shore excursions dunedin nz

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Dunedin/Port Chalmers

Shore Excursion NZ will help you get the most out of your Dunedin stop. With the City Sights Shore Excursion offer, you comfort and commentary on the surrounding areas, or book a trip of a lifetime on the Taeri Gorge Train through the beautiful Otago landscape. If none of this takes your fancy step back in time visiting Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle.

About Dunedin

Dunedin is often said to be the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian heritage city in the southern hemisphere – you will feel as though you have stepped back in time in this historic city. Dunedin was founded on the hard toil of whalers, gold miners and migrants from Scotland. The striking architecture is scattered throughout the city and gives Dunedin a distinctive feel you will instantly fall in love with. Also known as The City of Firsts, present–day Dunedin is a city of culture and education that bursts with special vibrancy.

Dunedin, New Zealand

ShoreExcursions.com offers an excellent variety of independent shore excursions in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Explore the Wonders of Dunedin with Captivating Shore Excursions

Uncover the hidden gems of dunedin’s natural beauty.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders of Dunedin, New Zealand, with our extraordinary shore excursions. Discover a world of picturesque beauty and thrilling adventures that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Witness the Majestic Beauty of Otago Peninsula

Embark on a journey to Otago Peninsula, a haven of pristine beauty that boasts stunning coastal views and abundant wildlife. Cruise along the coastline, taking in the awe-inspiring cliffs, rugged beaches, and secluded bays. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins, regal albatrosses, and adorable penguins that call this place their home. Capture these precious moments as you explore the rich biodiversity of this remarkable destination.

Delve into Dunedin’s Rich History and Cultural Heritage

Step back in time and experience the historical and cultural wonders that Dunedin has to offer. Unearth the stories of the past and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming city.

Discover the Architectural Marvels of Dunedin

Take a stroll through Dunedin’s city center and marvel at its remarkable Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Visit the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, known as the “Gingerbread House,” and witness its intricate details and grandeur. Explore the Olveston Historic Home, a time capsule that offers a glimpse into the lives of Dunedin’s early elite. Each step uncovers a new tale, weaving together the rich tapestry of the city’s history.

Indulge Your Palate with Culinary Delights

Dunedin is not only a feast for the eyes but also a haven for food enthusiasts. Experience a culinary adventure like no other, where you can tantalize your taste buds and savor the flavors of this gastronomic paradise.

Taste the Delights of Otago’s Wine Region

Embark on a wine-tasting journey through Otago’s renowned vineyards, nestled amidst the region’s stunning landscapes. Sip on exquisite vintages, crafted with passion and expertise, and let the flavors dance on your palate. Indulge in delectable local produce and gourmet delights as you savor the true essence of New Zealand’s culinary treasures.

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• Shore Excursions

Dunedin Shore Excursions

Explore Dunedin’s famed wildlife and Scottish heritage! Choose from half to full day Dunedin shore excursions covering some of the best places to visit in and around Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula in New Zealand. 

In our full day tours, you will explore Otago Peninsula’s beautifully rugged coasts, beaches, towns, and a wildlife reserve. You can combine it with a relaxing ride on the historic Taieri River Gorge Train or a Dunedin city highlights tour.

Those who do not have enough time, you may join our half day tours. View the stunning beaches of Dunedin and get a chance to encounter rare wildlife along the way. Visit remote hills of the Otago Peninsula and enjoy magnificent views of valleys and farmlands.  Another half day tour takes you around Dunedin City’s highlights where you can admire a large collection of historical buildings.

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Bays, Beaches and Views of Dunedin

• Get breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula from an exclusive vantage point
• Visit Dunedin's historic Baldwin Street and Dunedin Railway Station
• Discover the finest beaches in the southern hemisphere
• Learn about Dunein's volcanic origins
• Enjoy a relaxing half-day tour with photo stops

We leave Port Chalmers and approach Dunedin from the north climbing above the harbor to a fantastic view of the Otago Peninsula. As we get close to the city we take a brief stop at Baldwin Street and the historic Dunedin Railway Station before we make our way out onto the Otago Peninsula.

