Top Things to do in Port Chalmers
10 Tours in Port Chalmers That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Port Chalmers, New Zealand including Private Shore Excursion: Showcase Of Dunedin Nz, Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & a Guided Penguin Reserve Tour, Iconic Shore Excursion: Coastal Adventure to the Moeraki Boulders , Dunedin Shore Excursion: Wildlife Cruise & Yellow Eyed Penguins, Carbon-free transport and tour through Orokonui Ecosanctuary, Iconic Shore Excursion: Small Group Larnach Castle Tour, Dunedin City, Wildlife and Scenery Tour, Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour, Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit, Half day Private Tour of Dunedin City Highlights and Peninsula Scenery.
1. Private Shore Excursion: Showcase Of Dunedin Nz
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A SPECIAL SHOWCASE OF DUNEDIN HIGHLIGHTS IS CREATED FOR YOUR TIME ONSHORE Dunedin is famous for New Zealand’s finest heritage and cultural icons, spectacular breath-taking ocean and mountain views, beautiful gardens and city cafes. New Zealand’s amazing hot spots in Dunedin and surrounds provides you with a variety of options that can be made to a custom style day of memories. The itinerary for you is designed with plenty of allowance for your ship's arrival and departure times. A comfortable vehicle is provided for up to eleven people.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch
Reviewed By 676nataliew
This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!
2. Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & a Guided Penguin Reserve Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
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.
Inclusions: Bottled water, GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions: Snacks, Lunch
Reviewed By R3420VWdebbiee
An excellent tour of Dunedin City with a friendly and very knowledgeable your guide. Asta went out of her way to make it a special experience.
3. Iconic Shore Excursion: Coastal Adventure to the Moeraki Boulders
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Small group tour that will pack in a lot of attractions in the time allowed. A lot of planning goes into each and every tour to ensure the best experience possible.
Inclusions: Entrance fee to the Moeraki Boulders beach access is included, Entry fee to Orokonui Ecosanctuary included
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Truejaffa
We would thoroughly recommend using Iconic Tours. And here’s why. Last week we visited the Catlins with Kim from Iconic Tours. The Catlins had been on our bucket list for some time but we had never managed to get there until now. We had heard accommodation and cafes were in short supply down there and we wanted to ensure we didn't miss any highlights so we opted for a tour instead of self drive. Kim collected us from the airport in a comfortable air conditioned sedan and drove us into the city, pointing out places of interest as we went. He did a brief tour around the city centre, took us up to our accommodation in Roslyn and waited while we dropped our bags off, then dropped us back at the i- site. We spent the next 3 days exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula which we really enjoyed. But the best was yet to come! Kim is a great driver and guide and he packed a lot into our 2 day Catlins tour, while never rushing or hurrying us. He is knowledgeable and articulate with a keen interest in the history of places and the local flora and fauna. As he was doing the driving we were able to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery, and no need to worry if we had missed a turn off or if the road or a café were closed – he had all the local knowledge to adapt if necessary. But here’s a tip- allow 3 days , there is so much to see and do. He drove us down unsealed roads that we wouldn't have ventured on and the sights at the end were remarkable. We had walked the length of Cannibal Bay, admiring the sea lions basking on the sand and were about to head back to the car when Kim spotted a dark shape in the water . It was a huge sea lion swimming into the shallows, then walking up the beach and flipping onto the sand. Awesome. That was a highlight for us as was standing on the beach at Curio Bay in the dusk watching a lone Hoiho penguin make his way up the beach towards his nest. Our breakfast at the Tumu Toka Curio Bay cafe and our dinner at the Niagara Falls restaurant were culinary standouts. Superb service and delicious food. When we arrived at our beach front unit Kim brought in a platter of cheese and crackers and a bottle of bubbly to share with us as we reviewed the day. We then had a short rest, dinner then another visit to the beach to wait for the arrival of the little Hoiho, the rarest penguin in the world. Covered in the price of our tour was our accommodation at Curio Bay (which was a comfortable studio unit right on the beach) plus morning teas, lunches and a cooked breakfast and museum entries etc, plus of course a driver/guide. Kim managed to pack in a tremendous amount of things each day from walks through native bush to see amazing waterfalls, seeing the petrified forest and visits to museums to watching fur seals on the rocks. Kim also does Stewart Island tours and we've got that in mind for the future as we couldn't imagine a better tour guide. And the Catlins? Pristine, uncrowded, an awesome experience.’
