Top 20 Experiences in dunedin the otago peninsula
Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
See the beautiful countryside surrounding Dunedin when your cruise ship is in port, on a small-group tour of the Otago Peninsula. This scenic tour takes you to lookouts for panoramic views over the countryside and coast, and reveals the relaxed seaside villages surrounding Dunedin. See sea lions basking in the sun on one of the regions most scenic beaches, and enjoy the personalized attention on this small-group shore excursion, with numbers limited to 19 people.
Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & a Guided Penguin Reserve Tour
You will be joining a small group tour and go to places that bigger buses cannot go. You will have personalised attention and will see the most special parts of Dunedin and Otago peninsula.
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour
Take in the best of Dunedin City on this 3-hour, small-group tour. Ride in the comfy, safe van to the highest vantage points, around heritage buildings, and walk on the sandy beaches of Dunedin. You'll visit the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, the world's steepest street, and a lot more. Take great photos from the best spots and learn as the expert commentary from your local guide gives you a real feel for the past and present of New Zealand's first city. Enjoy free pickup and drop-off from your cruise port, your hotel, or in town for either the morning (9am) or afternoon (1pm) tour. Group size is limited to 13 people.
Castle to Cruise Tour
An unrivalled tour package! Visit the stunning Larnach Castle, travel the beautiful roads of the Otago Peninsula and join special Monarch Wildlife Cruise. Enjoy a 90 minute tour of Larnach Castle and it's beautiful grounds. Hear the scandalous story of early settler William Larnach and his family. Explore the beautifully restored castle, with it's original antique furniture and impressive craftsmanship throughout. Time is allowed for exploring the gardens or a quick snack from the ballroom cafe. You'll then continue along the Otago Peninsula and your guide will give an interactive commentary along the way. Hop aboard a Wildlife Cruise out through the entrance to the Otago Harbour. Enjoy close viewing of fur seals, royal albatross and other seabirds. Sometimes we spot sea lions, blue penguins & dusky or hectors dolphins.
Small-Group Dunedin Wildlife Cruise
Small group tours, fast custom built vessel. Comfortable cushioned, warm, enclosed cabin, or open outer deck seating. On our tour..... -Approx 2 hours duration, if joining from Portobello. Or 1.5 hours if joining from Port Chalmers by default, unless specified. -Fully commentated. -Travel from the most scenic part of the harbour, pass by the historic Quarantine Stations and old shipwrecks. -See and learn about the fishing boats, workboats, dredges and ships as we pass Port Chalmers and Careys Bay. -View wading birds and look for penguins sea lions and shags as we cruise past roosting and feeding areas. -See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations. -Take the time to cruise around Taiaroa Head, exploring the shallow bays to view fur seals and nesting colonies of shags, albatross, sea birds, marine mammals such as dolphins and more Usual departure times are 10am, 1:15pm, 4:00pm. Please advise which times you'd prefer.
Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour
Start at Port Chalmers to experience the pure beauty of Dunedin on a fantastic tour of rich heritage, spectacular scenery. You will experience memorable landscape of Otago Peninsula with amazing string of rugged beaches, bays on a Peninsula Drive via Highcliff Road to Larnach Castle. Your tour will include an entry to the garden only of the only castle of New Zealand - Larnach castle. You will stop at the world's steepest street, local lookout point to enjoy the views of city, peninsula and harbor, University of Otago - the oldest New Zeland university, Octagon, Dunedin Railway Station and internationally significant and the oldest botanic garden in New Zealand. In addition you will join a 1 hour guided tour of Olveston historic home. The tour is designed only for small groups, so you will enjoy flexibility and comfort in a small bus. Important: this tour includes entry to castle garden only, to enter the castle building there is an extra cost $NZD20.
Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand
See up to 200 blue penguins returning from sea in the evening! (Generally more penguins are seen over the spring/summer than our autumn or winter months, but we guarantee to see penguins every night!!). Extremely close viewing of these birds. Learn about the Māori history of this significant site. Tour includes a special "behind the scenes" look at the reserve and penguin habitat. We are the only blue penguin evening tours that allows photography (but no flash photography) Voted in the top 10 experiences in New Zealand (TripAdvisor 2022). Most tours are led by conservation experts/biologists. Other wildlife often seen (e.g., seals, sealions, albatross)
Otago Peninsula Scenery and Dunedin City Highlights Tour
Start at Port Chalmers to experience the beauty of Dunedin on a fantastic 5 hour tour of rich heritage, spectacular scenery. You will experience gorgeous and memorable landscape of Otago Peninsula with amazing string of rugged beaches, bays and wildlife. Your knowledgeable guide will show you the most breathtaking views and take you closer to nature and its wildlife. Spend some free time at Royal Albatross Centre: this place offers the world's only mainland colony of Royal Albatross. Here you have the option to either take lunch, explore the visitor center or wander outside (since it's generally pretty windy, you are likely to see flying the largest seabirds!) or watch lazy seals. You will stop at the world's steepest street, First Church, Railway station and will have some free time to explore internationally significant and the oldest botanic garden in New Zealand. The tour is designed only for a small group, to enjoy flexibility, comfort and personalized attention.
Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour
Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of New Zealand's most beautiful city while experiencing the thrill and excitement of being on a V8 trike. This informative tour will travel past Dunedin's most iconic heritage building's before heading out on to the Peninsula where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Otago Harbour and Dunedin's beaches. The tour stops on the Peninsula to allow for photos of the scenery and the trike. This tour is a fun and exciting way to escape the crowds and get a feel for City and the Peninsula. It will also sure to make you the envy of your other cruise ship passengers.
Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery
Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored just for your group of up to 6 passengers. A knowledgeable driver - guide will show you the best spots in Dunedin in a comfortable van. You will be very flexible and can spend any amount of time at all the stops. There is an option fo a bigger group too. Scenic drive through the city and on Otago Peninsula to view the most breathtaking views. You will enjoy a stop at Royal Albatross Centre (about 1 hour), the world's only mainland colony of Royal Albatross. Here you have the option to either take lunch, explore the visitor center or wander outside (since it's generally pretty windy, you are likely to see flying the largest seabirds!) Then, take a scenic drive back to Port via Portobello Road, along the harbor, where you are likely to see wading birds. You will have a great choice to create a memorable tour to suit your interests.
Monarch Wildlife Cruise
Hop aboard our sturdy vessel for a one hour Wildlife Cruise. You'll travel out through the Otago Harbour to the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross. Have your camera ready as these huge birds soar in from sea, flying past a historic lighthouse as they return to their hillside nests. The skipper will expertly maneuver the boat close to rocky outcrops for great views of the local fur seal population. A short way out to sea and you'll see other albatross and seabird species. Our cruises also frequently spot blue penguins, sea lions and occasionally dolphins! The crew will provide a full commentary during your cruise about the local history, scenery and wildlife spotted along the way. Don't be put off by cool & windy weather. These are often the best conditions for wildlife viewing. Especially when it comes to albatross, they love a brisk southerly wind. Binoculars and warm jackets are provided during your cruise.
Albatross, Wildlife and Harbour Cruise
Stunning wildlife, landscape and scenery from our custom-made boat MV Sootychaser. Enjoy interactive commentary by your experienced skipper/guide throughout the tour. Look for wildlife such as fur seals, albatross and, sea lions, penguins, sea birds and mores! The old ships graveyards on Quarantine Island, the shipping movements and associated workboats and other aspects of the maritime industry are also highlights of this tour. Cruise past the port of Port Chalmers, up the Otago Harbour and of course Taiaroa Head, from the comfort and safety of Sootychaser. Comfortable, cushioned seats and heated cabin. Seating available on outer deck, modern bathroom onboard. High quality binoculars to borrow and wildlife identification sheets (to take home) are provided free of charge. Default pick up is Portobello if not specified. Please send up a message or select Port Chalmers pick up otherwise. (Drop off is at same location afterwards.)
Skip the Line: Larnach Castle & Gardens Admission Ticket
Visit New Zealand’s only Castle, situated on the dramatic Otago Peninsula and only a 20 minute drive from Dunedin. Learn about the colonial history and stories of William Larnach - entrepreneur and politician, plus ongoing restoration by the Barker family. Experience the finest Victorian craftsmanship, the excellent collection of New Zealand antiques and unparalleled views of the Otago Peninsula. Walk in the gardens rated a garden of International significance by NZGT. Take refreshment in the historic Ballroom café serving the best local food and drink. This is for ticket admission only. Transportation, food, drinks, and other accommodations are not included.