Meandering along the 'low road' towards Portobello, the evidence of Dunedin's 'fiery' past is obvious. Turning south we leave the sealed roads behind and travel through the scenic inlets where the tide regularly replaces nutrients that attract waders and waterfowl to this remote and scenic area. Dunedin has some of the finest beaches in the southern hemisphere. We will take you on a short walk where encounters with NZ sea lions and NZ fur seal are common. A tour of Dunedin is incomplete unless you've seen our amazing beaches.

Our small group guided tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula will reveal a rugged coastline with white sandy beaches, stunning scenery and rare wildlife. The tour continues out onto the Otago Peninsula where we will stop and let you get out the bus as often as possible to take advantage of the views. Learn about the volcanic origin of Dunedin before we explore the remote southern parts of the headland. This 75 mile scenic journey takes you to the best vantage points of the Otago Peninsula and back down to the bays and beaches that surround Dunedin.

The tour continues along the old mining roads, towards the small township of Portobello as we take the scenic 'low road' back towards Dunedin City. The tour is designed to be flexible and perfect for those looking for a relaxing half-day tour with fantastic photographic opportunities.

If you are on the morning tour, we can also drop you in the city centre so that you can explore Dunedin on your own. You can then catch one of the cruise ship shuttles that depart for Port Chalmers every 15 minutes or take a local taxi back to your ship.

See our FAQ for more information

Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

• Driver/guide
• Port pickup and drop-off
• Round-trip shared transfer
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Entry/Admission - Dunedin Botanic Garden
• Entry/Admission - Larnach Castle & Gardens
• Entry/Admission - Olveston Historic Home
• Entrance fees to Castle building $NZD20
• Food and drinks
• Meet Fantail Tours at 9.30am at Port Chalmers cruise terminal, private tour waiting area, close to door 2
• Port Chalmers
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infant seats available
• Stroller accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• There are stairs to access first floor at Olveston historic home.
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• Larnach Castle & Gardens
• Olveston Historic Home
• Signal Hill
• Baldwin Street: The Steepest Street in the World
• First Church of Otago

