Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand
Perched on the hills above one of New Zealand's loveliest harbors, Dunedin is a Kiwi city with a Scottish heart. Hailed as the "Edinburgh of New Zealand," Dunedin is proud of its heritage. A statue of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns graces downtown, and the presence of New Zealand's only kilt maker and whisky distillery - as well as many bagpipe bands - keep Dunedin's ties to Scotland alive. The city also boasts a distinguished architectural and cultural history, a legacy of New Zealand's 1860s gold rush.
Port Chalmers, gateway to Dunedin, is located eight miles from the city center. Dunedin is a planned city: its streets and suburbs fan out from the city's octagon.
Travel tip: Dunedin is pronounced "Dunn-knee-din"
Points of Interest
- Taieri Gorge Railway
- Larnach Castle
- Olveston House
- Otago Harbour & Peninsula
- Speights Brewery
- Botanical Garden
- Otago Museum
- Dunedin Train Station
Easy Dunedin
Perfect for those who prefer to see the sights with little walking, delight in Dunedin's scenic beauty and stunning architecture on a panoramic motorcoach drive. Founded by Scottish settlers in 1848, this charming city, whose Gaelic name means Little Edinburgh, features a wealth of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, richly festooned with spires, gables and gargoyles.
Easy Activity
$59.95
City Drive, Olveston House & Botanic Gardens
- Dunedin Train Station
- Olveston House
- Botanical Garden
Experience Dunedin's Scottish heritage on a narrated drive, then tour Olveston House, a 35-room Jacobean mansion built by David Theomin in 1906. The mansion is filled with treasures collected on Theomin's world travels. Conclude with a stroll through New Zealand's oldest botanic gardens, home to a rhododendron dell and a rose garden.
Moderate Activity
$89.95
City Drive & Larnach Castle
- Otago Harbour & Peninsula
- Dunedin Train Station
- Larnach Castle
Considered to be the best-preserved Victorian city in the world, Dunedin is ready to be discovered on a narrated motorcoach drive that also reveals its top landmarks. Then, tour New Zealand's only castle. Built by W.J.N. Larnach, the neo-Gothic Larnach Castle took 15 years to complete and boasts appointments and exotic hardwoods from around the world.
Moderate Activity
$99.95
Otago Wildlife Cruise
- Otago Harbour & Peninsula
A scenic cruise around Otago Harbour offers stellar views of the area's natural volcanic scenery and abundant wildlife, ranging from flocks of migratory birds to penguins and seals. Head out to Taiaroa Head, named after a Maori chieftain and home to an old coastal fort and a colony of royal albatross.
Easy Activity
$134.95
Olveston House & Larnach Castle
- Dunedin Train Station
- Larnach Castle
- Olveston House
Visit two of Dunedin's most lavish landmarks when you explore Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, for a tour of the amazing residence and its lavish gardens. Partake in delicious tea and scones in the castle's ballroom. Then visit Olveston House, a 35-room Jacobean mansion filled with treasures from around the world.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$139.95
Nature's Wonders
- Otago Harbour & Peninsula
Enjoy the thrill of the ride on an 8-wheel-drive vehicle, known as an Argo, for a scenic off-road journey that takes you to view some of the Otago Peninsula's most spectacular wildlife inhabitants. Highlights include possible sightings of New Zealand fur seals that live on the rocks and frolicking sea lions.
Moderate Activity
$149.95
Speights Brewery & Otago Museum
- Speights Brewery
- Otago Museum
A scenic drive from Port Chalmers brings us to Speight's Brewery for an award-winning, interactive tour.
Moderate Activity
$189.95
The Taieri Gorge Train Tour
- Taieri Gorge Railway
Experience an epic rail journey over white water rapids, towering viaducts and historic tunnels along the remote Taieri Gorge.
Easy Activity
$199.95
LOCAL CONNECTIONS: Craft Dunedin
This walking tour of Dunedin takes in the best of the craft and artisan food, brewery and spirits industries in the city.
Moderate Activity
$239.95
Albatross Cruise & Natures Wonders
- Otago Harbour & Peninsula
Experience world-acclaimed wildlife from the sea onboard the catamaran Albatross Express.
Moderate Activity
$269.95
Dunedin by Private Vehicle - Car Class Full Day (With Driver/Guide)
Make the most of your time in Dunedin with the luxury of a car class vehicle with a driver/guide available on a full-day basis. A perfect solution for passengers who wish to tour privately or who want the flexibility of designing their own itinerary. Capacity is two guests.
Moderate Activity
$1199.95
Dunedin by Private Vehicle - Van Class Full Day (With Driver/Guide)
Make the most of your time in Dunedin with the luxury of a van class vehicle with a driver/guide available on a full-day basis. A perfect solution for passengers who wish to tour privately or who want the flexibility of designing their own itinerary. Capacity is six guests.
Moderate Activity
$1399.95