Top Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula How to Get Around

Make the most of a short time in Dunedin on this action-packed one-hour V8 trike tour of the city and Otago Peninsula. Starting in the central city, pass some of the most beautiful historic buildings and learn about Dunedin’s culture and heritage. Continue your drive out to the peninsula, where you can enjoy views of hills and beaches, and maybe even spot some birds and wildlife.

Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of the Otago Peninsula on this small-group tour. Don't worry about navigating your way on unfamiliar roads, with your guide driving you there. Enjoy taking in the local wildlife and the chance to see native blue penguins. Ideal for nature-lovers and those looking to take a break from the city.

Enjoy getting out of Dunedin for half a day and traveling to the wildlife-filled Otago Peninsula without the stress of renting a car. Travel out to a conservation area and secluded beach on a headland, where you will look out for yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, albatross, sea lions, and more. The small-group setting means you can ask questions and go at a gentle pace.

Bird and wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this cruise in the Otago Harbour. You don’t have to travel far from the city to get out into the wilderness, as the Otago Peninsula is home to a vast array of wildlife. Spot royal albatross, fur seals, sea lions, blue penguins, cormorants, and more, and learn all about them and their habitat from the crew. Dress warm, as the weather is often cold and blustery here, but this is good wildlife-spotting weather, as the albatross in particular like the wind.

Experience the best of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula without trailing around after a large group when you take an easy small-group shore excursion from Port Chalmers. See city highlights—such as the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and Olveston House on a guided tour featuring all original furnishings—as well as Larnach Castle gardens on the peninsula. Note that entrance to the castle interior is not included.

Explore Dunedin’s highlights in just half a day without running out of time on a small-group shore excursion city tour. Visit historic Olveston House, the University of Otago, and Baldwin Street, officially the world’s steepest street. Enjoy panoramic views from Signal Hill and free time in the Octagon. Transfers are available from the cruise port or Dunedin Railway Station. Group numbers are limited for a personalized experience.

Explore Dunedin highlights on a half-day, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. See the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and more, then continue to the beautiful Otago Peninsula, pausing en route for a walk on St. Clair Beach and esplanade. This tour includes transfers from Port Chalmers, with departure times to suit cruise ship arrivals.

Dunedin City is a wildlife wonderland, and this morning or afternoon cruise is a great way to see these native birds and marine animals close-up. Instead of wearing yourself out on a tramp across the peninsula, cruise through the Otago Harbour and past Taiaroa Head in a custom-built boat with a heated cabin and open deck for scenic photos. Look out for albatross, blue penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and more while listening to onboard commentary from your skipper/guide.

Join us for a three-hour artisan food walk through Dunedin – a delicious deep dive into the city’s culinary soul, rich heritage, and vibrant streetscapes. Explore the historic heart of the city and its emerging foodie suburbs on foot, with a beautiful stroll that weaves through the city’s most charming corners, from heritage architecture to waterfront renewal. Taste your way through Dunedin’s extraordinary food scene: Sample golden, crispy delights at New Zealand’s oldest – and some say finest – fish and chip shop Bite into the country’s most celebrated pies, handcrafted by local butchers with a cult following Sip on botanical gins from the nation’s most sustainable distillery Try a traditional haggis, a nod to the city’s proud Scottish roots – this is the Edinburgh of the South, after all This is more than a food tour – it’s a flavour-filled celebration of Dunedin’s past, present, and future.

A visit to New Zealand is your best chance to see the yellow-eyed penguin, an endangered species native to the country. On this small-group tour, head to the Otago Peninsula to see yellow-eyed penguins, or hoiho penguins, in their natural habitat before exploring a nearby rehabilitation center to see some penguins up close while learning about local conservation efforts.

The Seasider is one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal train journeys, travelling between Dunedin and the charming seaside towns north of the city. This relaxed half-day rail experience reveals breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastal cliffs and sweeping beaches — all best seen from the rails. Departing from the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, the journey follows Otago’s dramatic coastline through ever-changing landscapes. Whether you’re visiting from a cruise ship, exploring Otago, or looking for a memorable local experience, The Seasider offers a unique and comfortable way to see Dunedin from a new perspective.

Escape the crowds and experience the wild side of Dunedin on a small-group wildlife cruise with a maximum of just 18 passengers. Venture beyond the Otago Harbour entrance, where the open ocean meets the dramatic coastline, giving you the opportunity to watch majestic Northern Royal Albatross soaring overhead and resting on the water in their natural environment. Along the way, encounter New Zealand fur seals, sea lions and a remarkable variety of seabirds, with penguins, dolphins and even whales making occasional appearances. Enjoy fascinating live commentary from your local skipper throughout the journey and take in panoramic views from the elevated flybridge or relax in the comfort of the enclosed cabin. With more space, a personal atmosphere and access to spectacular wildlife and scenery, this is an authentic Otago Peninsula experience you'll remember long after you've returned to shore.