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Baldwin Street: The Steepest Street in the World Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 2 Signal Hill Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 3 Dunedin Botanic Garden Stop: 20 minutes - Admission included See details
• 4 University of Otago Stop: 5 minutes See details Pass by Castle Street North The Octagon
• 5 First Church of Otago Stop: 5 minutes See details
• 6 Dunedin Railway Station Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 7 Otago Peninsula Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 8 Larnach Castle & Gardens Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included See details
• 9 Olveston Historic Home Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Lisa S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved the OPERA Theresa was a great guide! She showed us the best of Dunedin, got us to the penguin reserve where we were in great hands, and even got to spot a couple of penguins! We had a great day in Dunedin thanks to Fantail Tours and Theresa. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• TammyL463 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Definitely would recommend for scenery and the guide The bus driver was easy to find at the meeting point. She did a great job showing us around the area. You could tell from her enthusiasm that she really loved her job and the area. I am sorry I cannot remember her name but her husband does tours through the company as well. During our 2 week cruise she was by far the best tour guide that we had. She even extended the time of the tour to ensure that we were able to see everything that she wanted to show us and gave us a flower that she made herself when we left. The penguin reserve was nice. There is a lot of walking over uneven surfaces. I don't think they really see the yellow eyed penguins very much because there are only a few. We did though see one small blue penguin in his house. The guides that showed us around were very good and knowledgeable. The scenery was breathtaking. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• Michael-HKG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous tour of a beautiful town This was our first stop off a NZ Cruise and imo also the best town and tour! Thank you Teresa for a well informed tour of your beautiful city and its surrounding. Teresa was fun and caring and had very good in depth knowledge of the area. Read more Written March 31, 2024
• 1783058328365 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Great guide and region, but improvements are needed Our tour guide was great, and it was a privilege to tour the beautiful Dunedin region. However the transport van was a rental, and terrible. Smelled deeply of smoke the whole day... Smallish windows blocked somewhat by mechanisms, and the audio system was poor. Had to crane my neck to see the sights and was sickened by the permeated cigarette smell. Provider should do better! Noticed that another tour group of theirs had a perfectly lovely touring van, but not our group. Also box lunches should be provided rather than stops at supermarket. And one lady in our group wanted to stop at the pharmacy so we got pretty delayed because of "stops" and we missed the beginning of our paid in advance albatross center tour. That was unfortunate for us. Guests should find their own way to the pharmacy, which is right in Port Chalmers. So there are some improvements that should be made by this tour provider. I thank you for a good guide and safe journey around Dunedin! Read more Written March 10, 2024
• pigswilltravel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Recommend Our tour was beyond excellent. Steffan is a wealth of knowledge of this area, he knows the insights of all the beautiful locations, and this tour has great balance of history and modern understanding. Larnach Castle and Olveston house has amazing history, the train station stunning and the beautiful scenery is to die for highly recommend this tour. Read more Written February 28, 2024
• gbwelch18 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trii treated us so well! Flexible and accommodating! Trii was delightful from beginning to end! She allowed us the choice of picnic or hot lunch and then shared her discount at her local grocery store and offered food recommendations! (Like Whittaker chocolate bars!) She also provided informative and interesting commentary, and was eager to answer questions and share her love of New Zealand. Toward the end, when we wanted to meet up with local friends, she flexed and dropped us off at the train station and returned a bit later, without reducing the quality of the tour for the other passengers. As for the Albatross experience, I had no idea how fascinating these birds are…now, I’m a fan! Thanks, Trii! Read more Written February 18, 2024
• Wander02759492955 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great private tour, payment issue from cruise ship We are a group from USA and Taiwan that traveled via cruise to Dunedin. We arranged a private tour via emails with Asta while we were on the ship. She was very prompt in answering and working with us to make the excursion possible. There was some payment challenges which almost ruined the tour and I will get to that later. Keith was our guide and he was absolutely wonderful and a delight to be with. With his knowledge, time management and flexibility, we hit pretty much all major city highlights and points of interests including castle garden & its lunch cafe during a 5 hours span. Concerning payment, I would recommend Fantail Tours to have an alternate payment method in addition to just the “invoice page website”, because for two days we couldn’t figure out why the payment website shows as blank on mobile phones, iPad and laptops with our cruise ship Internet package. We almost cancelled the tour. Eventually we had to upgrade to premium Internet package to make the payment page showed up correctly. While ship was cruising, we can’t make voice calls and email was insecure to give credit card info. So this is one area for improvement. Read more Written February 14, 2024
• Wander02759492955 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great private tour for Dunedin We are a group of 7 from USA and Taiwan travelled through cruise ship to Dunedin, so we arranged a private tour with Asta through emails. Keith was our guide and he was just wonderful and absolutely delight to be with. Read more Written February 14, 2024
• marciaw224 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great visit to Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Teresa was a fantastic guide on our excursion. Very personable, including a great sense of humor. The trip was well thought out, showing us many sites in and around Dunedin and Otaga Peninsula. She took great care of us, ensuring we all had food for lunch. She was very knowledgeable about the history, flora and fauna. Simply said, Teresa and tour were great. Read more Written February 14, 2024
• daniellG9675RT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour Tour guide is fantastic. Scenery amazing and places of interest are interesting. Vehicle is a mini-bus that fits all passengers comfortably. Great time spent and even though it is not cheap it is well worth it if you only have a day in Dunedin Read more Written February 13, 2024
• Jeanette R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great private tour of Dunedin with Asta Loved our tour guide Asta. She took the time to show us more than just the city and was delightful in all aspects, very knowledgeable. Read more Written February 7, 2024
• dodol2013 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very professional customized tour We worked with Asta to customize our tour itinerary. They were on time and handled all the visits very professionally. Our guide David was very knowledgeable and took care of our needed. Highly recommend. Read more Written January 24, 2024
• andyk468 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Day. Awesome Guide. Awesome Place. Awesome day. Awesome Guide. Awesome Company. Cruising from Sydney around NZ - Dunedin was our first port of call. Tours through the cruise line were very expensive, and we decided to explore what was available locally. We weren’t disappointed. Teresa (I hope I got the spelling right!) was our guide - and she was perfect! Remembering everyone’s names straight off the bat (Cath & Andy!). Having visited, toured, worked as a croupier on a cruise liner and having settled in Dunedin (love at first sight!) - she had every perspective and insight you could ever want. Small group, exceptionally priced, and gave us a real flavour of Dunedin. Dunedin is the old Gaelic word for Edinburgh - and it’s not hard to see the Scottish influence. Had a lovely day exploring town, and the Otago Peninsula, where we climbed the worlds steepest street, visited the beautiful campus of the University of Otago, Dunedin Station, the Botanic Gardens, and an additonal (unplanned) visit to the Ōtākou marae (meeting house) - one of the places where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 m. We saw fur seals, many and many different species of bird, including the bloody large Royal Albatross (not sure that this is it’s botanic name - Teresa will know!), with its 3m wing span! All of this was possible because of Teresa and Fanitail. Easy to find, straight off the boat at Port Chalmers, picked up on time, a full day out, and then back to the boat well before departure - don’t look any further if you want a great day, at a reasonable price. Thanks Teresa. Thanks Fantail. Thanks Dunedin. Read more Written January 17, 2024
• Michellegranat 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Teresa is an absolute gem of a guide Fantastic tour with Teresa as an outstanding guide. She had so much knowledge and insights into Dunedin. Exactly the type of guide you’d hope for. Fantastic experience Read more Written January 14, 2024
• Kirsten G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful family day out Amazing and interesting day trip. The penguin sanctuary was the highlight, they are doing important work and great to see and also the seals on the rocks. Great drive, scenic and it was worth all the money. Impressed with Dunedin and how prosperous the city is Read more Written January 7, 2024

