Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand

Sit back, relax and take in the landmarks of delightful Dunedin, whose Gaelic name means Little Edinburgh, on this comprehensive motorcoach tour that is perfect for those who prefer to see the sights with little walking. This 2.15-hour tour is just the right amount of time to appreciate the scenic beauty and beautiful architecture of this charming city founded by Scottish settlers in 1848. Delight in a wealth of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, richly festooned with spires, gables and gargoyles. Soak up the grandeur of the classic Dunedin Railway Station, lovingly nicknamed "Gingerbread George," the grandest "gingerbread house" you've ever seen. Admire the Octagon, an eight-sided plaza that forms the core of Dunedin's lively business district and provides an opportunity to see several notable landmarks such as the Town Hall, the Municipal Chambers and St. Paul's Cathedral-all watched over by the statue of poet Robert Burns. Travel down Baldwin Street, the steepest residential street in the world, and be charmed by the colorful Botanic Gardens before returning to port.

Dunedin's treasured heritage is highlighted on this splendid half-day adventure. A narrated scenic drive showcases expansive views of lovely Otago Harbour and its colorful beach communities plus stops for photos at two of the city's most notable attractions. From its construction in 1904-1906 to its bequeathal to the City of Dunedin in 1966 by Dorothy Theomin, only one family lived in the Jacobean-style Olveston House. It is this continuous heritage that provides such a unique glimpse of the era's privileged lifestyle. Your tour continues through the north end of town to the Dunedin Botanic Garden. Established in 1863, it hosts a variety of plant collections set amidst 72 acres of natural beauty. Explore the formal paths and discover 6,800 different species of plants from all over the globe. Your drive includes numerous city sights and photo opportunities at Dunedin Railway Station and the Octagon, two of Dunedin's best-known attractions, before returning to port.

Discover Dunedin, considered by many to be the best-preserved Victorian city in the world, on a lovely half-day adventure that explores its top attractions by motorcoach and visits Larnach Castle. Begin the day with views of the city's grand architecture on your way to a photo stop at the Octagon, the eight-sided plaza that forms the core of the city's business district, and Dunedin Railway Station. Then, continue through the tranquil countryside to explore the magnificent neo-Gothic Larnach Castle. Built for banker and politician William Larnach and his first wife, Eliza, between 1873 and 1887, it boasts lavish embellishments, rich appointments, and panoramic tower views overlooking Otago Harbour. Today, the castle is home to the Barkers, who have spent over 40 years lovingly restoring the 40,000-square-foot building and recreating the beauty of the original garden, a landscape which now holds the title of "Garden of International Significance." Return to port after this pleasant day.

Delightful Port Chalmers, a lively and bustling village, is best explored on foot with a native guide who will reveal all this little gem's hidden charms. Designed by Princess Cruises and inspired by local expert Louise van de Vliered, this two-hour exclusive tour will take you to cafes and boutiques, local art galleries, artisan food shops and original historic buildings and attractions. You'll meet with the proprietors and learn their personal connection to the area. Visit The Flying Whale Gallery and meet Gillian Elliott, the wife of one of New Zealand's most famous illustrators and authors, Port Chalmers resident David Elliot, renowned for his famous characters in children's literature. Continue on to The Port Pantry, where you'll sample local delicacies and national produce. Conclude with a craft beer or glass of wine and some treats at The Portsider, one of the best pubs in the country. Return to port after this delightfully tasty day.

Designed by Princess Cruises and inspired by local expert Louise van de Vliered, this exciting three-hour exclusive adventure packs in all the highlights of the Port Chalmers region and the charming student city of Dunedin and ends the day with a tour of Carey's Bay Hotel. Begin with a motorcoach drive past all the city highlights. Marvel at the world's steepest street, the ornate Dunedin Train Station, the city center and Forsyth Barr Stadium. As you traverse the colorful streets, learn the history of this industrial city and the reinvigorated warehouse district, then head up to a lookout point for picture-perfect views of the beautiful Otago Peninsula. After filling your camera, fill your tummy at the historic and stunning Carey's Bay hotel in Port Chalmers with local craft beers brewed in the area, artisan cheese and seafood from the area. After a tour and tasting, return to port at the conclusion of this fun-filled day.

