Overview
Maximize your shore journey in Dunedin, New Zealand's most ancient city, renowned for its expansive sandy shores and dramatic coastlines. It serves as a sanctuary for unique wildlife, such as the yellow-eyed penguin, and carries a rich history marked by Scottish settlers and the revered Maori tribe. This all-encompassing day-long itinerary will guide you through Dunedin's most captivating viewpoints and essential spots while leading you on an exploration of the Otago Peninsula's secluded areas, marked by breathtaking coasts, undulating sand dunes, and a strikingly designed castle.
You'll see the city, learn about our heritage, and experience the wild peninsula all in one comfortable and interesting Otago Peninsula tour from Dunedin in New Zealand. Our guide will commentate throughout the journey and there's plenty of time to chat and ask as many questions as you like. Dunedin is an ecotourism hub and the attractions are suitable for visitors of any age. On our tours you will be able to access all the attractions and you can explore as much or as little as you like.
The tour takes in the Otago Peninsula via the Yellow Eyed Penguin reserve right to the Royal Albatross colony at Taiaora Head. Enjoy the stop off at Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle. Here you can buy lunch at the café and stroll the magnificent 14 hectares of gardens of international significance. Throughout the tour we'll make sure you have plenty of opportunity to photograph the wildlife and scenery.
Details
We collect you at Port Chalmers at 8:45am and 9:45am, or from all centrally located accommodation. Pick up times do vary depending on cruise ship arrival times. Your pick up time will be confirmed in the reservation process.
Duration: 7 hours
Start: Dunedin (9am)
Finish: Dunedin (about 4:30pm)
Includes:
- Dunedin Railway Station
- University of Otago
- Baldwin Street – the worlds steepest street
- Signal Hill Lookout
- Larnach Castle - New Zealand’s only castle (entry to grounds included; castle entry optional.
- Lunch available at the Ballroom Cafe (own cost)
- The OPERA (formerly known as "Penguin Place) - learn about the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguins, visit the Penguin Rehabilitation Centre (when penguins are present), and experience a guided tour through the reserve which is home to numerous native plants and animals.
- Royal Albatross Visitor Centre (Entry free)
- Discover Estuaries, Native Forests, and View White Sandy Beaches
- Stunning Peninsula views - including sheep farms and excellent photo spots
What to bring
- We recommend you bring a jacket and wear solid footwear.
- Bring a bottle of water.
- Bring your camera to record the experience.
Pricing:
Cost per person 2023-2024
- Adult: NZ$259
- Child (5-14 yrs): NZ$195
- Infants 0-4 yrs): Free
Overview
Maximize your shore journey in Dunedin, New Zealand's most ancient city, renowned for its expansive sandy shores and dramatic coastlines. It serves as a sanctuary for unique wildlife, such as the yellow-eyed penguin, and carries a rich history marked by Scottish settlers and the revered Maori tribe. This all-encompassing day-long itinerary will guide you through Dunedin's most captivating viewpoints and essential spots while leading you on an exploration of the Otago Peninsula's secluded areas, marked by breathtaking coasts, undulating sand dunes, and a strikingly designed castle.
You'll see the city, learn about our heritage, and experience the wild peninsula all in one comfortable and interesting Otago Peninsula tour from Dunedin in New Zealand. Our guide will commentate throughout the journey and there's plenty of time to chat and ask as many questions as you like. Dunedin is an ecotourism hub and the attractions are suitable for visitors of any age. On our tours you will be able to access all the attractions and you can explore as much or as little as you like.
The tour takes in the Otago Peninsula via the Yellow Eyed Penguin reserve right to the Royal Albatross colony at Taiaora Head. Enjoy the stop off at Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle. Here you can buy lunch at the café and stroll the magnificent 14 hectares of gardens of international significance. Throughout the tour we'll make sure you have plenty of opportunity to photograph the wildlife and scenery.
City Highlights
The stunning architecture of Dunedin's historical structures rivals the natural splendor of its coastline. This excursion gives you a chance to appreciate both!
Once a prominent industrial and trade hub of New Zealand, Dunedin has preserved a wealth of its early structures. Our journey kicks off with a picturesque drive into the city, showcasing a vast array of Edwardian and Victorian buildings. We'll make stops at Baldwin Street, famously known as the ‘world’s steepest street'; the University of Otago, the country’s eldest university; and the iconic Dunedin Railway Station. Before venturing further along the bay, we'll take a moment to relish the unique octagonal design of the city's central plaza.
Otago Peninsula
Our expedition progresses to the Otago Peninsula, a place where the powerful southern waves crash against the shores and where unique wildlife frequently makes its appearance year-round.
