Dunedin City, Wildlife and Larnach Castle
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Dunedin City, Wildlife and Larnach Castle

Active
(92 reviews)
6h - 7h
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

Explore Historical Dunedin city and spectacular Otago Peninsula on this full-day mini group tour. Visit Baldwin St (steepest street in the world), the University of Otago and Dunedin’s famous Scottish heritage sites. Then we will travel alongside the picturesque Otago harbor and take a lunch break at Larnach Castle Ballroom Café and visit the beautiful Larnach Castle and Castle garden. We then drive through rugged Otago wilderness to Hoopers Inlet and near by Allans Beach to observe the unique birdlife and wildlife.

Available options

Dunedin City, Wildlife and Larnach Castle

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Hotel (Dunedin City) / Port Chalmers pickup and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

1

Baldwin Street is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the steepest street in the world.

2

University of Otago, which was built in 1879. The registry, however, is most famous for its clock tower: a prominent feature that overlooks the entire university like a shining beacon.

3
Stop 3

Visit portrait statue of Robert Burns. Four versions exist, in New York City (United States), Dundee (Scotland), London (England), and Dunedin (New Zealand).

4

Designed by R. A Lawson, this prominent Gothic style church sits right at the heart of Dunedin city. Its construction process, which started in 1867 and finished in 1875.

5
Stop 5

Widely regarded as one of the finest pieces of Edwardian Baroque style architecture in New Zealand, the Railway Station is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country.

6
Stop 6

Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions.

Lovingly restored by the Barker Family, the Castle and surrounding grounds are at the heart of the Dunedin visitor experience.

We will stop for lunch break at the Larnach Castle Ballroom Café.

7

Sandfly Bay is a phenomenal experience. Towering sand dunes descend onto a wide beach. Headlands and coastal rock formations shelter the area from the elements.

The track to the beach starts at the carpark, then descends onto a sandy track through the sand dunes. Take a moment to see the amazing views of the bay from the viewing platforms on the way down.

The beach is surrounded by sand dunes, cliffs and surging waves. It provides a different perspective of Lion’s Head Rock, an offshore island resting beyond the waves.

Despite the name of the bay, you won’t find many sandflies. However, there are other species in the area. New Zealand fur seals and New Zealand sea lions are found resting on the beach. Keep your distance as they are quite fast and can be dangerous.

Yellow-eyed penguins have a large colony here. They are frequently seen arriving from sea in the evening. Avoid approaching them and their nesting grounds as they are easily threatened.

8

Hoopers Inlet - unique scenery and the opportunity to view a wide range of birdlife with nearby Allans Beach frequently offering the viewing of sealions.

Respect their needs by keeping at least 10 m away from sleeping sea lions, and 20 m from active animals. Do not linger on beaches at dawn And dusk where penguins may come ashore.

9

Allans Beach is one of many wild, rugged and beautiful beaches on the Otago Peninsula. It is frequented by New Zealand fur seals, New Zealand sea lions, and yellow-eyed penguins. The public are urged to keep at least 10 meter's (33 ft) away from these animals.

Visitors encountering yellow-eyed penguins are asked to crouch down so as not to disturb them.

Self-guided walk to the beach. Wildlife sighting no 100% guarantee.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide
CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6
55 reviews
5★
44
4★
6
3★
2
2★
0
1★
3
Tripadvisor 4.9
37 reviews
5★
33
4★
3
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Chinese tour guides available

Meeting point

If you visit Dunedin from cruise ship, we will be pick you up at port terminal or by special pick up arrangement. Please check your email for details.

About Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin and The Otago Peninsula offer a unique blend of Scottish heritage, stunning coastal landscapes, and abundant wildlife. This region is known for its dramatic cliffs, wildlife encounters, and historic architecture, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Top Attractions

Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle is a historic castle and garden that offers a glimpse into Dunedin's past. The castle is known for its Victorian architecture and beautiful gardens.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours Moderate

Royal Albatross Centre

The Royal Albatross Centre is the only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross in the world. Visitors can observe these magnificent birds up close.

Nature/Wildlife 1-2 hours Moderate

Dunedin Botanic Gardens

Dunedin Botanic Gardens is one of the world's best botanical gardens, featuring a diverse collection of plants, a winter garden, and a Japanese garden.

Nature/Gardens 1-2 hours Free

Dunedin Chinese Garden

The Dunedin Chinese Garden is a beautiful and serene garden that celebrates the city's Chinese heritage. It features traditional Chinese architecture, plants, and water features.

Cultural/Historical 1 hour Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Dinner Not vegetarian or vegan, contains meat and offal.

Whitebait Fritters

A New Zealand delicacy made from tiny whitebait fish mixed with egg and fried into a fritter.

Lunch Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Venison

New Zealand is famous for its game meats, and venison is a popular choice, often served with seasonal vegetables and sauces.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking Surfing Kayaking Wildlife tours Spa treatments Picnicking Beachcombing Wine tasting

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is the best time for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

15-22°C 59-72°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: Generally safe

Dunedin is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air
  • Dunedin International Airport • 25 km from city center
By train

Dunedin Railway Station

By bus

Dunedin Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus service is affordable and convenient, with frequent departures and easy-to-use routes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Octagon St. Kilda North East Valley

Day trips

Moeraki Boulders
100 km from Dunedin • Full day

The Moeraki Boulders are large, spherical boulders scattered along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. These unique geological formations are a must-see for nature lovers.

Catlins Coast
150 km from Dunedin • Full day or overnight

The Catlins Coast is a remote and rugged coastline known for its stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife, including seals, penguins, and dolphins.

Central Otago Wine Region
200 km from Dunedin • Full day or overnight

The Central Otago Wine Region is known for its award-winning Pinot Noir and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and scenic drives.

Festivals

Dunedin Arts Festival • May Dunedin Fringe Festival • March Dunedin Winter Arts Festival • July

Pro tips

  • Visit the Royal Albatross Centre early in the morning for the best chance of seeing the albatross up close
  • Book a guided tour of Larnach Castle to learn about its fascinating history and architecture
  • Explore the Otago Peninsula by car or bike for a more immersive experience
  • Visit the Dunedin Botanic Gardens in spring or summer for the best blooming flowers and scenic views
  • Try local specialties like haggis, whitebait fritters, and venison for an authentic taste of Dunedin's cuisine
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 7-75
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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