Two splendid landmarks of grace and beauty await your discovery on this lovely half-day tour for architecture buffs and those who appreciate the finer things in life. Travel along the coastline and through Dunedin to magnificent Larnach Castle, built between 1873 and 1877. Set atop the highest point on the beautiful Otago Peninsula, the castle commands eye-popping 360-degree views of Dunedin and Otago Harbour. Thrill to magnificent wood ceilings carved by the best European craftsmen and a superb collection of New Zealand antiques, all masterfully incorporated into the 43 different rooms. Enjoy morning or afternoon tea in the castle ballroom. Next, drive to historic Olveston House. Designed by London architect Sir Ernest George and built between 1904 and 1907, the home is set amidst an acre of manicured gardens and abuts the lush parkland, or "Town Belt," that surrounds the center of Dunedin. Return to port after this picturesque day.

A thrilling two-hour cruise showcases amazing wildlife in its natural habitat and the scenic beauty of the Otago Peninsula. Take a quick walk from your ship to board the sightseeing vessel, the MV Monarch. Pull away from the dock, and begin your exploration by taking in views of picturesque Port Chalmers. Continue your cruise along the Otago Peninsula, rich in geological and historical significance. Arrive at Taiaroa Head, unique in the world for the variety of the bird and marine life found here. Enjoy onboard commentary that focuses on the history of the cape with its 1860s lighthouse, 100-year-old fort and unique albatross-breeding colony, now a protected nature reserve that is home to around 140 birds. You'll also be on the lookout for blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and Hooker's sea lions. Enjoy a snack and beverage and wildlife information sheets that you can take home as a memento. Back at port, it's a short walk back to your ship.

Departing Port Chalmers, enjoy a scenic drive along the shores of Otago Harbour and Sawyers Bay to Dunedin. Continue out to Otago Peninsula and along the pretty coastline to Taiaroa Head. Taiaroa Head is unique for the diversity of wildlife that abounds on this small headland. Historically, it was used by the Maori people as a defensive retreat long before being fortified by European settlers in the 1880s. At Taiaroa Head, board an 8-wheel-drive vehicle, known as an Argo, for a scenic one-hour off-road journey to view some of the Otago Peninsula's most spectacular wildlife inhabitants. Although not guaranteed, wildlife sightings are likely. Highlights include seeing the New Zealand fur seals that live on the rocks and the sea lions that are naturally sand dwellers. Enjoy the thrill of the ride on the Argo but be prepared for rough, muddy and rocky terrain. Return to the ship via motorcoach, taking the Otago Peninsula's High Road if road conditions permit.

Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to come face to face with the yellow-eyed penguin on this engaging half-day adventure. After driving past the port district of Dunedin, head out along the Otago Peninsula, a narrow and hilly stretch of land that shelters Otago Harbour from the Pacific Ocean. The coastal drive will take you past many small seaside communities, including Macandrew Bay and Portobello. Arrive at the Penguin Place, an award-winning penguin-conservation project where you'll meet your guide and embark on an informative tour. The experience begins with a discussion about the penguins and the need to conserve their colony. Your guide will then escort you to the beachside colony where you will have the privilege of entering a protected yellow-eyed penguin nesting area. Peer through well camouflaged trenches, and hide among the dunes for excellent proximity to the penguins and great photographic opportunities. Proceeds from the tour are used to fund the conservation work and a unit that looks after injured penguins. On your return to Port Chalmers, you'll pass through downtown Dunedin.

Craft beer enthusiasts will raise a glass to this informative beer-themed adventure that includes several tastings of the malted brew. Begin your escorted six-hour day with one of Dunedin's most famous icons: the renowned Speight's Brewery. An engaging tour showcases the history of beer, demonstrates its production, and includes an appreciation session sampling six Speight's beers. Next, enjoy a traditional pub lunch followed by a highlights driving tour to view Dunedin's impressive collection of Victorian-era architecture. After free time for shopping on George Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, continue to Cableways Bar, an English-style pub and favorite local watering hole. Sip a drink of your choice, then proceed to Port Chalmers, passing Otago University. Your final stop is at idyllic Carey's Bay Historic Hotel on the lovely Otago Peninsula. Arrive at the town's favorite gathering spot, hoist a pint at the bar or find yourself a cozy corner overlooking the bay. Cheers! Return to port.

