
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.
Moderate 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
Local Connections: City Highlights & Craft Beer
- Dunedin Train Station
No one knows a town better than a native and local expert. Louise van de Vliered, delights in introducing the lively Port Chalmers region and the charming student city of Dunedin. Gain insider knowledge of all the highlights, then tour the historic and stunning Carey's Bay Hotel in Port Chalmers with local craft beers brewed in the area.
Moderate Activity
$109.95
Local Connections: Port Chalmers Local Heros
Crafted to perfection by local expert Louise van de Vliered, this two-hour walking tour in Port Chalmers is the perfect introduction to the vibrant village that will delight food and art lovers. Visit the Flying Whale Gallery and The Port Pantry and sample local beer or wine at one of the best pubs in the country.
Moderate Activity
$109.95
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
Local Connections: Scottish Dunedin
Experience Dunedin's Scottish roots and try a wee taste of Scotland, New Zealand style. Enjoy a traditional Scottish Highland dancing demonstration and a haggis ceremony and admire the 182-foot spire at First Church, completed in 1873. Stroll through the sylvan glades of Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, a Dunedin attraction since the 1870s.
Moderate Activity
$179.95
Taieri Gorge Railway
- Dunedin Train Station
- Taieri Gorge Railway
All aboard this Princess exclusive! Board the train alongside your ship and travel through the dramatic Taieri Gorge on a journey that crosses cast-iron bridges and travels through mountain tunnels. Relax over morning tea and a light picnic lunch served along the way. Make a photo stop at the historic Dunedin Railway Station.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$289.95
Taieri Gorge by Train (Wheelchair Accessible - By Request Only)
- Dunedin Train Station
- Taieri Gorge Railway
All aboard this Princess exclusive! Board the train alongside your ship and travel through the dramatic Taieri Gorge on a journey that crosses cast-iron bridges and travels through mountain tunnels. Relax over morning tea and a light picnic lunch served along the way. Make a photo stop at the historic Dunedin Railway Station. Wheelchair accessible by request only.
Wheelchair Accessible, Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$289.95
Sea Kayaking Eco Adventure
- Otago Harbour & Peninsula
View the beauty of the Otago Peninsula from the seat of a sea kayak. Glide along the rugged coastline and keep your camera at the ready for marine life including magnificent royal albatross, yellow-eyed penguins, New Zealand fur seals and cormorants. Step ashore during a beach stop to enjoy some light refreshments.
Moderate Activity
AUD$299.95
Peninsula Mountain Bike
- Otago Harbour & Peninsula
This energetic day of mountain biking plus some hiking reveals intimate views of the splendid Otago Peninsula, renowned for its rugged beauty and rich marine and bird life. Begin your bike ride at Hooper's Inlet and pedal to Victory Beach at the Okia Reserve. Then, explore on foot and enjoy some refreshments.
Strenuous Activity
AUD$299.95
Best of Dunedin: Taieri Gorge by Train & Larnach Castle
- Otago Harbour & Peninsula
- Taieri Gorge Railway
- Larnach Castle
- Dunedin Train Station
A Princess exclusive! Journey by rail through the dramatic Taieri Gorge crossing 19th-century, cast-iron bridges and traveling through 10 mountain tunnels. Relax over morning tea and a light picnic lunch. Disembark at Dunedin Railway Station and drive to Larnach Castle, which boasts English tile, Venetian glass and a 3,000-square-foot ballroom.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$329.95
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