Top 20 Experiences in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula
Castle, Coast & City Small Group Tour (8 pax max)
From the soaring spires to the sweeping beaches, experience the best of New Zealand's most fascinating wee city with an experienced local guide. On this small group tour (max. 8 pax) you will visit Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights, including the only castle in the country: Larnach Castle. With an entertaining mix of story telling, beauty, wildlife and charm our tours provide visitors with an unforgettable experience and a fantastic insight into our hometown - Otepoti Dunedin. Auch auf Deutsch!
Clearwater Wildlife - Small Guided Tours (10 max) Otago Peninsula
Fewer People. More Wildlife. A chance to see Yellow-eyed Penguins, NZ sealions, NZ fur seals, Albatross and a wide variety of birdlife, in their natural habitat. Your small, guided tour, of no more than 10 people, will take you to our spectacular, secluded beach. Our private conservation reserve area is on our historic family farm, at Cape Saunders, on the Otago Peninsula. A wild, and untamed, dramatic environment that we are lucky enough to share with some of New Zealand's rarest species. The Clearwater family has deep roots here and is devoted to preserving and enhancing its pristine beauty. Become a part of our shared commitment to protect its natural wildlife habitats. One of the most beautiful coastal headlands and beaches in NZ" Ahipara Luxury Travel NZ
Water Taxi and Shuttle to Larnach Castle
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 8.30 am - 10.30 am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Trips from 11.00 and later leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city.
City Highlights, Larnach Castle & Peninsula Views
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.
Dunedin City, Wildlife and Larnach Castle
Explore spectacular Dunedin city and Otago Peninsula on this full-day small 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 Ballroom Café and visit the beautiful and historic Larnach Castle and Castle garden. We then drive through typically rugged and beautiful Otago wilderness to Hoopers Inlet swamp and near by Allans Beach to observe the unique birdlife and wildlife. We then drive to Taiaroa Head to visit the blue fairy penguin colony at Pilot Beach and the albatross sanctuary.
Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour & Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience
If you are a visitor that truly wants to see and understand the unique ecosystems, wildlife, culture, geology and botany of the Otago Peninsula then join this tour. A tour designed by the Otago Peninsula's longest serving wildlife ranger. We see a variety of wildlife species along the way (Note: seasonal). At Pukekura we have a good chance to see seals nearby & albatross flying overhead. Later we join our Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience tour, see the world's smallest penguin emerging from the sea and walking past us just metres away. Note: Others join us for this experience (max 75) PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALLOWED (no flash) Most tours are led by conservation experts/biologists As a Charitable Trust our aim is to look after our reserve and protect the Otago Peninsula's largest penguin colony. Equally we are committed to making our tours one of the most memorable experiences visitors to New Zealand can have. We were Voted in the top 10 TripAdvisor's Best Experiences in New Zealand 2022.
Small-Group Dunedin Wildlife Cruise
Small group tours, fast custom built vessel. Rachel, owner/operator/skipper has had 18 +years experience skippering and operating commercial vessels in the area. And 14 + years guiding experience. Comfortable cushioned, warm, enclosed cabin, or open outer deck seating. Approx 2 hours duration, if joining from Portobello. Or 1.5 hours if joining from Port Chalmers. -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. -View wading birds and look for penguins sea lions and shags as we cruise past roosting and feeding areas. -See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations. -We cruise around Taiaroa Head, exploring the shallow bays to view fur seals and nesting colonies of shags, albatross, sea birds, marine mammals such as dolphins and more
Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & a Guided Penguin Reserve Tour
You will be joining a small group tour and go to places that bigger buses cannot go. You will have personalised attention and will see the most special parts of Dunedin and Otago peninsula.
Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand
See up to 200 blue penguins returning from sea in the evening! (Generally more penguins are seen over the spring/summer than our autumn or winter months, but we guarantee to see penguins every night!! In the non-breeding months of March to August we often see 20-50 birds each night, however on rare occasions we might see fewer than 10 birds). Extremely close viewing of these birds. Learn about the Māori history of this significant site. Tour includes a special "behind the scenes" look at the reserve and penguin habitat. We are the only blue penguin evening tours that allows photography (but no flash photography) Voted in the top 10 experiences in New Zealand (TripAdvisor 2022). Most tours are led by conservation experts/biologists. Other wildlife often seen (e.g., seals, sealions, albatross)
Albatross, Wildlife and Harbour Cruise
Small group tours, fast custom built vessel. Rachel, owner/operator/skipper has had 18 +years experience skippering and operating commercial vessels in the area. And 14 + years guiding experience. Comfortable cushioned, warm, enclosed cabin, or open outer deck seating. Approx 2 hours duration, if joining from Portobello. Or 1.5 hours if joining from Port Chalmers. -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. -View wading birds and look for penguins sea lions and shags as we cruise past roosting and feeding areas. -See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations. -We cruise around Taiaroa Head, exploring the shallow bays to view fur seals and nesting colonies of shags, albatross, sea birds, marine mammals such as dolphins and more
Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour
Start at Port Chalmers to experience the pure beauty of Dunedin on a fantastic tour of rich heritage, spectacular scenery. You will experience memorable landscape of Otago Peninsula with amazing string of rugged beaches, bays on a Peninsula Drive via Highcliff Road to Larnach Castle. Your tour will include an entry to the garden only of the only castle of New Zealand - Larnach castle. You will stop at the world's steepest street, local lookout point to enjoy the views of city, peninsula and harbor, University of Otago - the oldest New Zeland university, Octagon, Dunedin Railway Station and internationally significant and the oldest botanic garden in New Zealand. In addition you will join a 1 hour guided tour of Olveston historic home. The tour is designed only for small groups, so you will enjoy flexibility and comfort in a small bus. Important: this tour includes entry to castle garden only, to enter the castle building there is an extra cost $NZD20.