Indulge all your senses in one of Dunedin's most beautiful places. Explore Glenfalloch, a gorgeous historic garden secreted within a hidden valley on the spectacular Otago Peninsula. Hear native birdlife during your guided stroll of this delightful area before a superb "Trust the Chef" experience at the stylish restaurant nestled within the lush surrounds. Your 3.5-hour adventure begins when you travel through Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula, where a coastal drive brings you to the Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, established in the 1870s. Glenfalloch is one of Dunedin's top restaurants, with innovative cuisine created with fresh local produce from artisan suppliers and imaginatively crafted by an award-winning chef. The "Trust the Chef" menu showcases the best seasonal ingredients inventively presented and paired with carefully chosen New Zealand wines to create an outstanding culinary experience. Sip and savor the chef's creations on this inventive, surprise menu. Return to port on a relaxed, scenic drive.

Experience Mother Nature, Maori legends and retro-futuristic art all in one day-long adventure in the town of Oamaru. First, visit the Blue Penguin Colony, a world-leading conservation and research facility. Step inside a blue-penguin viewing facility for an up-close look at these cute critters' nesting boxes, and if you're lucky you may see young chicks busily eating or parents preparing a nest. Then, drive back into Oamaru for a short walking tour of its historic precinct, 2015 winner of a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, and the Steampunk Train, a nod to 19th-century architecture. Following free time for lunch (own cost), head off to the Otago Coast for a look at the Moeraki Boulders, gigantic spherical stones that measure nine feet in circumference, weigh several tons and stand six feet tall. At the end of your daylong journey, you'll reboard your motorcoach for the scenic drive back to port.

Dunedin, known as the "Edinburgh of the South," was founded by Scottish settlers in 1848. Today, explore the Scottish influence in this city, where the locals have a different southern accent that hints at a Scottish burr. Your four-hour adventure begins with a drive into Dunedin to view the magnificent Edwardian Dunedin Railway Station. Next, see First Church, Dunedin's earliest house of worship, built in 1873. Continue through Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula, where a coastal drive brings you to the Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, established in the 1870s. Enjoy a Devonshire tea and be entertained by a traditional Scottish Highland dancing demonstration and a haggis ceremony. Return to Dunedin along the Otago Peninsula's high road (conditions permitting), for views of the harbor and the city. Stop to photograph the Octagon in the heart of Dunedin's town center. A statue of Scotland's great poet laureate Robert Burns graces this open space. Return to Port Chalmers to reboard the ship.

Immerse yourself in the region's scenery and wildlife from a unique vantage point, the seat of a kayak. Your 4.5-hour adventure begins in Port Chalmers, when you board a motorcoach and travel along the eastern shores of the Otago Harbour to Dunedin city. Turning to the western shoreline, you'll head along the Otago Peninsula toward the small settlement of Portobello. Here, you'll engage in a safety briefing before gearing up in a life jacket and settling into your two-man sea kayak. Set off caravan style, following along the rugged and beautiful coastline. Along the way, you may see many forms of marine life, including magnificent royal albatross, yellow-eyed penguins, New Zealand fur seals and cormorants. Paddle along the inner peninsula and visit Quarantine Island, where a native bush regeneration project is underway. Step ashore at a secluded beach, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy some light refreshments before concluding back at the start point and meeting the motorcoach for the relaxed ride back to port.

Lace up your sturdy walking shoes and head to the great outdoors on this strenuous, 3.5-hour excursion that climbs Mount Cargill, the most prominent peak in Dunedin. For a limited few, this hiking adventure offers a look at the natural wonders of southern New Zealand, home to the amazing Organ Pipes, basalt columns that are a famous landmark. Begin with a scenic drive to the Mount Cargill Walkway, the starting point of your hike. Climb through a forest of secondary growth to be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Otago Harbour, Mihiwaka, Mount Kettle, Blueskin Bay and the Silver Peaks. Head into Mount Cargill's native bush to the undeniable highlight, the Organ Pipes, 10-million-year-old basalt formations created during the volcanic activity that formed Otago's harbor. Once past the Organ Pipes, wander through manuka, kanuka and dracophyllum scrub, emerging at Butters Peak, 2,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy light refreshments before descending down the same track and returning to the pier.

