Dunedin Nature & adventure

Our Wildlife & Penguin tour offers rare opportunities to view a variety of wildlife within our private eco-reserve which is home to hoiho (Yellow-eyed penguins), kororā (little penguins), NZ fur seals, sea lions, forest and sea birds, and much more, while contributing to conservation, located on the Otago Peninsula. This experience consists of three parts; Begin your experience in a theatre setting, where you will learn about our conservation work to restore our reserve back to its original state, the yellow-eyed penguin and our conservation efforts to protect them and all species within our eco-reserve. A exclusive visit to our rehabilitation centre (when penguins are present) where yellow-eyed penguins and other penguin species can be seen up close. Finally, take a short bus trip into our reserve where you will be guided on an approximately 2km (1.25 mile) nature walk with the potential to see numerous plants and animals, including yellow-eyed penguins and little penguins, fur seals, sea lions, and several species of shore and land birds, all of which reside in the reserve. While numerous native animals live within our reserve, these are wild animals, and viewing can never be guaranteed. We will always do our best to ensure the best possible viewing chances. Yellow-eyed Penguins are the rarest of all the world’s penguin species. Unfortunately, numbers are currently in decline and viewing does vary throughout the year and day-to-day.

Visit 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 Brewery is the spiritual home of New Zealand’s biggest beer brand, attracting up to 20,000 visitors per year to experience the “Pride of the South”; as one if Dunedin’s most popular tourist attractions. Enjoy over 144 years of brewing history as a guide takes you through an interactive brewery tour. Learn about the history of this Dunedin icon as you explore the brewery from top to bottom with your guide. Along the way, you will learn about the core ingredients that go into the award-winning beers. You'll also 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 your knowledgeable guides talk you through the different styles and flavors in the range. Our Brewery Shop range an extensive collection of Speight’s merchandise and the Cellar Door offers the ability to purchase fresh beer directly from the Brewery – a unique opportunity to take away a flavoursome souvenir.

Discover the Best of Dunedin & the Otago Peninsula – A Perfect Day Tour Experience the highlights of Dunedin and the stunning Otago Peninsula on this thoughtfully crafted tour. Blending rich history, breathtaking coastal scenery, and unique wildlife encounters, this journey offers the perfect mix of culture and nature. Tour Highlights ✅ Aviary at Dunedin Botanic Garden – A Perfect Start Begin your adventure at New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden, home to a delightful aviary where you’ll meet native and exotic bird species. Listen to the playful calls of the kākā, spot colorful parrots, and enjoy a relaxing walk in the lush surroundings—an ideal warm-up for the day ahead! ✅ Signal Hill Lookout – The Best Panoramic View of Dunedin Enjoy a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Dunedin, its picturesque harbor, and the surrounding rolling hills from this stunning lookout point. ✅ Baldwin Street – The World’s Steepest Residential Street Challenge yourself with a short walk up the world’s steepest street or snap a fun photo at this Guinness World Record-holding attraction. ✅ University of Otago Clocktower – New Zealand’s Oldest University Stroll through the iconic University of Otago campus and admire its stunning Gothic-style clocktower, a symbol of Dunedin’s rich academic heritage. ✅ Dunedin Railway Station – A Grand Architectural Icon Step inside one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings, known for its magnificent Flemish Renaissance design, elegant mosaic floors, and impressive stained-glass windows. ✅ Coastal Scenic Lookouts & Wildlife Encounters Sir Leonard Wright Lookout – A stunning viewpoint offering breathtaking coastal scenery. Sandfly Bay Viewing Platform – Overlooking a pristine beach, this is a fantastic spot to observe sea lions and fur seals from a safe distance. Otago Peninsula Scenic Drive – Travel along the peninsula’s most picturesque coastal road, where dramatic cliffs and ocean views create an unforgettable experience. Royal Albatross Centre – Visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. Learn about these majestic seabirds and their conservation while admiring the rugged coastal landscape teeming with wildlife. ✅ Flexible Ending – Explore Dunedin Your Way On the return journey, we drive along the stunning Otago Peninsula coastline and pass through Dunedin’s city center. You have two options to conclude your tour: City Drop-off at The Octagon – If you’d like to explore Dunedin further, you can choose to end your tour in the city center and enjoy a self-guided walk. Please ensure you return to the port on time for your cruise departure. Return to Port Chalmers – If you prefer, you can stay with the tour and be comfortably transported back to the cruise ship terminal.

