Dunedin
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!! In the non-breeding months of March to August we often see 20-50 birds each night, however on rare occasions we might see fewer than 10 birds). 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)
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.
Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour
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.
Heritage Dunedin City Walking Guided Tour
The stories Gregor researches have rarely been heard before. They are the culmination of years of research and are exclusive to Tales From Darkest Dunedin. Darkest Dunedin has an extensive knowledge of the area and its history so you'll walk away feeling like a local and just as welcome!
Dunedin Wildlife Cruise-Albatross, seals and harbour
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.
A 2 hour Small Group Dunedin City Highlights Tour
Join a small-group tour to discover the highlights of Dunedin, the oldest city in New Zealand. Our City Tour is the perfect choice for those who are short on time and seeking a personalized experience. This brief yet insightful tour offers a wonderful introduction to the charm of Dunedin.
Our 2-hour City Tour covers the key highlights of the city, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy any other activities you may have planned.
Please note, this tour does not include pick-up from Port Chalmers and is therefore not suitable for cruise ship passengers. The tour departs from Dunedin City Centre, just outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre. We may be able to offer pick-up from Port Chalmers for an additional cost on some occasions—please enquire for further details.
Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour
We meet you at the Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal for the
'Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour'
Stops include:
-Dunedin Railway Station (most photographed building in NZ)
-Baldwin Street (world's steepest street)
-Otago University (NZ's oldest University)
-Signal Hill Lookout
-Heritage Buildings
Plus more
After the 'City Highlights Tour' we drop you off at the Octagon in the City Centre. You will have 1 hour of free time for lunch & shopping. Meridian Shopping Mall is 2 blocks away with a Food Court.
After lunch we depart on the journey up to the Castle. We take in the magnificent views of the peninsula and make a quick stop at a lookout for a great photo opportunity.
On arrival we take you on a guided tour of the Castle with time afterwards to do some of your own exploring or check out the award-winning gardens. You also have the option to visit the Ballroom Cafe for refreshments.
(Larnach Castle/Gardens entry fee is included in our tour price)
No hidden fees.
Dunedin 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.
Dunedin City, Wildlife and Larnach Castle
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.
Historical Bicycle Tour of Dunedin
Explore delightful Dunedin on a bicycle tour that will amaze the senses. Experience the history of our quaint little Gulf Coast town! Your tour guide will escort you through small town Dunedin, while narrating the history of our community. Visit one of a kind locations that are off the beaten path (literally)! Enjoy historical landmarks, blooming fauna, and breathtaking views, all while riding a bike on the Pinellas Trail and side streets of Dunedin. You may encounter some of the local wildlife…like peacocks in the park or spot a dolphin playing in the gulf waters. Each tour is fun, unique and different….always something new!
Come join us for a leisurely, 3-hour, 6-7 mile tour around our great town! (Don’t worry, it’s flat!)
Otago Harbour Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)
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!
Explore Dunedin: Self-Guided Audio Tour Adventure
Discover Dunedin at your own pace with our self-guided audio tour.
Explore Dunedin's culturally significant sights, including the fascinating Octagon and the iconic Old Railway Station. Our audio guide allows you to uncover the city's rich history and vibrant culture at your leisure.
Download the Citywalksz APP, put on your headphones, and start your journey. Learn about Dunedin’s Scottish heritage, its transformation into a bustling city, and its unique local landmarks.
The tour takes about two hours, but you can pause anytime to shop or take breaks. Perfect for tourists looking to experience Dunedin on foot, this tour offers flexibility and deep insights into the city's past.
Things to note before booking:
1. No admission fees or physical guide included.
2. Available only in English.
3. Tour downloading instructions are in the "Before You Go" section of your ticket.
Larnach Castle & Gardens Tour from Dunedin
Larnach Castle is New Zealand's only castle! Top attraction
Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula
The Castle's Garden has received numerous national Awards
Lovingly restored by the Barker Family,
Have a look around the lovingly restored Larnach Castle that dates back to 1871,
Cruise Dunedin City and Castle Tour
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.
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.
Downtown Dunedin: Food, Drink & Cultural Walking Tour by TBFT
Discover fascinating history, fun facts, and local favorites with our expert tour guides and historians as you explore the charming Main Street community of Dunedin along the Intracoastal Waterway. Experience the town’s vibrant vibe and incredible cuisine while enjoying delicious food and handcrafted drinks. The tour kicks off at Lucky Lobster, where you'll savor their famous lobster pizza paired with your choice of local craft beer, wine, or a house-made margarita.
Discover Wild Scene Tours Dunedin
If you want easy access to Dunedin's most popular attractions or some various unknown locals only attractions. I own this business and take great pleasure in giving my clients the best day we can Greate in the short time we have to discover Dunedin city and surrounds.
Dunedin Shore Excursion – Sightseeing, Larnach Castle, Chinese Garden & Museum
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.
Electric Bikes Rental in Dunedin
Electric Bikes are the most dependable and easy to ride in the industry. We have many areas in Dunedin to explore and the Pinellas trail is right next to our store.
Larnach Castle Tour & Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)
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!