Explore Dunedin’s top attractions on this full-day guided tour, starting with photo stops at Dunedin Railways, the University of Otago, and Signal Hill for panoramic views. Walk or snap photos at Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street, and enjoy free time for lunch and shopping at The Octagon. Conclude with a guided tour of the historic Larnach Castle and its award-winning gardens, with time to explore on your own or relax at the Ballroom Cafe.

Be surprised by the rugged natural landscape that’s part of the Dunedin city boundaries on this tour of the Otago Peninsula. Start with a guided tour of New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, and learn all about Dunedin’s early settler history from your guide. Continue further along the peninsula, hopping aboard a wildlife cruise of the Otago Harbour. Spot fur seals, albatross, and maybe even dolphins and penguins while admiring the views.

There’s more to brewing beer than meets the eye, and more to brewery tours than tastings. Learn about beer-brewing history at one of Dunedin’s most iconic breweries—Speight’s Brewery—while a guide takes you through on an interactive tour. As you tour with a small group, there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Beer lovers and anyone interested in local culture and history will enjoy this tour.

Discover Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula on this small-group tour of the area's highlights. Walk up the world’s steepest street, explore the picturesque botanic gardens, and admire grand city architecture. Enjoy a scenic drive around the Otago Peninsula, followed by a guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre, including a short documentary, talk, and a walk to the viewing platform to observe albatrosses up close.

Like most New Zealand cities, Dunedin has a colonial history filled with exchanges between the Māori people and Western settlers. Discover dark tales of murder and shipwrecks, as well as stories of the influential people who shaped the city’s culture on this half-day small-group tour of several of Dunedin’s most popular tourist spots, including Larnach Castle and gardens.

Enjoy a fully guided tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula on this shore excursion from Port Chalmers. See key Dunedin landmarks in the city, such as the historic University of Otago, seriously steep Baldwin Street, and the neo-gothic Dunedin Railway Station. Then head to the Otago Peninsula to explore Larnach Castle on a guided tour, with a table reserved in the Ballroom Cafe for lunch (own expense).

Take off on your scenic cruise down the Southern New Zealand coast to explore all the Catlins Forest Park has to offer. Starting at the Tunnel Beach, you will discover dramatic cliffs and a hand carved tunnel inviting you to the sandy shores. Next, go for a guided walk on the Awakiki Bush Track, a 2.7 km loop that showcases the diverse flora and fauna of Otago, with chances to spot native wildlife. Stop at Kaka Point for a kiwi classic of takeaways at the beach while keeping your eyes peeled for seals along the beach and dolphins in the water. Cap off your journey with a visit to the Nugget Point Lighthouse, where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the coastline and famous rock formations before enjoying the scenic drive back to Dunedin.

Discover Dunedin and the spectacular Otago Peninsula on a relaxed guided small-group tour (max 10 guests) away from crowded bus tours. Highlights include: • Dunedin Railway Station • Baldwin Street – the world’s steepest street • Explore Larnach Castle Gardens (castle interior entry not included) • Sandfly Bay coastal scenery, beaches, cliffs, sheep & cattle farmland • Look out for New Zealand sea lions along the coastline • Visit the Royal Albatross Centre area (observatory tour not included) • Scenic Otago Peninsula coastal drive • Friendly local guided commentary throughout the journey Designed for cruise passengers, nature lovers, and travelers seeking a more personal Dunedin experience.

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky Kiwi means you’ll experience the very best of Central Otago in a way that’s personal, luxurious, and unforgettable. Most tours are about getting from A to B. Ours is about everything in between. From the moment you board the historic Taieri Gorge Train in Dunedin, you’re immersed in a world of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and thoughtful stops that showcase Central Otago’s hidden gems.

Be amazed by the abundance of wildlife so close to Dunedin city on this small-group cruise in Otago Harbour. Board at Port Chalmers or Portobello and enjoy the comfort of a small boat with indoor and outdoor seating areas. Look out for penguins, sea lions, and shags, as well as heritage sites in the harbor. Choose from late-morning, early afternoon, or late-afternoon departures to suit your schedule.

Dunedins most popular 1 hour tour which departs from the cruise ship shuttle area on cruise days. We take you for a locals view of our city outskirts giving you a fun commentary along route as well as making stops to see the sights of the worlds steepest street, and an amazing lookout over the city ( weather permitting) if the weather is bad we will stop at the Botanic Gardens. Join us for the famous Quickie Tour today! This is a great tour to get yourself orientated so you can explore other areas of interest in the city centre at your leisure.