Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

Highlights

Visit one of the Otago Peninsula's most scenic beaches
Snap pics of sea lions basking on shore
Half-day trip includes minivan pickup from Port Chalmers

Summary

Coastal inlets and and harbor views highlight this Dunedin shore excursion to the Otago Peninsula. Start your half-day tour when your cruise ship docks in Port Chalmers, just outside Dunedin. You’ll meet your guide at a dockside meeting point, then board your vehicle for the short drive to the city center. A scenic route delivers you above the Otago Harbour where you’ll appreciate the vista over the Otago Peninsula. Upon reaching Dunedin, your guide makes a stop at the charming Dunedin Railway Station for a photo op before departing the city for its outskirts. Leaving the paved path, your vehicle follows coastal tracks alongside scenic inlets frequented by seabirds. Hear commentary about the geothermal activity that shaped this region over eons. You’ll disembark for a short walk on a gorgeous beach for a glimpse of New Zealand sea lions — aka Hooker's sea lions — that often bask here. Continue to a peninsular lookout for views of Cape Saunders, then take a gravel road to Dunedin’s leafy suburbs, such as Portobello, St Clair and Brighton. Enjoy stops at several vista points overlooking Otago Harbour before weaving in and out of the harbor-side bays on the return journey to the cruise port. Worry-free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your excursion ends with ample time for you to return to the Dunedin port for your ship’s departure. In the extremely unlikely event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Tour info

Duration

3 hours

Why take this tour?

While your cruise ship is in port at Dunedin, make an easy trip to the Otago Peninsula. After brief sightseeing in the city center, your guide takes you on a scenic shore excursion to Dunedin’s outskirts. Pass by seaside villages and enjoy panoramic lookout points on the coast. Minivan transport is limited to 19 passengers.

What’s included?

Live commentary on board
Professional guide
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Entry/Admission - Dunedin Beach
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Viewing of wildlife is not guaranteed

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 3h 30m
Mobile tickets accepted
Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Back to Nature Tours

About operator:

Back to Nature Tours conducts nature based tours of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, Catlins and Stewart Island. Join us on one of our world famous cruise ship excursions that include Dunedin's best tour attractions, scenery and wildlife. We also organize private tours for individuals or groups that are tailor made to make your experience in Dunedin one you will never forget. We are a Qualmark Endorsed New Zealand owned business - Qualmark is New Zealand tourism's official quality assurance organisation, providing a trusted guide to quality travel experiences. We are Department of Conservation Permit holders and have a Marine Mammal permit - allowing us to guide visitors legally in some of New Zealand’s most remote and beautiful locations.