Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion
Active
6h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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 and a commentary is provided.
A full refund will be offered if at the conclusion of the tour the customer is dissatisfied with any part of the experience that is within the operator's control so long as the issue is raised first with the operator before any third party. (Subject to tripadvisor complying with operator request)
Available options
Later cruise ship arrival time
Pickup included
Tour with castle (self pay)
Larnarch Castle visit: Visiting Larnarch Castle with self paid entry. (Client pays Castle entry fee at the gate, online or at isite)<br/>Pickup included
Nature and City tour from Port
Duration: 5 hours: 10am - 3.30pm<br/>Port pickup: Pickup from Port Otago at Port Chalmers, tour of Dunedin and then return to the cruise ship terminal at Port.<br/>Bus<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
We drive through the historic town of Port Chalmers option to stop on return.
2
Stop 2
See the central area of Dunedin
3
View upper gardens and aviaries if fine weather. Lower gardens if raining.
4
10-15 minute stop to see the views at St Clair beach an esplanade, Dunedin's main surfing beach.
5
Drive through St Kilda Dunedin. And see St Kilda beach if time and access is avaliable.
6
Dunedin's historic railway station
7
Stop 7
View or walk up the street
8
Drive along the Mount Cargill road for spectacular views over Dunedin Harbour and Otago peninsula and stop along the top of the road to take photographs.
9
Drive past the Orokonui Ecosanctury project to reintroduce native wildlife to a a valley. We have a option to drop people off for a longer look and pick them up later at extra cost.
10
Stop 10
See Dunedin's heritage and history on display. Cafe also available.
11
Stop 11
We have an option to go to Larnach Castle if you wish to pay at the gate at isite or online then we let you out for 45 minutes to have a look around (admission is paid by passenger), otherwise for the rest of the passengers we go to a viewing point down Seal Point road over Sandfly Bay where there are sometimes sealions and penguins.
12
For passengers that do not wish to pay for admission to Larnach castle we go to the lookout point over Sandfly bay with stunning sea views and the possibility of seeing wildlife.
13
A memorial to Captain Scott who when to the Antarctic from New Zealand and never returned. Also excellent views of the cruise ships in port are available from this vantage point.
What's not included
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
22 reviews
5★
17
4★
4
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.3
48 reviews
5★
29
4★
12
3★
2
2★
4
1★
1
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Public transportation options are available nearby
We can usually accomodate wheelchairs and prams in the bus but person must sit on a seat in bus.
Meeting point
We meet at the 'private tours' area of the cruise ship terminal at Port Otago (Port Chalmers), then we depart from outside the cruise ship terminal.
Important notes
We meet at the private tours area of the cruise ship terminal. We usually have a stand there.
About Port Chalmers
Port Chalmers is a historic port town on the Otago Peninsula in New Zealand's South Island. Known for its charming Victorian architecture, rich maritime history, and stunning coastal scenery, it offers a peaceful yet culturally vibrant experience just a short drive from Dunedin.
Top Attractions
Port Chalmers Historic Walk
This self-guided walk takes you through the town's historic sites, including Victorian architecture, maritime history, and significant landmarks.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula offers stunning coastal scenery, wildlife viewing, and hiking opportunities. It's home to the world's only mainland royal albatross colony.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free to explore, attractions may have entry fees
Port Chalmers Maritime Museum
This small museum showcases the town's rich maritime history, with exhibits on shipping, whaling, and local heritage.
Museum
30-60 minutes
Free or donation-based
Must-Try Local Dishes
Whitebait Fritters
A traditional New Zealand dish made with whitebait, a small type of fish, mixed with egg and cooked in a fritter.
Appetizer
Contains fish and eggs
Seafood Chowder
A hearty soup made with a variety of local seafood, such as fish, mussels, and crab, in a creamy broth.
Soup
Contains seafood and dairy
Lamb Rack
A tender rack of lamb, often served with a mint sauce or red wine reduction, a classic New Zealand dish.
Main Course
Contains lamb
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Wildlife Viewing
Beachcombing
Picnicking
Waterfront Dining
Exploring Historic Sites
Visiting Museums
Best Time to Visit
Summer (December to February)
Summer is the best time to visit Port Chalmers, offering warm temperatures and long daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the coastal areas.
15-20°C
59-68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Port Chalmers is a very safe town with low crime rates. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious when walking alone at night
- • Stay informed about weather conditions
Getting there
By air
- Dunedin International Airport • 25 km from Port Chalmers
By bus
Dunedin Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are available for travel between Port Chalmers and Dunedin, but within the town, walking is the best option.
Taxis
Available • Apps: No specific apps, but taxis can be booked by phone
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Town Center
Waterfront
Day trips
Dunedin
20 km from Port Chalmers • Half day to full day
Dunedin is a vibrant university city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a variety of cultural attractions.
Moeraki Boulders
50 km from Port Chalmers • Half day
The Moeraki Boulders are large, spherical boulders found on a stretch of Koekohe Beach. They are a unique geological feature and a popular tourist attraction.
Festivals
Port Chalmers Music Festival • Annual, typically held in February
Otago Peninsula Festival of the Arts • Annual, typically held in November
Pro tips
- Visit the Port Chalmers Maritime Museum for a deeper understanding of the town's history
- Explore the Otago Peninsula for stunning coastal scenery and wildlife viewing
- Enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant for beautiful views and fresh seafood
- Pick up a map of the historic walk from the local information center
- Check the opening hours of attractions and museums before visiting
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
