All Port Chalmers Tours & Excursions in 2026

Otago Harbour is home to a diverse range of New Zealand wildlife, including a large colony of albatross at Taiaroa Head. Watch as the birds swoop along the waves from the deck of your vessel on this boat trip heading out from the harbor. Hear local wildlife facts while your skipper guides you around the various points of interest in the area.

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.

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.

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 the highlights of historic Dunedin, second-largest city on the South Island, on a varied half-day tour. Check out the record-holding steepest street in the world, the University of Otago, and Dunedin Railway station, before heading to the windswept, ruggedly beautiful Otago Peninsula. Then, visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, where you’ll have garden access and can opt to take a guided tour inside.

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 with Aircon and a commentary is provided. A full refund is offered 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.

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 highlights on a half-day, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. You'll 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.

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.

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 the city of Dunedin with a knowledgeable local guide who takes you to points of interest where you can stop and have a look around. See the Olveston Garden and the University of Otago. Enjoy views of Otago Harbour from the lookout point on Signal Hill, and visit Baldwin Street. Pickup and drop-off is available from hotels, the cruise port or the Dunedin Railway Station. Numbers are limited to 20 people for a group experience, with personalized attention from your guide.

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. A guided walk at a wildlife sanctuary offers chances to see yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, fur seals, and sea lions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Join a small group for a full-day tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. During the city tour, see landmarks such as the University of Otago and Scottish heritage sites. Next, explore the Otago Peninsula, including Otago Harbour, Larnach Castle (where there will be time for lunch), and the penguin colony and albatross sanctuary at Taiaroa Head. Your tour includes pickup and drop-off in central Dunedin or the port.

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.

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.