Port Chalmers Maritime History Tours: Uncover Dunedin's Seafaring Past

Enjoy a personalized small group tour of Larnach Castle and Dunedin City. This is a 6 hour fully guided tour that lets you explore Dunedin and Larnach Castle at a leisurely pace. Included is a fully guided tour of Larnach Castle's unique interior. Chilled spring water is provided complimentary to those who bring their own re-useable water bottles. The tour takes in many interesting buildings and landmarks in Dunedin city such as the Larnach family tomb, the old University and all the main city attractions. The drive to Larnach Castle offers spectacular views from the Otago Peninsula with a lookout stop along the way. On arrival at Larnach Castle, your table will be reserved for lunch at the Ballroom cafe (lunch is own cost). After lunch and the guided tour inside the Castle, your guide will also take you through the award winning gardens offering fantastic views over the Otago Harbour.

Otago’s deep-water port has shaped New Zealand’s history since the 1840s. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore Port Chalmers’ rich maritime heritage, from its origins as the Māori settlement of Kōpūtai to its role in the gold rush era, and its continued importance today. You’ll also discover how its historic architecture, artistic community, and working port atmosphere give this harbourside town its distinctive character. The tour starts at Port Chalmers Maritime Museum, built in 1877 on reclaimed land. You’ll weave through the historic town center, passing the grand Municipal Town Hall, before climbing to a spectacular lookout with panoramic views of Otago Harbour, Quarantine Island, and the Otago Peninsula. The tour ends near the commemorative garden marking the 150th anniversary of the Port Chalmers land purchase.

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 view the white sand 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 12 people.

Join our group tour of Otago Harbour on our latest vessel, "Adagio" Fast, safe, and comfortable, you will see more of our beautiful harbor with its extensive history and abundant wildlife. Your skipper and guide will give you a commentary along the way, pointing out places of interest and facts about the wildlife you will encounter. The main attraction, of course, is the albatross colony at Taiaroa Head at the entrance to the harbor. Watch as these magnificent birds glide along the cliff faces and swoop down along the waves, sometimes beside the boat. An experience not to be missed.

Explore the captivating sights of Dunedin on this comprehensive full-day tour, departing from Port Chalmers. Visit iconic locations like the Octagon, Baldwin Street (the world's steepest street) and enjoy a guided walk through the stunning botanical gardens featuring aviaries with exotic and native birds. The full-day tour includes scenic views from Signal Hill and a stop at St Clair Esplanade. Knowledgeable drivers provide insightful commentary, ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of the region's rich history and culture. Perfect for cruise ship passengers, with flexible pick-up times and options for lunch breaks. - Includes entry to Larnach Castle for self guided tour. - Scenic stops include Baldwin Street and Signal Hill lookout. - Experience a guided walk through botanical gardens. - Knowledgeable local driver/guide.

A tour that "cruise" the city of Dunedin and Larnach Castle. Sit back and relax and let Horizon Tours introduce you to Dunedin and its iconic buildings and landmarks. ​ Pick up is from Port Chalmers and en-route to Dunedin City we'll see the world's steepest street, Baldwin Street, our covered Sports Stadium and the University campus. After stretching our legs at Baldwin Street we make our way towards the city centre to learn more about the city's history and view some of Dunedin's iconic landmarks including the Railway Station, Law Court House, First Church of Otago and other historic buildings in the city centre. ​ We next drive along the picturesque Otago Peninsula en-route to Larnach Castle where guests will have up to 90 mins of free time exploring the castle and gardens, maybe grab a cup of tea from the castle cafe. After Larnach Castle we may have some free time to see more of the city centre before making our way back to the cruise ship.

Join our guide for a personalised tour of Larnach Castle and learn about Dunedin's early history along the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Otago Peninsula, the Otago Harbour and our rugged coastline as your bus travels across it's volcanic countryside. Your guide will give a full commentary throughout your journey. Hop aboard a special Wildlife Cruise experience and find out why Dunedin is known as the Nature Capital of New Zealand. Spot royal albatross, fur seals, historic lighthouses and so much more!

A unique opportunity to experience the very best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer. This shore excursion combines sightseeing of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula with a guided tour of the stunning Larnach Castle and its grounds. Also included is Dunedin’s Chinese Gardens: an authentic Chinese Garden crafted by a team of artisans and craftsman from Dunedin’s sister city of Shanghai. Adjacent to the gardens, explore the Otago Early Settlers Museum with emphasis on the early settlement of Otago.

A custom built boat, with a custom built bike rack, Rachel effortlessly loads your bikes onboard her vessel, so you can ride the Otago Harbour Cycle Loop. A mostly flat, paved and scenic cycleway, a must do when visiting Dunedin. The Port To Port Cycle Ferry is iconic in Dunedin and ensures you can complete the loop in a safe and enjoyable way. Owner skippering and guiding experience on Otago Harbour stretches back to 2004 and is unrivalled by any other company, making your experience safe, unique, exciting and professional. You will receive an explosive live commentary full of local history as you cross.See shipwrecks, birds, boats, volcanic rocks and much more.This is a one woman show and a family owned business. Port to Port's values are reflected in a friendly and professional service loved by locals. Mix with the locals and join Rachel onboard.

Rated as one of the top 10 experiences in NZ in 2025 by Tripadvisor! The Clearwater family farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin. A chance to see yellow-eyed penguins, NZ sealions, NZ fur seals & pups, albatross, and a wide variety of sea & wading birds, in their natural habitat. The Clearwater family have been the caretakers of the pristine land a wild & untamed, dramatic environment that we are lucky enough to share with some of NZ's rarest species. Not accessible to the public, our working farm envelops one of the most beautiful coastal headlands & beaches in NZ. Your private tour will be guided by an experienced & knowledgeable local guide. Commentary on the tour also includes local history & Dunedin city highlights. Our comfortable 4WD vehicles are all air conditioned & we provide quality Nikon binoculars & wind & rain proof jackets. We recommend a 15-minute stop to purchase coffee, food or snacks as there are no food stops along the way.

We love showing you our city and will always give you a trip to remember - we cannot wait to show you our city. We are very well known, always have immaculate vehicles and very fun knowledgeable guides. The castle is NZ only castle and holds a lot of history as well as a garden of International significance its well worth the visit! We also stop at the Worlds Steepest Street, Signal Hill Lookout for a view over the city as well as taking a stroll in the oldest gardens in NZ - the Botanic Gardens before stopping at the Dunedin Railway Station - NZs most photographed station! You will love the Otago Peninsula - one of the most stunning places you can visit in our city We will have time of stopping and photo taking before entering the castle for a guided tour.

Experience an authentic local Maori guide. Learn about the interesting history of the area, discover local stories and gain insights into how Maori lived prior to European arrival. Iconic Tours provide comfortable small group transportation and your friendly driver guide to keep you entertained and add to your local experience. Some excellent photographic opportunities on this tour, especially the lookouts on route, the guided walk with nearby coastal cliffs, and the Moeraki Boulders make for a fascinating subject.