4. Dunedin Shore Excursion: Wildlife Cruise & Yellow Eyed Penguins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Combine a Monarch Wildlife Cruise with its excellent display of marine wildlife and a guided tour of a Yellow-eyed Penguin Colony located in an isolated cove on the Otago Peninsula. While your cruise ship is berthed at Port Chalmers, enjoy an informative and entertaining sightseeing tour of Dunedin City before joining your wildlife cruise where you can see fur seals, little blue penguins, albatross, and more. Following your cruise make a stop for a quick lunch break and then make your way to the unique and isolated Yellow-eyed Penguin breeding colony with Nature Wonders.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver/guide, Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Entrance Fees & Guided Tours, Port pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drink, Gratuities
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
5. Carbon-free transport and tour through Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is the traveller experience of the future. By utilising an electric vehicle to climb the 300 metres (1,000 feet) to Orokonui Ecosanctuary you are contributing to our sustainable future. And with a experienced guide and science communicator with you from start to finish you will appreciate the effort that ordinary New Zealanders are making to ensure that the birdlife of our past has a safe and secure future. Our sustainable future begins now.
Inclusions: After the walk relax with a dish from Horopito Cafe within the Ecosanctuary Visitor Centre. Plus a hot or cool drink., Binoculars
Exclusions:
6. Iconic Shore Excursion: Small Group Larnach Castle Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 26 reviews
Enjoy a personalized small group tour of Larnach Castle and Dunedin City. This is a 6 to 7 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. Light refreshments and chilled water are included. 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.
Inclusions: Light refreshments, Port pickup and drop-off, Guided tour of Larnach Castle
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Truejaffa
We would thoroughly recommend using Iconic Tours. And here’s why. Last week we visited the Catlins with Kim from Iconic Tours. The Catlins had been on our bucket list for some time but we had never managed to get there until now. We had heard accommodation and cafes were in short supply down there and we wanted to ensure we didn't miss any highlights so we opted for a tour instead of self drive. Kim collected us from the airport in a comfortable air conditioned sedan and drove us into the city, pointing out places of interest as we went. He did a brief tour around the city centre, took us up to our accommodation in Roslyn and waited while we dropped our bags off, then dropped us back at the i- site. We spent the next 3 days exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula which we really enjoyed. But the best was yet to come! Kim is a great driver and guide and he packed a lot into our 2 day Catlins tour, while never rushing or hurrying us. He is knowledgeable and articulate with a keen interest in the history of places and the local flora and fauna. As he was doing the driving we were able to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery, and no need to worry if we had missed a turn off or if the road or a café were closed – he had all the local knowledge to adapt if necessary. But here’s a tip- allow 3 days , there is so much to see and do. He drove us down unsealed roads that we wouldn't have ventured on and the sights at the end were remarkable. We had walked the length of Cannibal Bay, admiring the sea lions basking on the sand and were about to head back to the car when Kim spotted a dark shape in the water . It was a huge sea lion swimming into the shallows, then walking up the beach and flipping onto the sand. Awesome. That was a highlight for us as was standing on the beach at Curio Bay in the dusk watching a lone Hoiho penguin make his way up the beach towards his nest. Our breakfast at the Tumu Toka Curio Bay cafe and our dinner at the Niagara Falls restaurant were culinary standouts. Superb service and delicious food. When we arrived at our beach front unit Kim brought in a platter of cheese and crackers and a bottle of bubbly to share with us as we reviewed the day. We then had a short rest, dinner then another visit to the beach to wait for the arrival of the little Hoiho, the rarest penguin in the world. Covered in the price of our tour was our accommodation at Curio Bay (which was a comfortable studio unit right on the beach) plus morning teas, lunches and a cooked breakfast and museum entries etc, plus of course a driver/guide. Kim managed to pack in a tremendous amount of things each day from walks through native bush to see amazing waterfalls, seeing the petrified forest and visits to museums to watching fur seals on the rocks. Kim also does Stewart Island tours and we've got that in mind for the future as we couldn't imagine a better tour guide. And the Catlins? Pristine, uncrowded, an awesome experience.’
