Dunedin Shore Excursion City Sightseeing & Tour of Larnach Castle

Port Chalmers , New Zealand

Dunedin Shore Excursion City Sightseeing & Tour of Larnach Castle

Active

(65 reviews)

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Dunedin Shore Excursion City Sightseeing & Tour of Larnach Castle

What's included

Admission and Guided Tour of Larnach Castle

Dunedin sightseeing tour

Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee

Professional guide

Port pickup and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

09.00 Start your shore excursion with port pickup and board your comfortable coach for a sightseeing tour. Through Duinedin City and then onto Larnach Castle for a guided tour of the grounds and gardens

Stop 2

On route to the castle a brief stop will be made in central Dunedin at the Dunedin Railway Station where some of the group will depart the coach to join the Taieri Gorge Train Excursion.

Stop 3

Arrive Larnach Castle where admission to the castle and grounds is included and here you will enjoy a tour of the castle and learn the scandalous history of the orginal occupiers.

Returning to the central city early afternoon you will have approximately one hours free time in the central city to explore, get some lunch and maybe do a bit of shopping.

Stop 5 Pass by

At 2.30 pm you will depart Dunedin Railway Station in the central city for your highlights tour of the central city. Hear commentary detailing Dunedin’s history as you motor around the hilly city, which overlooks the Otago Peninsula.

See the beautiful Botanic Gardens of Dunedin City on this sightseeing tour.

View the University of Otago, the neoclassical Dunedin Town Hall and Renaissance Revival–style Dunedin Railway Station as well as opulent banks, theatres and 19th-century edifices.

Stop 8 Pass by

Pass by Baldwin Street, considered the world’s steepest street, and get a glimpse of the harbour.

Stop 9 Pass by

Your tour will conclude back at your cruise ship berthed in port Chalmers. Time permitting you will be given the opportunity to explore Port Chalmers where you can discover a vibrant village with a wide range of art & culture from potters and sculptors to painters, musicians, jewellers and fashion designers and then make your way back to board the Ship.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

56 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Should your cruise ship timetable be indicating that you will be berthing in Dunedin (Port Chalmers) at 9am or later, this does not preclude you from booking these tour options. The timetable may be altered to align, if possible, with the cruise ships arrival time

Meeting point

The tour will depart from the Visitors' Building on the ship's wharf at 9AM.
The Driver / Guide will meet you inside by the Private Tours area.
Look out for our sign "Welcome LEISURE TOURS"
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour departure

Important notes

Please note: The tour departs at 10am, please arrive prior to this time for check in

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