Otago Harbour
Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise
Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide!
You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more.
Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat.
Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration.
-Fully commentated.
-Quality binoculars provided.
-We 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.
-Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas.
-See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations.
-Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.
Water Taxi and Shuttle to Larnach Castle
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 8.30am – 10.30am and the 11.30am trip leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers.
Trips from 11.00 and 12.10pm leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city.
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.
Monarch Wildlife Cruise

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 187 Reviews.
Hop aboard our sturdy vessel for a one hour Wildlife Cruise, departing from Wellers Rock Wharf on the Otago Peninsula.
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.
Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Rated 5 Stars, based on 99 Reviews.
Discover top attractions and iconic sites and lookouts around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take in key sites of interest such as the World famous Baldwin Street, University of Otago, Olveston Homestead gardens and Dunedin's Grand Railway Station. Awesome lookouts over Otago Harbour and from Signal Hill. Visit the Octagon (city centre) for some shopping and a bite to eat. All transport to and from the cruise ship wharf is included. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 20 people. Daily departures are available for cruise passengers and city-based passengers.
Dunedin Wildlife Cruise-Albatross, seals and harbour

Rated 5 Stars, based on 98 Reviews.
Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide!
You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago Harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more.
Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat.
Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration.
-Full professional amplified commentary
-Quality binoculars provided.
-Bathroom onboard, heated cabin
-Learn about 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.
-Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas.
-See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations.
-Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.
Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

Rated 5 Stars, based on 166 Reviews.
Admire the fine architecture, gardens and decor of the elegant Olveston Historic Home during a 1-hour guided tour of this must-see attraction in Dunedin. You can also stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in views of the city and Otago Harbour. During the house tour, your knowledgeable guide shares informative commentary about the design, art and furnishings, as well as the family that built the home. This tour gives you a chance to glimpse life in New Zealand during the early 20th century and learn about one of Dunedin’s most prominent families.
Harbour, Albatross and Wildlife Cruise on Otago Harbour

Rated 4 Stars, based on 17 Reviews.
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.
Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 62 Reviews.
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.
Otago Harbour Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Rated 5 Stars, based on 15 Reviews.
Join us for an invigorating wildlife cruise experience. By the time you get back to your ship you’ll know why Dunedin is the Nature Capital of New Zealand.
The cruise will travel around beautiful wharves and boatsheds, then through the historic Quarantine Islands. You’ll see the Careys Bay fishing village and its motley collection of boats before continuing along the harbour. Enjoy a nice hot drink and biscuit for morning tea.
As you arrive at the entrance to the Otago Harbour you’ll see the tidal Aramoana sandflats and the spectacular volcanic cliffs of Taiaroa Head. You’ll see the royal albatross breeding colony, the only mainland colony in the world. Beneath a picturesque lighthouse you’ll find a large population of fur seals, watch as they swim, play and sleep on rocky platforms close to the boat. A short way out to sea we often spot other species of albatross and seabirds. We sometimes see dolphins, sea lions and blue penguins. Don’t forget your camera!
Iconic Shore Excursion: Iconic Larnach Castle Tour

Rated 5 Stars, based on 68 Reviews.
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.
City to Sea Wildlife Cruise + Peninsula Bus Tour

Rated 5 Stars, based on 35 Reviews.
Bus across the beautiful Otago Peninsula and enjoy the sights whilst your local guide gives an informative commentary about the area.
Then hop aboard our comfortable boat for an invigorating cruise out past the historic Taiaroa Head lighthouse. You'll spot rare Southern Ocean marine wildlife, including royal albatross, fur seals and more!
The tour concludes with a relaxed cruise, back to Dunedin, along the Otago Harbour.
Dunedin Castle to Cruise Tour

Rated 5 Stars, based on 51 Reviews.
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.
Dunedin City, Wildlife and Larnach Castle

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 79 Reviews.
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.
Peninsula Encounters + Wildlife Cruise

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 43 Reviews.
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.
Larnach Castle Tour & Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Rated 5 Stars, based on 19 Reviews.
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!
Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin

Rated 4 Stars, based on 42 Reviews.
Make the most of your shore excursion in Dunedin, the oldest city in New Zealand, which boasts impressive architecture and many hidden secrets. Escape the crowds and venture out to explore parts of the town belt, coastline and central city on a small group tour packed with interest. Stunning lookouts, beautiful beaches, wonderful architecture and rolling hills await you.
Electric Bike Rental

Rated 5 Stars, based on 4 Reviews.
Locally owned and operated business, comfortable step-through bikes designed for our amazing city cycle network, explore our amazing peninsular powered by our electric!
Collect bikes anytime between 7:30am and 7:30pm (great flexibility rock on up when you want) from our self-serving (kiosk) at city location (10 Harrow Street) which is central to the City CBD and also located at the start of Harbour Cycle Loop, positioned to go either way (down Portobello direction or Port Chalmers).
Non-Electric Bike Rental

Locally owned and operated business, comfortable bike designs suited for our amazing city cycle network, explore our amazing peninsular.
This is a great starting point for completing the harbour loop or if you only want to explore one side of our amazing cycle network that our Peninsular and Harbour provides. Or simply head in and explore our city. The most popular is to complete the harbour loop & also book the Ferry with Port to Port. Whether you’re a local, visitor from a cruise ship or tourist travelling to Dunedin, let us power your ride to places you might not otherwise visit.
6-Day South Island Southern Heritage Tour from Christchurch

Experience a six day independent coach tour of the scenic South Island of New Zealand. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Mount Cook and Queenstown and across to the city of Dunedin, before returning to Christchurch. The excursion includes a nature cruise in both Milford Sounds and on the Dunedin harbour as well as guided tour of Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula. this tour option includes 5 nights four star hotel accommodation ( 3 in Queenstown and 2 in Dunedin) as well as a full free day in Queenstown to explore on your own.