Your tour guide will meet you at 9:00 AM at the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal waiting area, located between doors 1 and 2. From there, embark on a scenic 20-minute drive to Dunedin City, with photo opportunities along the way. The first stop will be at the world’s steepest street, where you'll have around 10 minutes to take in the stunning views. Next, enjoy a panoramic vista of the area from the lookout point before heading to the Dunedin Botanical Gardens. Here, you'll explore the diverse range of plants and birds native to the region. Continue your journey with a visit to the historic Dunedin Railway Station, learning about its fascinating past and architectural significance. Afterward, take a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula’s Highcliff Road, with additional photo stops to capture the breathtaking landscapes. After approximately an hour, reach the end of the Peninsula and visit The Opera (formerly Penguin Place). This private reserve is home to the critically endangered Yellow-eyed Penguins. Join a guided tour of the reserve, where you'll learn about conservation efforts and, if you're lucky, get a chance to see these rare penguins either in the rehabilitation center or in their natural habitat. Please note, this tour involves walking up and down hills. If you have difficulty walking, this experience may not be suitable for you. Wildlife is free to roam, so Yellow-eyed Penguin sightings are not guaranteed. However, your participation in this tour helps fund crucial conservation work aimed at saving these remarkable birds from extinction. After the penguin tour, you'll return via a scenic route along the low road, offering a different perspective of the harbor. Before heading back to Port Chalmers, you'll make a final stop at the Dunedin Railway Station. Expect to return to Port Chalmers between 3:30 and 4:00 PM. Alternatively, if your ship departs later, you can remain in the city to explore or shop, and return to the port on your own. Please note that there is limited time for lunch during this tour. Your guide will stop for a quick sandwich or snack purchase along the way. We reserve the right to slightly adjust the itinerary and its order based on factors beyond our control, such as road closures, late ship arrivals or early departures, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Experience the best of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula on a small group tour designed for flexibility and personalized attention. Explore the historical highlights of Dunedin City and the natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula at a relaxed pace, making for a truly memorable day. Your adventure begins at 9:30 AM, with your guide meeting you at the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal, in the tour waiting area between doors 1 and 2, from 9:00 AM for your departure. For non-cruise ship passengers, the pick-up time is 9:00 AM at The Octagon, outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre. Start your journey with a scenic 20-minute drive into Dunedin City. Along the way, make photo stops at highlights such as Baldwin Street (the world’s steepest street), stunning viewpoints, and the tranquil Dunedin Botanic Gardens, New Zealand's oldest botanical garden. Next, journey toward the Otago Peninsula, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views along Highcliff Road, with plenty of stops to capture the scenery. After about an hour of scenic driving, arrive at The Royal Albatross Centre, home to the only mainland breeding colony of the Royal Albatross. Note that this option does not include the 1-hour guided tour at the Albatross Centre, but you will have free time to explore the centre and, if it’s windy, watch these magnificent seabirds glide above you. You can also take a walk to Pilot’s Beach to see New Zealand fur seals. After your break, continue along a low road offering a different perspective of the harbor, before returning to the meeting point by 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM, giving you time to enjoy the rest of your afternoon. If you prefer, you can stay in Dunedin for more exploration and make your own way back to the port. This small group tour is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty and history of Dunedin and Otago Peninsula at a relaxed pace, with personalized attention throughout the day.