7. Dunedin City, Wildlife and Scenery Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 20 reviews
Explore spectacular Dunedin city and Otago Peninsula on this full-day small group tour (6 people max). 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 harbour and take a coffee break at the beautiful and historic Larnach Castle. We then head across to Sandfly Bay and take the track down to the viewing platform to spot local wildlife. We then drive through typically rugged and beautiful Otago wilderness to Hoopers Inlet swamp to observe the unique birdlife. We then drive to Tairoa Head to visit the penguin colony at Pilot Beach and the albatross sanctuary.
Inclusions: Hotel (Dunedin City) / Port Chalmers pickup and drop-off, Entrance fee ($17) to Larnach Castle Garden, Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch
8. Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 68 reviews
Discover top attractions and iconic sites 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.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide, Port or Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water, Light refreshments
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Truejaffa
We would thoroughly recommend using Iconic Tours. And here’s why. Last week we visited the Catlins with Kim from Iconic Tours. The Catlins had been on our bucket list for some time but we had never managed to get there until now. We had heard accommodation and cafes were in short supply down there and we wanted to ensure we didn't miss any highlights so we opted for a tour instead of self drive. Kim collected us from the airport in a comfortable air conditioned sedan and drove us into the city, pointing out places of interest as we went. He did a brief tour around the city centre, took us up to our accommodation in Roslyn and waited while we dropped our bags off, then dropped us back at the i- site. We spent the next 3 days exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula which we really enjoyed. But the best was yet to come! Kim is a great driver and guide and he packed a lot into our 2 day Catlins tour, while never rushing or hurrying us. He is knowledgeable and articulate with a keen interest in the history of places and the local flora and fauna. As he was doing the driving we were able to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery, and no need to worry if we had missed a turn off or if the road or a café were closed – he had all the local knowledge to adapt if necessary. But here’s a tip- allow 3 days , there is so much to see and do. He drove us down unsealed roads that we wouldn't have ventured on and the sights at the end were remarkable. We had walked the length of Cannibal Bay, admiring the sea lions basking on the sand and were about to head back to the car when Kim spotted a dark shape in the water . It was a huge sea lion swimming into the shallows, then walking up the beach and flipping onto the sand. Awesome. That was a highlight for us as was standing on the beach at Curio Bay in the dusk watching a lone Hoiho penguin make his way up the beach towards his nest. Our breakfast at the Tumu Toka Curio Bay cafe and our dinner at the Niagara Falls restaurant were culinary standouts. Superb service and delicious food. When we arrived at our beach front unit Kim brought in a platter of cheese and crackers and a bottle of bubbly to share with us as we reviewed the day. We then had a short rest, dinner then another visit to the beach to wait for the arrival of the little Hoiho, the rarest penguin in the world. Covered in the price of our tour was our accommodation at Curio Bay (which was a comfortable studio unit right on the beach) plus morning teas, lunches and a cooked breakfast and museum entries etc, plus of course a driver/guide. Kim managed to pack in a tremendous amount of things each day from walks through native bush to see amazing waterfalls, seeing the petrified forest and visits to museums to watching fur seals on the rocks. Kim also does Stewart Island tours and we've got that in mind for the future as we couldn't imagine a better tour guide. And the Catlins? Pristine, uncrowded, an awesome experience.’
9. Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 76 reviews
While you’re in port in Dunedin, explore the history and landscapes of the Otago Peninsula on this 7.5-hour tour. Travel through Dunedin as a guide points out local landmarks including Baldwin Street and the historic railway station. Stroll among the flowerbeds of the pretty Larnach Castle gardens, and upgrade to include entry to Larnach Castle — where New Zealand’s Victorian history comes to life. Then, head along the Otago Peninsula — home to native albatross, fur seals, penguins, and sea lions. This tour includes pickup and drop-off at Port Chalmers in Dunedin.
Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Guide, Transport
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By briantorres15
Awesome tour, it was just me, my partner and driver/tour guide/overall friend Ben. He was very knowledgeable about the places and wildlife, because of him and this tour we were able to see yellow eyed penguins, albatrosses, sea lions and the only "castle" in New Zealand for the very first time! I highly recommend this tour company to all! great service! P.S. Give Ben a raise
10. Half day Private Tour of Dunedin City Highlights and Peninsula Scenery
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 14 reviews
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.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Bottled water, Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Port pickup and drop-off, Private tour
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By R3420VWdebbiee
An excellent tour of Dunedin City with a friendly and very knowledgeable your guide. Asta went out of her way to make it a special experience.
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