Private Tour Dunedin
We are Dunedin specialists in high end tour guiding private tours with years in the industry. We pride ourselves on immaculate vehicles, great guides and drivers and most of all FUN and laughs. Our days are fully customizable - you can choose on the day if you would like an add on from a brewery visit, gin distillery, Larnach Castle or Olveston Historic Home visit OR our amazing Honey and Hive experience. Otherwise we will fill your day in with all things that are popular around our city and even throw in some surprises along the way. Our motto is "start as strangers end as friends".
Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide
A tour with Gregor is like no other. Emerging business award finalist, Tales From Darkest Dunedin and Gregor Campbell, respected historian and expert story teller has been uncovering forgotten events and people in Dunedin's history. He has been featured in newspapers for his finds and recently on the cover of New Zealand Heritage Magazine for his cemetery tours. Gregor is particularly interested in colonial history, the exchanges between Māori Kāi Tahu, the Scottish and the everyday people that came to make a life here, for better or for worse. And now he's your tour guide! Gregor's stories of murder, shipwrecks, discovery, heroes and villains are exclusive to Tales From Darkest Dunedin and weave together to give a greater picture of our city and the lives that brought it to where it is today.
Mainland Peninsula Tour
Enjoy a full-day tour experiencing lovely Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You will see all the city highlights before journeying along the Otago Peninsula, which is full of wildlife and the majestic Larnach Castle (garden entry included, the tour inside the castle can be booked and paid for on the day if required). Also included is a visit to The Opera (Formerly Known as Penguin Place) - learn about the Yellow-Eyed penguin and our conservation efforts to protect them. Guests then move into the rehabilitation centre (when penguins are present) where Yellow-Eyed penguins and other penguin species can be seen up close. Then a short bus trip to the reserve where you are guided on an approximately 2km nature walk (Some steps included and uneven ground). Your local guide has many stories of the area and knows all the best spots and vantage points along the way. There is plenty of time to chat and enjoy the commentary during your small-group tour.
Monarch Wildlife Cruise
Hop aboard our sturdy vessel for a one hour Wildlife Cruise, departing from Wellers Rock Wharf on the Otago Peninsula. You'll travel out through the Otago Harbour to the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross. Have your camera ready as these huge birds soar in from sea, flying past a historic lighthouse as they return to their hillside nests. The skipper will expertly maneuver the boat close to rocky outcrops for great views of the local fur seal population. A short way out to sea and you'll see other albatross and seabird species. Our cruises also frequently spot blue penguins, sea lions and occasionally dolphins! The crew will provide a full commentary during your cruise about the local history, scenery and wildlife spotted along the way. Don't be put off by cool & windy weather. These are often the best conditions for wildlife viewing. Especially when it comes to albatross, they love a brisk southerly wind. Binoculars and warm jackets are provided during your cruise.
Cruise Dunedin City and Castle Tour
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.
Otago Peninsula Scenery and Dunedin City Highlights Tour
Start at Port Chalmers to experience the beauty of Dunedin on a fantastic 5 hour tour of rich heritage, spectacular scenery. You will experience gorgeous and memorable landscape of Otago Peninsula with amazing string of rugged beaches, bays and wildlife. Your knowledgeable guide will show you the most breathtaking views and take you closer to nature and its wildlife. Spend some free time at Royal Albatross Centre: this place offers the world's only mainland colony of Royal Albatross. Here you have the option to either take lunch, explore the visitor center or wander outside (since it's generally pretty windy, you are likely to see flying the largest seabirds!) or watch lazy seals. You will stop at the world's steepest street, First Church, Railway station and will have some free time to explore internationally significant and the oldest botanic garden in New Zealand. The tour is designed only for a small group, to enjoy flexibility, comfort and personalized attention.
Speight Brewery Small Group Guided Tour from Dunedin
Enjoy over 145 years of brewing history as the guides take you through the interactive brewery tour. Learn in a guided small group with a maximum of 15 travelers about all of the ingredients that go into the award-winning brews and hear about the state of the art brewing process used today. The tour ends with a tasting, where you’ll get to enjoy samples of the beer as the knowledgeable guides talk you through the different styles and flavors in the range.
Dunedin Private Fullday Tour with Wildlife & history
Embark on an exclusive private tour, accommodating a maximum of five participants. This intimate setting ensures a personalized experience akin to a private tour, allowing for flexibility and customization. Our meticulously curated itinerary covers all the city’s highlights, providing a comprehensive exploration of Dunedin. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of lifestyle, history, and culture, tracing back to New Zealand’s early periods.
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour
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.