A full-day immersion in wildlife, wilderness and wonder
Make the most of your shore excursion in Dunedin, the oldest city in New Zealand, with its impressive sandy beaches and rugged coastlines — home to rare wildlife, sweeping views and a fascinating history.
Discover the natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula with a stop at the Royal Albatross Centre to see nesting royal albatross, and look for little blue penguins at Pilots Beach. Join the wildlife cruise to marvel at the marine mammals and seabirds of the area, and watch New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before · instant confirmation · small groups
On fine days, shorts or light trousers and an everyday shirt are fine — but come prepared for a southerly change. We suggest three layers on top and a waterproof jacket, comfortable footwear (avoid denim), and a small backpack with snacks and a water bottle.
Departures 8:45am & 9:45am inside Port Chalmers or from centrally located accommodation; return approximately 4:15pm. Departure times can vary with visiting cruise ships and are confirmed at booking.
The notable architecture of Dunedin’s historical buildings is as impressive as the natural beauty of its coastline. Our tour begins with a scenic drive to admire the largest collection of Edwardian and Victorian structures, Baldwin Street (the ‘steepest street in the world’), the University of Otago and the Historic Dunedin Railway Station, before enjoying the city’s octagonal central plaza.
The journey continues onto the Otago Peninsula, where the southern rollers pound the coastline and rare wildlife comes ashore. We visit the Larnach Castle gardens, with their specialised plantings and some of the finest views over the Otago Harbour. (Lunch is not included; there is the opportunity to purchase something at the Larnach Castle Ballroom Café.)
We follow the winding roads towards Portobello, the main township on the peninsula. On the way we visit the Tidal Inlets and learn about this fascinating ecosystem and the waders and waterfowl that rely on it, viewing native birds feeding on the rich mudflats amid some of the finest scenery on this rugged coastline.
Our final stop is Taiaroa Head, where the Northern Royal Albatross can often be seen gliding around the headland. Your guide tells the story of this amazing bird that spends most of its life at sea and chooses the tip of the Otago Peninsula to breed — a perfect way to finish before taking the low road back to Port Chalmers.