More to explore in Dunedin

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Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour provided by Fantail Tours

PRIVATE TOUR SPECIALISTS FOR MULTI DAY TOURS – PRIVATE TOURS – LOCAL TOURS - CRUISE SHIP SHORE EXCURSION TOURS - LUXURY TOURS -  HELICOPTER TOURS – SIGHT-SEEING TOURS – PRIVATE NEW ZEALAND TOURS – BESPOKE TOUR ITINERARIES 

Dunedin Tours

Welcome to Bookatour - We have some of the best Dunedin Tours and Otago Peninsula Tours available, but don't just take our word for it, check out all our 5 star T rip Advisor reviews .

The sightseeing in Dunedin is stunning and just like every other city there is unique spots and beauty from the Worlds Steepest Street to Larnach Castle (which is located on the amazing Otago Peninsula ) to the Dunedin Railway Station the most photographed building in NZ we really have it all right here in the beautiful city of Dunedin.

So choose from one of our many Dunedin tour options available, we have a wide variety of Dunedin tours and activities to keep you entertained for days all packed with fun, laughter & commentary given by locals. Our Dunedin tours are designed for all ages so come & experience Dunedin city. A tour like no other.

Explore Dunedin & Otago Your Own Way

Dunedin private tours.

What sets a Dunedin City Private Tour apart is the personalized attention and flexibility Bookatour offers.

Travelers have the freedom to customize their itineraries according to their preferences, allowing for a truly unique and memorable experience. Additionally, the Dunedin private tours are led by knowledgeable and experienced local guides who provide insights into the region's history, culture, and natural environment, enhancing the overall journey.

Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family seeking adventure, Dunedin City Private Tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to discover the beauty and charm of this captivating destination at your own pace. With its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Dunedin is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Dunedin Railway Station Tours

Fancy a quicki e join our fun, fast paced 1 hour sightseeing tour around dunedin city.

