All Port Chalmers Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

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.

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).

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 regularly at locations with a chance to get off and have a walk around. As well as the regular stops there is an option to go to either Larnach Castle or Sandly bay track whilst on Otago Peninsula Comfortable vehicles with Aircon and a commentary is provided. A full refund is offered if the ship cancels its port call for any reason or if at the conclusion of the tour the customer is dissatisfied with any part of the experience that is an error or omission within the operator's control so long as the issue is raised first with the operator before any other party. (Subject to tripadvisor complying with operator request) Operator reserves the right, without liability, to alter or amend the tour time and destinations to fit in with the time window available for the ship's visit.

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.

Explore New Zealand’s only castle—Larnach Castle—on this half-day small-group tour around Dunedin. Hop aboard an air-conditioned minivan and discover some of the city’s most popular sights, from the steepest street in the world to New Zealand’s most photographed building, before enjoying coastal views of the Pacific Ocean from the scenic Highcliff Road.

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.

Explore Dunedin’s top attractions without hours of itinerary planning on this full-day shore excursion. Take in panoramic views at Signal Hill, walk down 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.

Travelers short on time in Dunedin who want a comprehensive overview of the city and Otago Peninsula will enjoy this half-day small-group tour. After stops at city highlights including Baldwin Street, the University of Otago, and the Octagon, head out to the Otago Peninsula along a scenic road. This is not a guaranteed penguin-viewing experience. Yellow-eyed penguins are wild, extremely rare and free to move throughout a large natural habitat

Make the most of a day on land by exploring Dunedin’s beautiful landscapes and cultural highlights on a shore excursion. After a pickup from Port Chalmers, board the Taieri Gorge Railway at the neo-gothic Dunedin Railway Station for a half-day journey on the historic railway. After, take a comprehensive city tour, seeing the University of Otago, Dunedin Botanical Garden, stately homes, and more before returning to port on time.

Dunedin is where you’ll find New Zealand’s only castle. Ride a water taxi to Macandrew Bay before being shuttled up to the castle on a scenic drive through the Otago Peninsula on this small-group trip. Explore the castle and its colorful gardens, then head to Steamer Basin in Dunedin for a wander around the city.

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.

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.

Observe yellow-eyed penguins and royal albatrosses in their natural habitats on a tour from Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula. Hear informative narration about these native New Zealand birds and enjoy great photo ops from various lookouts. The penguin hides are carefully placed to maximize your chance of seeing the birds in the wild, as this isn’t a center with birds in captivity. Tour includes a brief introductory tour of Dunedin.

This is much more than a ferry crossing-The Port To Port Bike Ferry is the original bike ferry on Otago Harbour. It is often described as the highlight of the Cycle Loop. Its a custom built ferry, with a purpose-built bike rack, allowing your bicycle to be safely loaded while you relax & enjoy the ride. In just 10 scenic minutes, you'll cross Otago Harbour & complete the famous Cycle Loop—a mostly flat, paved ride & one of Dunedin's must-do activities. Your skipper, Rachel, has been operating commercial vessels and guiding visitors on Otago Harbour since 2004. As a passionate local, she shares fascinating stories about the harbour's history, wildlife, working port, shipwrecks, volcanic landscape and hidden gems during the crossing. Port To Port is a family-owned, owner-operated business, so every trip is personal, friendly and professional. It's an opportunity to travel with a local, meet other cyclists and enjoy a genuine Dunedin experience loved by both visitors and locals alike.

On this full-day small-group shore excursion, tour Larnach Castle and look out for local birds and wildlife on a cruise. After a pickup from your cruise ship in Port Chalmers, admire the views on the drive around to the Otago Peninsula. Warm jackets and binoculars are available for your use while spotting royal albatross and New Zealand fur seals on the cruise. Learn more from your guide’s live commentary.

The best of Dunedin in one tour! Start with a scenic ferry crossing from Port Chalmers to the Otago Peninsula, with skipper commentary and views of seabirds, boats, shipwrecks, historic quarantine stations and other harbour highlights. Meet your coach and continue to Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Enjoy approximately 2 hours to explore the castle on a self-guided tour and wander through the beautiful gardens. A café is available in the ballroom for refreshments at your own cost. Continue by coach along the scenic High Cliff Road towards Dunedin, with commentary, local history and spectacular views along the way. In Dunedin City, where the driver will point out local interest points and then drop you off in centre city, you’ll have time to explore, shop or enjoy the city at your own pace. By ferrying one way and coaching the other, you save doubling back, which saves you time, while you see more. Especially and only available for Cruise Ship passengers/Shore Excursion.

See some of Dunedin’s main attractions on this short city tour. Designed for those arriving into Port Chalmers on cruise ships, this tour is open to everyone and only operates on cruise ship days. Take in the views of the city from Signal Hill, visit the Botanic Gardens and see Baldwin Street - the steepest residential street in the world. See impressive architecture including the iconic Octagon and the Railway Station.

Explore the highlights of historic Dunedin, second-largest city on the South Island, on a varied 5.5-hour tour. Check out the record-holding steepest street in the world, the University of Otago, and Dunedin Railway station, before heading to the windswept Otago Peninsula. Then, visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, with garden access and optional guided castle tour.

Enjoy your perfect day exploring the history and heritage of Dunedin City and the landscape of the Otago Peninsula. Your local guide will ensure you leave Dunedin having had a wonderful day in New Zealand's southern City - Dunedin.

Make the most of limited time on land in Dunedin on a small-group shore excursion. After a pickup from Port Chalmers, hop aboard a boat for a nature-filled adventure on the Otago Harbour. Visit a royal albatross breeding colony, watch as New Zealand fur seals swim and play on the rocks, and take in the region’s dramatic scenery. Make use of warm jackets and binoculars on the cruise.

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.

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.