Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour
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Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour

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(120 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover top attractions and iconic sites and lookouts around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take in key sites of interest such as the World famous Baldwin Street, University of Otago, Olveston Homestead gardens and Dunedin's Grand Railway Station. Awesome lookouts over Otago Harbour and from Signal Hill. Visit the Octagon (city centre) for some shopping and a bite to eat. All transport to and from the cruise ship wharf is included. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 20 people. Daily departures are available for cruise passengers and city-based passengers.

Available options

10:30am Dunedin City Pickup

10:30am Railway Station : Please meet your guide at the Dunedin Railway Station front steps. This is for non-cruise ship passengers joining this tour. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Taieri Gorge, Seasider & Victorian Rail Journeys | Dunedin Railways, 22 Anzac Avenue, Railway Station, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Starting point:<br/>Port Chalmers Wharf, 19 Beach Street, Port Chalmers, Dunedin 9023, New Zealand

What's included

Professional guide
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Port or Hotel pickup and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Awesome views of the city, harbour and surrounding landscapes from high above Dunedin. There's a special connection with Edinburgh Scotland for those who know where to look!

2
Stop 2

World famous in Dunedin, you can't visit the city without going to Baldwin Street! Walk or run to the top if you're up for a challenge, or perhaps just check it out from below. Souvenirs often available, great photo opportunities abound. We always allow time for a proper visit to the World's Steepest Street

3

New Zealand's first university and one of the country's largest with around 20,000 students. A quick stop here is often rewarded with a real dose of Dunedin student culture. A very short walk gets us to the Leith River running right through the central campus. Here we have a stunning view of the original Clocktower Building constructed during the 1870's

4
Stop 4

We visit the gardens of Olveston Homestead (free entry). A short walk takes in highlights such as the family's vintage touring car, the original site of the old cottage from the 1860's and the stunning botanical conservatory. There is also time to visit the magnificent gift shop inside the house.

5

Another vital landmark in Dunedin, Speights Brewery has been making beer since 1876, the oldest working brewery in the country. We make a quick stop here, just enough time to check out the gift shop and perhaps a wee drop of the good stuff :)

6
Stop 6

Our tour offers 1 hour free time in the Octagon, Dunedin's city center.This is where all the good gift shops are, banks money machines, cafes, bars and restaurants as well as some stunning heritage buildings (St Paul's Cathedral, Dunedin Town Hall and the Regent Theater to name a few). Explore the Writer's Walk as Dunedin is recognized by UNESCO as an official "City of Literature". There are street games and activities for children and adults alike, plenty to see in this lively central city hub.

7
Stop 7

Dunedin's Grand Railway Station is a real highlight of our tour. A true symbol of Dunedin's superior wealth during early 20th century. We allow time for viewing this huge building from the gardens, as well as the beautiful interior.

8
Stop 8

One of NZ's top museums, a cultural extravaganza all about the people of Dunedin and their incredible achievements over the years. There is a wealth of artifacts here, showcasing local Maori history through to present day innovations. We usually stop here only on rainy days, however we often drop off passengers here if they wish during our 1 hour free time in the middle of the tour.

9

If time permits we take a trip to the beach. St Clair is Dunedin's very popular city beach. Spot surfers on the waves as we drive past the cafes and bars on the beach front Esplanade. A brief stop for photos before we take another high road for more coastal views on the way back to the cruise ship.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
64 reviews
5★
55
4★
7
3★
2
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.8
56 reviews
5★
48
4★
5
3★
3
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
passengers must be able to access the steps on and off the vehicle un-assisted

Meeting point

City based passengers meet us at Dunedin Railway Station front steps at 10:30am *please note start time is 30 minutes after scheduled start time.

Important notes

• Departure is 10:00am for cruise ship passengers
• Departure is 10:30am for city based passengers (meet at Dunedin Railway Station front steps)
• Cruise passengers meet your guide inside the main Visitor Terminal on the Ship's Wharf, Port Chalmers. Look for a sign ICONIC CITY SIGHTS TOUR
• If you are delayed you must contact us as soon as possible. If your cruise ship is delayed we may adjust the start and end times for the tour accordingly. Please ask the information desk on ship's wharf for more information on the day.
• If you are lost, delayed or for any other urgent reason, call the local operator direct on +64 34 72 7776

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

Adults
Age 16-99
1
Childs
Age 0-15
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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