Tours in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky Kiwi means you’ll experience the very best of Central Otago in a way that’s personal, luxurious, and unforgettable. Most tours are about getting from A to B. Ours is about everything in between. From the moment you board the historic Taieri Gorge Train in Dunedin, you’re immersed in a world of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and thoughtful stops that showcase Central Otago’s hidden gems.

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.

Visit New Zealand’s only Castle, situated on the dramatic Otago Peninsula and only a 20 minute drive from Dunedin. Learn about the colonial history and stories of William Larnach - entrepreneur and politician, plus ongoing restoration by the Barker family. Experience the finest Victorian craftsmanship, the excellent collection of New Zealand antiques and unparalleled views of the Otago Peninsula. Walk in the gardens rated a garden of International significance by NZGT. Take refreshment in the historic Ballroom café serving the best local food and drink. This is for ticket admission only. Transportation, food, drinks, and other accommodations are not included.

Enjoy over 145 years of brewing history as the guides take you through the interactive brewery tour. Learn in a guided small group with a maximum of 15 travelers about all of the ingredients that go into the award-winning brews and hear about the state of the art brewing process used today. The tour ends with a tasting, where you’ll get to enjoy samples of the beer as the knowledgeable guides talk you through the different styles and flavors in the range.

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.

The Southern Skies Star Gazing tour takes you out to the Otago Peninsula on a journey of discovery to learn about the unique celestial features of the Southern sky, while also sharing stories and waiata (songs) about how Māori viewed the night sky.  The Otago peninsula coastline provides a clear and breath-taking view of the night sky, along with a magical backdrop of coastal bird calls echoing across Hoopers inlet. In the right conditions, this rural coastal area is a prime viewing location for the Southern Lights, Aurora Australis  Enjoy Māori manaakitanga (hospitality) with a light supper and hot beverage.  Sit back, relax and be enchanted. Departs Dunedin 8PM (October to March) and 6PM (April to September)

Enjoy a full-day tour experiencing lovely Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You will see all the city highlights before journeying along the Otago Peninsula, which is full of wildlife and the majestic Larnach Castle (garden entry included, the tour inside the castle can be booked and paid for on the day if required). Also included is a visit to The Opera (Formerly Known as Penguin Place) - learn about the Yellow-Eyed penguin and our conservation efforts to protect them. Guests then move into the rehabilitation centre (when penguins are present) where Yellow-Eyed penguins and other penguin species can be seen up close. Then a short bus trip to the reserve where you are guided on an approximately 2km nature walk (Some steps included and uneven ground). Your local guide has many stories of the area and knows all the best spots and vantage points along the way. There is plenty of time to chat and enjoy the commentary during your small-group tour.

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,

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.

Discover Dunedin & Otago Peninsula – A Perfect Day Tour Begin at the Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary, home to native and exotic birds. Next, take in breathtaking panoramic views from Signal Hill Lookout, offering the best vantage point over Dunedin. Challenge yourself at Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest residential street, before admiring the University of Otago’s iconic clocktower. Visit the stunning Dunedin Railway Station, a masterpiece of grand architecture. Journey along the scenic Otago Peninsula, stopping at Sir Leonard Wright Lookout and Sandfly Bay for incredible coastal views and potential wildlife sightings. At the Royal Albatross Centre, learn about the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. Return via the coastal route with an optional city center drop-off for self-exploration. Ensure you return to port on time. This tour blends history, scenery, and wildlife for an unforgettable experience!

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!

Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored just for your group of up to 6 passengers. A knowledgeable driver - guide will show you the best spots in Dunedin in a private vehicle. You will be very flexible to spend any amount of time at all the stops. Scenic drive from Port Chalmers through the countryside road to the city. Suggested stops are: Baldwin Street, Signal Hill Lookout Point, upper Botanic Garden with bird aviaries, Otago University, Octagon, First Church, Dunedin Railway station, Olveston House. Continue with a scenic drive onto Otago Peninsula with the most breathtaking views. Stop for a drink and a short stroll at Glenfalloch gardens or St Clair Beach. You will be flexible and will have a great choice to create a memorable tour to suit your interests.

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,

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer and provide you the most flexible and personalized Dunedin and Otago Peninsula wild life Tours. We know Dunedin like the back of our van and we will allow you to enjoy every hidden spots in Dunedin and freedom to move at your own pace. We are friendly ,knowledgeable, reliable and happy to meet new customers from around the world.

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.

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.

Discover Dunedin & Otago Peninsula – A Perfect Day Tour Begin at the Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary, home to native and exotic birds. Next, take in breathtaking panoramic views from Signal Hill Lookout, offering the best vantage point over Dunedin. Challenge yourself at Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest residential street, before admiring the University of Otago’s iconic clocktower. Visit the stunning Dunedin Railway Station, a masterpiece of grand architecture. Journey along the scenic Otago Peninsula, stopping at Sir Leonard Wright Lookout and Sandfly Bay for incredible coastal views and potential wildlife sightings. At the Royal Albatross Centre, learn about the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. Return via the coastal route with an optional city center drop-off for self-exploration. Ensure you return to port on time. This tour blends history, scenery, and wildlife for an unforgettable experience!

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 9.00am to 11.15am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Trips from 12.00 and 12.45pm leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city. All trips conclude in Dunedin City except the 11.15am trip that returns to Port Chalmers at 2.15pm

Whether you’re into science, history, machinery, or (most likely) beer, the Emerson’s brewery tour is a must do in Dunedin. The tour gives you a behind the scenes look at our state-of-the-art 5000L brewery, and 1200L workshop. We take you through every step of the brew process, from the malt room, right through to the fermentation, bottling, and most importantly, the tasting. And as if that’s not enough, you get to do it all in an attractive, high-visibility waistcoat.

Expanding on the incredible opportunities of the Wildlife & Penguin Tour, this tour provides the unique opportunity to experience the reserve at sunset. The magnificent light casting over the landscape as the sun sets on the reserve is breathtaking. At points throughout the year, this time of day provides the greatest opportunity to view hoiho | Yellow-eyed Penguins in the wild as they return from a day foraging at sea, as well as opportunities to view other unique wildlife from fur seals, sea lions, shore and land birds, native fauna, and more await you within our private reserve. Best of all, by taking a tour you are joining our work, as tour operations directly fund the conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and education initiatives at The OPERA.

We invite you to join us for an experience unlike any other in New Zealand on one of our guided Wildlife and Penguin Tour. Penguins, fur seals, sea lions, shore and land birds, native fauna, and more await you within our private reserve. Best of all, by taking a tour you are joining our work, as tour operations directly fund the conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and education initiatives at The OPERA.

Taking part in our immersive and interactive experiences, uncovering stories and seeing a new side to places across the motu (land). Navigating clues and directions - you will learn, eat and travel from your mobile phones and WhatsApp. Discover Tūhura Otago Museum through a hidden lens with exclusive access, hands-on exploration, and rich storytelling. Perfect for families, curious minds, and education seekers, this immersive experience brings science, culture, and history to life in unexpected ways.

This thoughtfully organized tour takes care of all the logistical details, freeing you to fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the Catlins without worrying about tide tables or seasonal access restrictions. By expertly timing your visit to Cathedral Caves during the narrow low-tide window, the tour optimizes your experience at each iconic location and minimizes any potential hassles. With comfortable transportation, insightful local guidance, and a stress-free itinerary, you can simply relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery and unique wildlife of this unforgettable region.

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.