YES YOU CAN GET OFF & TAKE PHOTOS

The Worlds Steepest Street (walk/photos)

Book a Seat

Signal Hill Lookout for view over the city (exit vehicle)

Otago University / Student Area

Dunedin Railway Station

Architecture

The Dunedin Cruise Ship Shore Excursions Tour Experts, Dunedin, New Zealand

As an experienced cruise ship shore excursion tour guide, I’ve worked hard to make sure my Dunedin sightseeing tours are anything but run of the mill. From unforgettable sights to undiscovered corners, there’s just so much to see and explore. Choose and design your own private tour or join one of my popular group options. We will pick you up & drop you back off at the cruise ship terminal on time every time. If you’re not sure which one to pick, call or email me for advice today.

Dunedin Tours​

Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Tours​

Dunedin & Moeraki Fishing Charters​

Heli Tours Dunedin​

Dunedin Private Tours​

Our dunedin & otago tours with local private guides.

  SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE IN DUNEDIN - CHRISTCHURCH - AKAROA - PICTON - FIORDLAND - WELLINGTON - NAPIER - TAURANGA - BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND  

Book one of our experiences today .

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New Zealand

Dunedin Cruise Port

Famous for its wildlife and scottish heritage.

Settled in the 1840s by Scottish immigrants, Dunedin retains its Gaelic character, with impressive stone buildings and is home to Otago University. The cruise ships berth at Port Chalmers, a short distance from the city centre. Wildlife sanctuaries on the Otago Peninsula and New Zealands only castle - Larnach Castle - are popular tour destinations.

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DND-7  |  Half day Dunedin City Sights  |  4.00 hrs

This half-day tour of Dunedin starts from Port Chalmers, travelling along the harbour road into Dunedin. You will see all the main sights including The University of Otago, Signal Hill Lookout, the Worlds steepest street, Olveston House Gardens, the Octagon and the central city.

DND-3  |  Scenic Dunedin - Volcanic Hills & Beaches  |  3.75 hrs

Embark on an 80km journey over rolling hills - originally vents, domes or lava flows from the explosive volcanic past. Stunning views combined with the scenic beaches and bays of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula create an amazing range of landscapes.

DND-13  |  Dunedin City Sights with Larnach Castle  |  6.00 hrs

Enjoy a full-day of city sights taking in many of Dunedins iconic buildings, landmarks and scenic lookouts. The tour includes a fully guided tour of New Zealands infamous castle - built over a century ago by William Larnach high up on the hills of the Otago Peninsula.

DND-10  |  Natures Wonders - Albatross Colony - City  |  7.25 hrs

See all the sights of Dunedin city, plus experience some of the regions unique wildlife including seals and penguins at Natures Wonders, and the Royal Albatross Colony.

DND-2  |  Natures Wonders - Larnach Castle - City  |  7.25 hrs

Not only will you visit Larnach Castle (New Zealands only castle) and see the highlights of Dunedin city, but you will also see amazing wildlife such as penguins and seals up close at Natures Wonders

DND-4  |  Back To Nature Tour  |  7.00 hrs

The Otago Peninsula is a scenic treat and home to some of the rarest wildlife in New Zealand, such as the Yellow-Eyed Penguin, fur seals and the Royal Albatross. Learn about the forest plants at Larnach Castle in the stunning grounds, plus Dunedin city sights.

DND-S13  |  Mercedes S550L Luxury Private Tour  |  from 4.00 hrs - 4 persons

Enjoy the sights of Dunedin in a luxurious Mercedes S550L. Your own chauffeur will look after you throughout the day and make sure you see just what you want, at your pace.

DND-S2  |  Mercedes Benv Volante Minibus  |  from 4.00 hrs - 7 persons

Book one of our luxury touring vehicles and enjoy the sights of Dunedin in style. Your own chauffeur will look after you throughout the day and make sure you see just what you want, at your pace.

