Port Chalmers offers several well-organized tours that take you into nearby Dunedin and around the scenic Otago Peninsula. My favorite is the intimate 5-hour Dunedin City Highlights – perfect for seeing the world’s steepest street (Baldwin Street) and the historic University of Otago campus. For garden enthusiasts, the Garden and City Tour efficiently combines urban landmarks with natural beauty. The 3-hour Coastal Views tour, running with small groups, provides stunning ocean vistas and wildlife spotting opportunities. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Larnach Castle & Chinese Garden experience, featuring New Zealand’s only castle. The Nature and City Tour packs tremendous value, blending countryside drives, beach stops, and botanical gardens into one comprehensive outing. Let’s explore the best tour options in detail.
Key Points
- The Dunedin City Highlights Tour offers a 5-hour small-group experience showcasing key sights like Baldwin Street, University of Otago, and Dunedin Botanic Garden.
- The Garden and City Tour, with a 4.5-star rating, provides a flexible experience visiting Signal Hill, Dunedin Botanic Gardens, and architectural landmarks like the Octagon.
- The Coastal Views Small-Group Tour offers a 3-hour guided exploration of Dunedin City and Otago Peninsula, with scenic drives and visits to the University of Otago.
- The Shore Excursion: Larnach Castle & Chinese Garden tour is a 7-hour all-inclusive experience visiting Larnach Castle, Chinese Gardens, and the Settlers Museum.
- The Nature and City Tour, operated by Exploring New Zealand, is a 5-hour tour covering scenic countryside, beaches, and botanical gardens, with a 4.2-star rating.
Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & a Guided Penguin Reserve Tour
Although the tour focuses primarily on the highlights of Dunedin city and the scenic Otago Peninsula, the highlight for many visitors is the guided tour at the penguin reserve.
The five-hour small-group tour takes travelers to key sights like Baldwin Street, the University of Otago, the Octagon, and the Dunedin Botanic Garden. Along the way, the knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary.
At the penguin reserve, guests can learn about the endangered Yellow-Eyed and Blue penguins, and support the conservation efforts. While sightings are unpredictable, the tour aims to educate visitors about these remarkable seabirds.
With a maximum of 13 travelers, the tour offers personalized attention. Pickup is available from either Port Chalmers for cruise ship passengers or the Octagon for non-cruise passengers.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it does provide infant seats. Moderate fitness is required for the walking involved.
Read our full review: Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & a Guided Penguin Reserve Tour Review
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Garden and City Tour
What does the Garden and City Tour in Port Chalmers have to offer? This 4.5-star rated tour takes visitors on an engaging journey through the city’s highlights.
Costing $35.07 per person, the tour has a maximum capacity of 36 travelers and operates only on cruise ship days. Guests can expect to see Signal Hill for city views, the Dunedin Botanic Gardens, and the iconic Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest residential road.
The tour also covers the Octagon and Dunedin Railway Station, showcasing the city’s impressive architecture. With knowledgeable guides like Craig, Rob, and Simon receiving high praise, the tour provides informative commentary and ample photo opportunities.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it can accommodate wheelchairs and prams. With a convenient meeting point, complimentary pickup, and flexible cancellation policy, the Garden and City Tour is a great way to experience the best of Port Chalmers.
Read our full review: Garden and City Tour Review
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Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour
This 3-hour small-group guided tour offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the highlights of Dunedin City and the picturesque Otago Peninsula.
The tour begins with pickup from select Dunedin hotels or The Octagon, including cruise ship passengers met at the terminal. With a maximum group size of 12, the experience provides an intimate and personalized exploration of the area’s historic landmarks, scenic drives, and coastal views.
Guests will visit the University of Otago and the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, then embark on a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula. At St. Clair Beach, they’ll have the opportunity to stroll along the esplanade and possibly spot the world’s steepest street.
Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides share local history and cultural insights, offering a well-rounded introduction to Dunedin.
While some travelers have noted occasional issues with visibility and communication, the tour generally receives positive reviews, with many praising the small group size and the guides’ expertise.