Join a tour with expert local guides, minimal van time, and maximum scenic beauty. Explore the city’s highlights, the stunning Larnach Castle, and their very extensive gardens on the Otago Peninsula. Explore from the highest vantage point down to the rugged coastline on a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Dunedin is known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and has some of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the southern hemisphere. Early settlers to the region and goldrush grew the city to become the first in New Zealand and you will learn about that heritage. Tour the Octagon and historic buildings, the Dunedin Railway Station, the University of Otago, Signal Hill Lookout, Baldwin Street – the world’s steepest street, Otago Boys High School, and urban street art. Enjoy views of the Otago Harbour and the stunning peninsula. Take in the coastal environment and view white sand beaches. Finally, visit the stunning Larnach Castle and its extensive gardens.

Explore Dunedin on a half-day trip from Port Chalmers with a local guide. Hear the fascinating history of Larnach Castle, keep an eye out for wildlife as you drive along the Otago Peninsula, and explore the town. Meet your guide in Port Chalmers and head out to the Otago Peninsula, known for its rare birds. As you drive, learn why this area is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand. As you get closer to Dunedin, admire the views of secluded beaches and the rugged coastline. Once in the city, visit Dunedin's most charming sights, taking in the sweeping spires and strolling up the steepest street in the world. Next, head to the only castle in the country: Larnach Castle. As you explore the castle, listen to your guide tell stories of its rich history before heading back to Port Chalmers.

Experience the best of Dunedin and Otago Peninsula on a small group tour with flexibility and personalized attention. Your adventure begins at 9:30 AM, with your guide meeting you at the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal, in the tour waiting area between doors 1 and 2, starting from 9:00 AM for your departure, if you're a cruise ship passenger. For non-cruise ship passengers, the pick-up time is at 9:00 AM at The Octagon, outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre. Enjoy a scenic 20-minute drive with photo stops around Dunedin City, including highlights such as the world’s steepest street, stunning viewpoints, and a leisurely stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens. After sightseeing in the city, relax as you take in the breathtaking views of Otago Peninsula along Highcliff Road, with several stops to capture the stunning landscapes. Following a 1-hour scenic drive, reach the end of the Peninsula and visit The Royal Albatross Centre. Immerse yourself in a 1-hour guided tour to learn about the majestic Royal Albatross, one of the world’s largest seabirds. The tour begins with a brief introduction before a short walk up a gentle slope to the viewing platform, where you’ll observe the Royal Albatross breeding colony. Note that for those who have difficulty walking up the slope, there may be a mobility scooter available to reserve. Please let us know in advance if you require one. Please note that there is limited time for lunch during this tour. Your guide will stop for a quick sandwich or snack purchase along the way. We reserve the right to slightly adjust the itinerary and its order based on factors beyond our control, such as road closures, late ship arrivals or early departures, and other unforeseen circumstances. After your break on the Peninsula, continue the journey along a low road, offering a different perspective of the harbor. You’ll return to the meeting point by 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your afternoon.

Bookatour are Dunedins high end guides - immaculate vehicles with fun guides and we cannot wait to take you out with us. Our motto is start as strangers end as friends and we love you becoming part of our tour family for the day and beyond. We love having fun and we will ensure your day is adventure packed from, start to finish before taking you back to join your cruise ship later in the day. Join us on our adventure to The Worlds Steepest Street, Lookouts, Otago Peninsula, Dunedins Railway Station and NZ only Castle with good banter and friends We like to move at a relaxed pace and love being able to show you Dunedin through the eyes of a local. PLEASE NOTE this is only available for cruise ship passengers - travellers wanting a tour must be a minimum of 2 persons to book

Set off on a 3-hour, small-group tour for a taste of Dunedin's highlights. Your local guide will show you the best scenes, sights, and photo spots.  Visit Dunedin Railway Station, the most photographed building in the Southern Hemisphere, see the urban street art and walk the worlds steepest street (walk optional!). Discover New Zealand's first university and see the Octagon at the heart of the city. View our coastal environment and admire the picturesque scenery. Journey everywhere from the highest vantage point - where the best views of the city can be found, to the rugged and beautiful coastline.  Dunedin, known as the 'Edinburgh of the South', was the first city in New Zealand. A compact and beautiful city, it has some of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the southern hemisphere as well as stunning coastal views and beautiful native gardens.