Water Taxi and Shuttle to Larnach Castle
Active
2h - 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
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 9.00am to 11.15am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers.
Trips from 12.00 and 12.45pm leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city.
All trips conclude in Dunedin City except the 11.15am trip that returns to Port Chalmers at 2.15pm
Available options
Steamer Basin Departures
Steamer Basin, Dunedin to Port: Travel by boat to Macandrew Bay then shuttle van to the castle. Tour the castle then back down for your boat ride to Port.<br/>12.00pm and later Departures : Departures from 12.00pm leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin. Earlier departures leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Steamer Basin, 16 Wharf Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Back Beach Departures
Port Chalmers to Dunedin: Travel by boat to Macandrew Bay then shuttle van to the castle. Tour the castle then back down for your boat ride to Dunedin.<br/>8.30 am - 11.30 am Departures: Departures from 8.30am until 11.15am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Departures 11.00am and later leave Steamer Basin.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Ferry to Quarantine Island, 39 Peninsula Beach Road, Port Chalmers, Dunedin 9023, New Zealand
What's included
Morning trips depart from Port Chalmers and finish in Dunedin City
Discounted return trips back to Port Chalmers
Entry ticket to the Castle and Gardens included in your fare
Mid-day Trips depart Dunedin City and return to Dunedin by Shuttle van
Drop off to Dunedin
What you'll see
A scenic 10-15 minute water taxi ride across the harbour from Port Chalmers or Dunedin to Macandrew Bay where you will board our shuttle van for a 10 minute ride up the hill to the famous Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand.
This service includes your entry ticket to the castle and gardens. You have 1.5 to 2 hours to explore. We then pick you up in the van for the ride back down to the harbour, and your water taxi ride into Dunedin. Options to return to Port Chalmers can be organized on the day of travel.
Please note -
Trips from 9.00 am - 11.15 am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers.
Trips from 12.00 and later leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city.
IMPORTANT NOTE -
ALL trips finish in Dunedin City EXCEPT the 11.15 trip from Port Chalmers that returns to Port at 2.30pm
What's not included
Please bring your own drink bottle
Bring a warm jacket for those colder days
Return trips to Port Chalmers depend on availability on the day $35 NZD, per passenger.
Your tour of the castle is Self Guided
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
79 reviews
5★
71
4★
4
3★
2
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.8
17 reviews
5★
16
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our guide is available for the transport and entry to the Castle only. The tour of the castle and gardens is self guided.
Alternative departure points can be arranged subject to availability and other bookings.
Your departure point depends on the time of your tour. Trips from 9.00am till 11.15am depart from Back Beach, Port Chalmers and finish in Dunedin. Trips leaving at 12.00pm and 12.45pm depart from Steamer Basin in Dunedin.
Meeting point
We leave from the floating jetty in the corner of Steamer Basin, below the shiny "Ray White" building. Look for our orange and white Water Taxi. There is a public toilet nearby.
All bookings from 11.30 am and later leave from here. Bookings from 8.30 am Leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers.
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
