Tours in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

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.

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.

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.

We are the oldest operational Brewery in New Zealand, and the only site to have an historic Brew Floor and state of the art Brewery housed within the same location. The Speight’s Brewery is also the spiritual home of New Zealand’s biggest beer brand, attracting over 25,000 visitors per year to experience the “Pride of the South”. You will enjoy an authentic Speight's experience complete with hearty southern fare from New Zealand's original Ale House.

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.

Wanting to get to Portobello or Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua? Ride with us on "Adagio" the coolest ferry on the harbour. Sit upstairs on the flybridge for the best views while travelling across the harbour. Our Dunedin Bike Ferry is the best option for crossing the harbour while cyling Te Aka Otakou, the Otago harbour cycleway. We have a flexible schedule, the best boat with an elevated viewing deck, and the cheapest fares.

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.

Hop aboard our sturdy vessel for a one-hour Wildlife Cruise, departing from Wellers Rock Wharf on the Otago Peninsula. You'll cruise out of the Otago Harbour, beyond the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross. Have your camera ready as these huge birds soar in from sea on three metre wings. A historic lighthouse is perched high atop volcanic cliffs. Your skipper will guide the boat close to the rocks below, for great views of playful fur seals. The boat will travel a short way out into the sea to look for other albatross and rare seabirds. On some trips we might spot little blue penguins, sea lions and occasionally dolphins. Your local crew will provide a full commentary about the areas history, the volcanic scenery and wildlife spotted during your cruise . Hot tip - Don't be put off by cool and windy weather. These can often be the best conditions for wildlife viewing and sea conditions. Albatross really love a brisk southerly wind!

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.

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.

A tour with Gregor is like no other. Emerging business award finalist, Tales From Darkest Dunedin and Gregor Campbell, respected historian and expert story teller has been uncovering forgotten events and people in Dunedin's history. He has been featured in newspapers for his finds and recently on the cover of New Zealand Heritage Magazine for his cemetery tours. Gregor is particularly interested in colonial history, the exchanges between Māori Kāi Tahu, the Scottish and the everyday people that came to make a life here, for better or for worse. And now he's your tour guide! Gregor's stories of murder, shipwrecks, discovery, heroes and villains are exclusive to Tales From Darkest Dunedin and weave together to give a greater picture of our city and the lives that brought it to where it is today.

A UP TO 4 people private day trip in Dunedin ensures a tailored, exclusive experience where your itinerary is fully customizable to your interests. Unlike group tours, this private option offers flexibility in timing and allows for a more intimate exploration of the city’s heritage landmarks and the Otago Peninsula’s breathtaking wildlife. You’ll enjoy personal attention from a local guide, access to lesser-known spots, and the freedom to move at your own pace. This unique, personalised touch is perfect for those seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection with Dunedin and its natural surroundings.

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.

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!

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.

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!

Start at Port Chalmers and discover the beauty of Dunedin on a unique 5–6 hour tour combining rich heritage, spectacular scenery, and exclusive wildlife experiences. What makes this tour special is the chance to explore the stunning Otago Peninsula up close, with its rugged beaches, bays, and abundant wildlife, all guided by an expert who shares local insights and highlights the most breathtaking viewpoints. Enjoy about an hour at the Royal Albatross Centre, home to the world’s only mainland colony of Royal Albatross. Here, you can relax with lunch at the café, explore the visitor centre, or step outside to see these magnificent seabirds in flight and observe nearby seals — a truly rare and memorable experience. The tour also features Dunedin’s city highlights and, being designed for small groups, provides flexibility, comfort, and personalised attention — making it an unforgettable way to experience both the city and the Otago Peninsula.

Explore New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a scenic one-way tour from Dunedin to Invercargill, traversing the breathtaking Catlins. This full-day adventure features stunning landscapes, including the Nugget Point Lighthouse, Purakaunui Falls, and the ancient petrified forest at Curio Bay. Enjoy a delightful lunch stop in the quirky village of Papatowai, and keep an eye out for native wildlife like seals and penguins. With a maximum of 15 guests, travel in comfort with an expert local guide, ensuring a personal and enriching experience throughout the journey. - Scenic 9-hour tour from Dunedin to Invercargill through the Catlins - Visit iconic sites including Nugget Point and Purakaunui Falls - Enjoy lunch at Papatowai and explore the Lost Gypsy Caravan - Small group experience in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz vehicle

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.