with us on "Adagio" the coolest ferry on the harbour. Sit upstairs on the flybridge for the best views while travelling across the beautiful Otago harbour. Our Dunedin Bike Ferry is the best option for crossing the harbour while cyling Te Aka Otakou, the Otago harbour cycleway. We have a flexible schedule, the best boat with an elevated viewing deck, and the cheapest fares.