We'll explore the gardens of Larnach Castle, which boast a distinctive array of specialized gardens and offer some of the most breathtaking views of the Otago Harbour. It's worth noting that lunch isn't provided, but there's an opportunity to buy something from the Larnach Castle Ballroom Café or at another stop later in the tour. If you have specific dietary needs, please inform your guide on the tour day.
Portobello & Tidal Flats
Upon concluding your visit to Larnach Castle, we'll navigate the serpentine gravel paths leading to Portobello, the central township of the Otago Peninsula. En route, we'll stop by the Tidal Inlets, delving into the captivating ecosystem and understanding the significance it holds for waders and waterfowl. Witness native New Zealand birds foraging on nutrient-rich mudflats and take in some of the most spectacular landscapes along this dramatic coastline.
Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve
Moving forward, our afternoon is dedicated to observing the cherished penguins and other indigenous wildlife that inhabit New Zealand's shores. We embark on an exhilarating journey through a network of tunnels and observation points to gain an unparalleled view of the ‘critically endangered’ yellow-eyed penguin. In addition, we'll likely spot little blue penguins, NZ sea lions, and NZ fur seals that frequently land on these coasts. Have your cameras at the ready — it's anticipated that you'll see at least two of these species during our outing!
This Dunedin penguin expedition offers incredible photo moments and acquaints you with what's arguably the world's rarest penguin. With 90 steps to ascend and a 600-meter pathway to traverse, the entire journey lasts about 90 minutes — and the experiences you'll gain are truly priceless.
Taiaroa Head
We conclude our tour at Taiaroa Head, a frequent gliding spot for the Northern Royal Albatross. Our guide will share the captivating tale of this remarkable bird that spends a majority of its life navigating the seas, yet picks the edge of the Otago Peninsula for breeding. The nearby locales are equally intriguing, making it an ideal conclusion to our day. From here, we'll take the scenic route back to Port Chalmers.
Cost per person 2023-2024
- Adult: NZ$259
- Child (5-14 yrs): NZ$195
- Infants 0-4 yrs): Free
City Highlights
The stunning architecture of Dunedin's historical structures rivals the natural splendor of its coastline. This excursion gives you a chance to appreciate both!
Once a prominent industrial and trade hub of New Zealand, Dunedin has preserved a wealth of its early structures. Our journey kicks off with a picturesque drive into the city, showcasing a vast array of Edwardian and Victorian buildings. We'll make stops at Baldwin Street, famously known as the ‘world’s steepest street'; the University of Otago, the country’s eldest university; and the iconic Dunedin Railway Station. Before venturing further along the bay, we'll take a moment to relish the unique octagonal design of the city's central plaza.
Otago Peninsula
Our expedition progresses to the Otago Peninsula, a place where the powerful southern waves crash against the shores and where unique wildlife frequently makes its appearance year-round.
We'll explore the gardens of Larnach Castle, which boast a distinctive array of specialized gardens and offer some of the most breathtaking views of the Otago Harbour. It's worth noting that lunch isn't provided, but there's an opportunity to buy something from the Larnach Castle Ballroom Café or at another stop later in the tour. If you have specific dietary needs, please inform your guide on the tour day.
Portobello & Tidal Flats
Upon concluding your visit to Larnach Castle, we'll navigate the serpentine gravel paths leading to Portobello, the central township of the Otago Peninsula. En route, we'll stop by the Tidal Inlets, delving into the captivating ecosystem and understanding the significance it holds for waders and waterfowl. Witness native New Zealand birds foraging on nutrient-rich mudflats and take in some of the most spectacular landscapes along this dramatic coastline.
Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve
Moving forward, our afternoon is dedicated to observing the cherished penguins and other indigenous wildlife that inhabit New Zealand's shores. We embark on an exhilarating journey through a network of tunnels and observation points to gain an unparalleled view of the ‘critically endangered’ yellow-eyed penguin. In addition, we'll likely spot little blue penguins, NZ sea lions, and NZ fur seals that frequently land on these coasts. Have your cameras at the ready — it's anticipated that you'll see at least two of these species during our outing!
This Dunedin penguin expedition offers incredible photo moments and acquaints you with what's arguably the world's rarest penguin. With 90 steps to ascend and a 600-meter pathway to traverse, the entire journey lasts about 90 minutes — and the experiences you'll gain are truly priceless.
Taiaroa Head
We conclude our tour at Taiaroa Head, a frequent gliding spot for the Northern Royal Albatross. Our guide will share the captivating tale of this remarkable bird that spends a majority of its life navigating the seas, yet picks the edge of the Otago Peninsula for breeding. The nearby locales are equally intriguing, making it an ideal conclusion to our day. From here, we'll take the scenic route back to Port Chalmers.