Tourworks NZ is committed to addressing any concerns and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Read our full review: Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour Review
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Dunedin Shore Excursion – Sightseeing, Larnach Castle, Chinese Garden & Museum
Departing from the cruise ship pavilion in Port Chalmers, this comprehensive 7-hour shore excursion provides visitors with a captivating exploration of Dunedin’s most renowned attractions.
The tour, with a maximum capacity of 18 travelers, takes participants to Larnach Castle, the Chinese Gardens, and the Settlers Museum, among other highlights. Along the way, knowledgeable local guides offer informative commentary, complemented by ample photo opportunities.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the port, as well as a lunch, making it a convenient and all-inclusive experience.
While some past travelers have noted occasional issues with tour guide availability and missed attractions, the majority have praised the guides’ expertise and the tour’s ability to accommodate additional requests.
With an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 13 reviews, this shore excursion offers a well-rounded introduction to Dunedin’s history, architecture, and natural beauty, making it a popular choice for cruise ship passengers visiting Port Chalmers.
Read our full review: Dunedin Shore Excursion – Sightseeing, Larnach Castle, Chinese Garden & Museum Review
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Nature and City Tour
The Nature and City Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Port Chalmers‘ diverse attractions, blending the city’s historic charm with its captivating natural landscapes.
This 5-hour tour, operated by Exploring New Zealand, is available for up to 36 travelers and is priced from $52.61 per person. With a 4.2-star average rating from 38 reviews, the tour provides an informative and visually stunning experience.
Guests will be picked up from the Port Otago cruise ship terminal or can meet at the alternative location in downtown Port Chalmers. The air-conditioned tour includes a lunch stop and covers a range of sights, from scenic countryside and beaches to the botanical gardens and other urban attractions.
Knowledgeable guides provide historical context and local insights throughout the journey.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, the bus can accommodate wheelchairs and prams with seating required. Travelers should confirm the start time with the local provider in advance, as hours may vary depending on the selected option.
Read our full review: Nature and City Tour Review
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Otago Peninsula Scenery and Dunedin City Highlights Tour
Operated by a local tour company, the Otago Peninsula Scenery and Dunedin City Highlights Tour offers cruise passengers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural beauty and historical landmarks.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, this small-group tour provides an intimate experience, transporting guests by air-conditioned minivan with a knowledgeable driver-guide.
Travelers will delight in the scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula, marveling at the stunning landscapes. The highlight is a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland colony of the majestic Royal Albatross.
Opportunities to spot local wildlife, including sea lions and albatrosses, add to the excitement. In Dunedin, the tour explores the world’s steepest street and the city’s beautiful botanic gardens.
Reviewers praise the tour’s knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the region’s history and natural wonders to life.
While wildlife sightings can be weather-dependent, the tour consistently receives high traveler recommendations, with a 96% approval rating and a Badge of Excellence.
Read our full review: Otago Peninsula Scenery and Dunedin City Highlights Tour Review
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Larnach Castle Tour & Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)
This comprehensive Larnach Castle Tour & Wildlife Cruise offers cruise passengers a captivating exploration of Dunedin’s cultural and natural wonders. Priced from $111.06 per person, this small-group tour (maximum 14 travelers) departs from the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal at 10:00 AM.
Highlights include a guided tour of the historic Larnach Castle, featuring its beautiful grounds, as well as a wildlife cruise showcasing rare New Zealand species like fur seals, albatrosses, and blue penguins.
Travelers will appreciate the knowledgeable commentary from the guides, complimentary binoculars and warm jackets, and on-board restroom. While food during the tour isn’t included, guests can purchase meals at the Ballroom Cafe.
Feedback is generally positive, praising the tour’s combination of culture and nature, though some noted discomfort from rough waters during the boat portion.
With a 94% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this shore excursion provides an immersive experience in Dunedin’s top attractions.
Read our full review: Larnach Castle Tour & Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion) Review
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Sum Up
Port Chalmers offers a variety of tours that showcase the region’s natural beauty and historic sites. Visitors can explore the Otago Peninsula, see penguins in their natural habitat, and tour Dunedin’s landmarks like Larnach Castle. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to experience the highlights of the area in a convenient and guided manner.