Southern Skies Stargazing Tour in Dunedin
The Southern Skies Star Gazing tour takes you out to the Otago Peninsula on a journey of discovery to learn about the unique celestial features of the Southern sky, while also sharing stories and waiata (songs) about how Māori viewed the night sky. The Otago peninsula coastline provides a clear and breath-taking view of the night sky, along with a magical backdrop of coastal bird calls echoing across Hoopers inlet. In the right conditions, this rural coastal area is a prime viewing location for the Southern Lights, Aurora Australis Enjoy Māori manaakitanga (hospitality) with a light supper and hot beverage. Sit back, relax and be enchanted. Departs Dunedin 8PM (October to March) and 6PM (April to September)
Peninsula Encounters + Wildlife Cruise
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will love the Peninsula Encounters + Wildlife Cruise. This tour enjoys unrivalled access to remote locations and rare animals. You'll visit a variety of beautiful locations on the Otago Peninsula and see the Otago Harbour during a special Wildlife Cruise. Your guide will give a personalised commentary throughout the tour and help you spot Royal Albatross, Fur Seals, Sea Lions and Yellow-eyed Penguins.
Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & Albatross Guided Tour
With this tour you will enjoy a small group experience with a personalised attention while discovering the beauty of Dunedin City and Otago peninsula. You will avoid wasting time waiting for a bog group to get on and off the bus. You will be introduced to the city in the best way, optimising time to see the highlights of the city, enjoying the most breathtaking scenery of Otago Peninsula via Highcliff road where the road for bigger buses is not suitable. You will have a 1 hour guided tour of Albatross Centre and discover all about these huge seabirds.
Speight Brewery Small Group Guided Tour from Dunedin
Enjoy over 145 years of brewing history as the guides take you through the interactive brewery tour. Learn in a guided small group with a maximum of 15 travelers about all of the ingredients that go into the award-winning brews and hear about the state of the art brewing process used today. The tour ends with a tasting, where you’ll get to enjoy samples of the beer as the knowledgeable guides talk you through the different styles and flavors in the range.
Explore Dunedin's sights and stories with a local
From the soaring spires to the seedy underbelly, you'll see the sights, hear the stories and gain the insight you need to make the most of your time in New Zealand's most fascinating and beautiful wee city. All of this with a real life born and bred Dunedinite! What could be better? How about a complimentary espresso from one of Dunedin's hippest cafes to send you on your way? Sweet as!
Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience with Transport
The largest penguin colony on the Otago Peninsula and one of the largest penguin colonies in New Zealand. See up to 200 blue penguins returning from sea in the evening (Generally more penguins are seen over our spring/summer months than our autumn/winter months). In the non-breeding time of the year, between March and August, we often see between 20-50 penguins each night over those months. We guarantee to see penguins! Extremely close viewing of these birds. Learn about the Māori history of this significant site. Tour includes a special "behind the scenes" look at the reserve and penguin habitat. We are the only blue penguin evening tours that allows photography (but no flash photography) Voted in the top 10 experiences in New Zealand (TripAdvisor 2022). Most tours are lead by conservation experts/biologist Other wildlife often seen (e.g. seals, sealions, albatross) Limit of 11 in the van, up to 75 on the penguin tour
Otago Peninsula Scenic, City Highlights and Wildlife Tour
Experience the beauty of Dunedin in a small group, designed to have the most personalized attention. Join a fantastic 5-6 hour tour of Dunedin city highlights, spectacular scenery and unique wildlife. You will experience gorgeous and memorable scenery of Otago Peninsula with amazing beaches, bays. Your knowledgeable guide will show you the most breathtaking views and take you closer to nature and surrounding wildlife. The tour will be enriched by one hour wildlife boat cruise at Taiaroa Head. (subject to availability) You will see uninterrupted views of the world's only mainland nesting place of albatross.You may be lucky enough to see the Northern Royals soaring and banking on three metre wings. Your guide will show you rich heritage of the city with plenty photo stops: Baldwin Street, Signal Hill Lookout Point, Dunedin Botanic upper garden, Otago University, Octagon, First Church, Dunedin Railway station.