Experience the remote beauty of the Otago Peninsula with a mountain bike ride along quiet gravel roads through rugged landscapes on this adventurous four-hour outdoor experience. From Port Chalmers, a short, scenic drive along the pretty coastline of Otago Harbour brings you to the university town of Dunedin. Head out to the Otago Peninsula, renowned for its rugged beauty and rich marine life. This area boasts significant geological features, particularly the Pyramids, which are unusual jointed basalt formations. At secluded Hooper's Inlet you will start your mountain bike ride to Victory Beach in the Okia Reserve. The reserve is home to a variety of native fauna, such as yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and the endangered New Zealand sea lions. Okia is also significant for its importance to the Maori people because of their early ancestral living sites. Enjoy a 30-minute walk from the reserve to the beach, where light refreshments will be served. Transfer by motorcoach back to the ship.

A ride aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway makes for an unforgettable six-hour adventure exclusive to Princess passengers. Climb aboard the train, conveniently found right by your ship, and travel through the dramatic Taieri Gorge on a journey that crosses 19th-century cast-iron bridges and travels through 10 mountain tunnels. Enjoy views through the panoramic windows while lively onboard commentary enhances every passing sight. Learn the lore of the central Otago region and its colorful gold rush days. Relax over morning tea and a light picnic lunch served along the way. Take in the open-air viewing platforms, enjoy photo stops and stroll from car to car to explore the different carriages from modern to vintage. With a photo stop at the legendary Dunedin Railway Station, lovingly nicknamed "Gingerbread George," you'll get a taste of Dunedin's ornate architecture. Return to the ship at the conclusion of this exciting day.

A ride aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway makes for an unforgettable six-hour adventure exclusive to Princess passengers. All aboard the train, conveniently found right by your ship, and travel through the dramatic Taieri Gorge on a journey that crosses 19th-century cast-iron bridges and travels through 10 mountain tunnels. Enjoy views through the panoramic windows while lively onboard commentary enhances every passing sight. Learn the lore of the central Otago region and its colorful gold rush days. Relax over morning tea and a light picnic lunch served along the way. Take in the open-air viewing platforms, enjoy photo stops and stroll from car to car to explore the different carriages from modern to vintage. With a photo stop at the legendary Dunedin Railway Station, lovingly nicknamed "Gingerbread George," you'll get a taste of Dunedin's ornate architecture. Return to the ship at the conclusion of this exciting day. This tour is Wheelchair Accessible by request only.

A full-day Princess exclusive! Board the train alongside your ship and travel through the dramatic Taieri Gorge on a journey that crosses 19th-century cast-iron bridges and travels through 10 mountain tunnels. Enjoy views through the panoramic windows that will keep you on the edge of your seat along with the lively onboard commentary enhancing every passing sight. Learn the lore of the central Otago region and its colorful gold rush days. Next, disembark at the historic Dunedin Railway Station and board a motorcoach for the scenic drive to Larnach Castle. Here, discover New Zealand's only castle, built in 1871 by William Larnach, a merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife, Eliza. It took over 200 workmen three years to build the castle shell, while master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. This stunning home evokes the elegant lifestyle of Dunedin's elite. Return to port after this unforgettable day.

Explore all the beauty and excitement of Dunedin and its environs at your own pace with a private vehicle (car class) and English-speaking driver/guide at your service. This half-day tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your English-speaking driver/guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests and to take in the city at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters. This experience is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for guests with mobility limitations. The car class capacity is two guests.

Explore all the beauty and excitement of Dunedin and its environs at your own pace with a private vehicle (van class) and English-speaking driver/guide at your service. This half-day tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your English-speaking driver/guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests and to take in the city at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters. This experience is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for guests with mobility limitations. The van class capacity is six guests.

Explore all the beauty and excitement of Dunedin and its environs at your own pace with a private vehicle (car class) and English-speaking driver/guide at your service. This full-day tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your English-speaking driver/guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests and to take in the city at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters. This experience is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for guests with mobility limitations. The car class capacity is two guests.

Explore all the beauty and excitement of Dunedin and its environs at your own pace with a private vehicle (van class) and English-speaking driver/guide at your service. This full-day tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your English-speaking driver/guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests and to take in the city at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters. This experience is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for guests with mobility limitations. The van class capacity is six guests.