DND-S3  |  Jaguar Saloon Private Tour  |  from 4.00 hrs - 4 persons

Book one of our luxury limousines and enjoy the sights of Dunedin in style. Your own chauffeur will look after you throughout the day and make sure you see just what you want, at your pace.

DND-S5  |  Private 10 seat Minibus Tour Dunedin  |  from 4.00 hrs - 10 persons

Book one of our 10 passenger minibuses and enjoy the sights of Dunedin. Your own driver/guide will look after you throughout the day and make sure you see just what you want, at your pace.

DND-S6  |  Bentley S1 Private Tour  |  from 4.00 hrs - 4 persons

Book one of our classic Bentley limousines and enjoy the sights of Dunedin in style. Your own chauffeur will look after you throughout the day and make sure you see just what you want, at your pace.

DND-S7  |  Luxury Sedan  |  from 4.00 hrs - 4 persons

Book our Mercedes S280L and enjoy the sights of Dunedin in style. Your own chauffeur will look after you throughout the day and make sure you see just what you want, at your pace.

DND-S8  |  Premium Grade Minivan Private Tour  |  from 4.00 hrs - 6 persons

Book one of our premium grade minivans and enjoy the sights of Dunedin in comfort. Your own driver/guide will look after you throughout the day and make sure you see just what you want, at your pace.

DND-S10  |  11 passenger minibus Dunedin  |  from 4.00 hrs - 11 persons

Book one of our premium grade minivans and enjoy the sights of Dunedin in comfort. Your own driver/guide will look after you throughout the day and make sure you see just what you want, at your pace

DND-S11  |  5 passenger mobility vehicle  |  from 4.00 hrs - 5 persons

Enjoy a day seeing the sights of Dunedin - what you see and do is entirely up to you! The vehicle can accommodate 1 wheelchair as well as 4 other passengers.

DND-S12  |  18 passenger minicoach  |  from 6.00 hrs - 18 persons

Book one of our Mercedes Sprinter minicoaches and enjoy the sights of Dunedin in comfort. Your own driver/guide will look after you throughout the day and make sure you see just what you want, at your pace

DND-S14  |  Premium SUV  |  from 4.00 hrs - 4 persons

Our Luxury Mercedes ML 320 4x4 provides a premium experience, one of the most over-engineered cars of its day, its a solid and safe vehicle. Your own chauffeur will look after you throughout the day and make sure you see just what you want, at your pace.

DND-S20  |  11 passenger Mercedes minibus  |  from 8.00 hrs - 11 persons

DND-G2  |  Natures Wonders - Larnach Castle - City Group Tour  |  7.00 hrs

Visit Larnach Castle, city sights and see penguins and seals up close at Natures Wonders. Then a tour of Larnach Castle, back to the city for the University, Railway Station and Baldwin Street - the steepest in the world.

DND-G10  |  Natures Wonders - Albatross Colony Group Tour  |  7.50 hrs

Dunedin City sights plus amazing wildlife, the famous Railway Station, Baldwin Street (steepest in the World) Dunedin University and City, seals and penguins at Natures Wonders, plus the Royal Albatross Colony.

DND-R5  |  VW Caravelle 7 seat Rental Car

Our 7 seat VW Caravelle vehicles are great for larger groups. All have automatic transmission, air-conditioning and are late model vehicles. We can also provide GPS for peace of mind. Ask us about pre-booking your activities and itinerary.

DND-R9  |  Mercedes ML 320 4x4 rental car

Our Luxury Mercedes ML 320 4x4 provides a premium driving experience. One of the most over-engineered cars of its day, its a solid and safe vehicle. We provide a GPS free of charge for peace of mind. Ask us about pre-booking your activities to save time and money.

