You will be joining a small group tour and go to places that bigger buses cannot go.
You will have personalised attention and will see the most special parts of Dunedin and Otago peninsula.
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.
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.
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!
Explore Dunedin’s charms on our Family Walking Tour, a delightful journey through heritage and natural beauty. Begin in The Octagon, where lively street performers entertain, setting the stage for an enjoyable family outing. Discover St. Paul’s Cathedral, an architectural wonder, and learn about the city’s spiritual heritage in a serene setting. Meander down Tennyson Street, lined with unique shops and cozy cafes, offering family-friendly shopping and local flavors. Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden, transports you to a peaceful world with meandering paths and cultural insights. Queens Gardens invites picnics and leisurely strolls amidst lush greenery and charming bridges. Finally, explore the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, an architectural gem that shares the city’s intriguing history. This Dunedin Family Walking Tour combines history and natural beauty to create cherished family memories.
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is an educational tour where we dive into the human history of New Zealand. Discussing how Polynesians (Māori) navigated to New Zealand with pin-point accuracy from Islands thousands of kilometers away.
We explore all the key sights of Dunedin on a modern, comfortable mini bus on this small group tour. Starting at the Octagon, we pass several iconic buildings as we leave Central Dunedin including St Paul’s Cathedral, Otago Boys High School, First Church and the Dunedin Railway Station before arriving high up on the Otago Peninsula for scenic viewpoints.
We venture to St Kilda and St Clair surf beaches where we break for a light lunch. Then it's past the botanic gardens to visit Baldwin Street, the World’s steepest street. Our final stop is the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university, where we take a guided walk around a collection of beautiful old iconic buildings before arriving at Tuhura Otago Museum.
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.
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.
Take in the best of Dunedin City on this 3-hour, small-group tour. Ride in the comfy, safe van to the highest vantage points, around heritage buildings, and view the white sand beaches of Dunedin. You'll visit the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, the world's steepest street, and a lot more. Take great photos from the best spots and learn as the expert commentary from your local guide gives you a real feel for the past and present of New Zealand's first city. Enjoy free pickup and drop-off from your cruise port, your hotel, or in town for either the morning (9am) or afternoon (1pm) tour. Group size is limited to 12 people.
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.
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 comfortable van. You will be very flexible and can spend any amount of time at all the stops.
There is an option fo a bigger group too.
Scenic drive through the city and on Otago Peninsula to view the most breathtaking views. You will enjoy a stop at Royal Albatross Centre (about 1 hour), 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!) Then, take a scenic drive back to Port via Portobello Road, along the harbor, where you are likely to see wading birds. You will have a great choice to create a memorable tour to suit your interests.
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.
From the soaring spires to the sweeping beaches, experience the best of New Zealand's most fascinating wee city with an experienced local guide. We offer a selection of tours ranging from sight seeing and wildlife experiences to our popular brewery and distellery tour. After being picked up from your desired location you will visit Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights. With an entertaining mix of story telling, beauty, wildlife and charm our tours provide visitors with an unforgettable experience and a fantastic insight into our hometown - Otepoti Dunedin. Contact us for details! Also in German!
We offer a small group tour of the highest quality, exclusive experience where your itinerary is fully customized to your interests. Our private tour ,unlike group tours, offers flexibility in timing, and allows more time to enjoy the breathtaking views of Otago Peninsula and Dunedin. We have been providing Dunedin and South Island private Tours since 2015 and committed to customer satisfaction. You will enjoy personal attention from local guide, access to hidden spots, and freedom to move at your own pace. We are professional, friendly and reliable and happy to meet new customers from around the world.
Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin, Little Blue Penguins and NZ Fur seals in the wild. Specially designed hides allow for close viewing of Yellow Eyed Penguins in their nesting habitat *please note the penguins are not kept in captivity in the reserve and they may not always be visible from the hides. A visit to the penguin rehabilitation hospital is also included in this tour.
This tour also visits the Royal Albatross Colony for a guided tour of the nesting area.
Lookouts, photo stops and full commentary provided throughout. Also included is a brief tour of Dunedin's main city sights.
Embark on an exclusive private tour, accommodating a maximum of five participants. This intimate setting ensures a personalized experience akin to a private tour, allowing for flexibility and customization. Our meticulously curated itinerary covers all the city’s highlights, providing a comprehensive exploration of Dunedin. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of lifestyle, history, and culture, tracing back to New Zealand’s early periods.
A captivating day trip through Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, where history, natural beauty, and wildlife come together in perfect harmony. Start by exploring Dunedin's iconic landmarks, uncovering the city's rich past through its historic architecture and charming streets. Throughout the day, take in stunning views of rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and pristine beaches, offering endless opportunities for breathtaking photos. Perfect for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers.
Experience comfort and space with our tours in a 2021 Toyota Hiace minibus. With seating for up to 8 passengers, this vehicle ensures a smooth and relaxing ride, perfect for small groups. The spacious interior offers plenty of legroom making your journey comfortable from start to finish. Equipped with modern features like air conditioning and advanced safety systems, the Hiace is designed to enhance your travel experience.
Embark on a scenic tour exploring Dunedin highlights, including the iconic Railway Station, and historic Octagon with photo ops at Signal Hill Lookout and Baldwin Street, the world's steepest street. Make your way out to Taiaroa head where you will stop in at the Royal Albatross Centre before starting the ultimate peninsula wildlife experience at The Opera. Explore the reserve and rehabilitation center which is home to the endangered yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, sea lions, and several species of sea and forest birds. This tour offers a blend of history, stunning views, and wildlife encounters, summing up all of the goodness Dunedin has to offer.
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.