Settled in the 1840's by Scottish immigrants, the city still retains its Gaelic character, full of impressive stone buildings and also home to Otago University, a leading academic institution. The Cruise Ships berth at Port Chalmers, a short distance from the city centre. Wildlife sanctuaries on the Otago Peninsula are popular tour destinations. Visit New Zealands only castle, Larnach Castle. Take the Taieri Gorge rail trip from the impressive train station, or maybe indulge yourself at Cadburys Chocolate factory or the Speights Brewery, both offer tours and tastings. Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago Region. While Tauranga, Napier-Hastings and Hamilton have eclipsed the city in population in recent years to make it only the seventh largest city in New Zealand, Dunedin is still considered to be one of the four main cities of New Zealand for historic, cultural, and geographic reasons. Dunedin was the largest city in New Zealand by population until about 1900. The harbour and hills around Dunedin are the remnants of an extinct volcano. The city's largest industry is tertiary education - Dunedin is home to the University of Otago, New Zealand's first university (1869). Archaeological evidence shows the first human (Maori) occupation of New Zealand occurred between AD 1250-1300, with population concentrated along the southeast coast. Maori tradition tells first of a people called Kahui Tipua living in the area, then Te Rapuwai, semi-legendary but considered to be historical. The next arrivals were Waitaha followed by Kati Mamoe late in the 16th century and then Kai Tahu (Ngai Tahu in modern standard Maori) who arrived in the mid 17th century. James Cook stood off what is now the coast of Dunedin between 25 February 1770 and 5 March 1770, naming Cape Saunders on the Otago Peninsula and Saddle Hill. He reported penguins and seals in the vicinity, which led sealers to visit from the beginning of the 19th century. William Tucker became the first European to settle in the area in 1815. Permanent European occupation dates from 1831 when the Weller brothers founded their whaling station on the Otago Harbour. By the late 1830s, the harbour was an international whaling port. The Lay Association of the Free Church of Scotland founded Dunedin at the head of Otago Harbour in 1848 as the principal town of its special settlement. The name comes from DunEideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The climate of Dunedin in general is temperate, but the weather conditions often vary between suburbs mostly due to the city's topographical layout. It is also greatly modified by its proximity to the ocean. This leads to warm summers and relatively mild winters. Winter can occasionally be frosty but sunny, and significant snowfall is uncommon, except in the inland hill suburbs. Spring can feature "four seasons in a day" weather, but from November to April it is generally settled and mild. Temperatures during summer can reach over 30C (86F)

    I see that ships come in to Port Chalmers, how far is it to the city?

Its 14 km by road to Dunedin City centre. Most ships offer a shuttle bus service [at your cost] though you can also take a taxi or the local buses just outside the port. If there are are 3 or 4 of you the taxi will be cheaper than the cruise line shuttle and be more flexible.

    I want to go on the Taieri Gorge train trip, is this possible?

Currently the Taieri Gorge Railway trip is only available to the cruise ships so you will need to book one of their official tours. We hope that at some point the train will be available to us as well.

    Can I visit the Moeraki boulders from this port of call?

Yes, though they are to the north of the city and most trips head out to the Otago peninsular, so you may need to book a private tour or rent a car. Its about 70km so allow 75 minutes for the drive.

    I have been told that Olveston House is better than Larnach Castle to visit?

They are quite different, Larnach is an impressive building in a stunning location at the top of the Otago Peninsula, whereas Olveston House is in the city centre but has a much more complete interior and the guided tour is very informative. Larnach gets quite busy on cruise ship days.

What you say ...

We had a great time on our tour to see the Seals and Penguins on the Otago Peninsula, the drive around the bays and then back on the high road was stunning.

© 2024 Mount Classic Tours Ltd, PO Box 4678, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand Tel: +64 7 574 1779 Fax: +64 7 574 1775 Email: [email protected]

TAIERI GORGE TRAIN TOUR

An iconic rail journey through the remote and rugged landscape of the world-famous taieri gorge..

Experience an epic rail journey over white water rapids, towering viaducts and historic tunnels along the remote Taieri Gorge in Dunedin.

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'TAIERI GORGE TRAIN TOUR'

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