Welcome to Dunedin
Two words immediately spring to mind when Kiwis think of their seventh-largest city: 'Scotland' and 'students'. The 'Edinburgh of the South' is immensely proud of its Scottish heritage, never missing an opportunity to break out the haggis and bagpipes on civic occasions. In fact the very name Dunedin is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh – Dùn Èideann – and the city even has its own tartan.
Top experiences in Dunedin
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Travel guides
Starting at $27.99
Dunedin activities
Dunedin Shore Excursion: Taieri Gorge Railway and City Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Port Chalmers WharfAt 9.00am (depending on the cruise ship’s arrival/departure times), the coach departs the Dunedin Port and takes you to the Dunedin Railway Station.Stop At: Taieri Gorge Railway, Dunedin, Otago Region, South IslandAt 9.30am, depart Dunedin by train on the Taieri Gorge Railway. You will travel through the spectacular Taieri Gorge to Pukerangi, across wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago. This is one of the great train journeys of a bygone era. Throughout this round trip journey, there will be numerous stops to afford you some magnificent photo opportunities.Duration: 4 hoursStop At: Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, Otago Region, South IslandAt 2.00pm, following the Taieri Gorge Rail Journey, you will rejoin the coach and set off on a full-commentary coach tour of Dunedin City.Duration: 2 hoursPass By: Baldwin Street: The Steepest Street in the World, Dunedin, Otago Region, South IslandTake in the ‘dress circle’ of Dunedin’s original homes of the wealthy settlers and travel up the world’s steepest street to a lookout overlooking the city, University campus and out to the Peninsula high road for some spectacular harbour, rural and ocean views.Pass By: University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago Region, South IslandSee some great views of the New Zealand famous and historic Otago University..Pass By: Dunedin Botanic Garden, Dunedin, Otago Region, South IslandCheck out New Zealand’s first botanical garden.Pass By: St Clair Beach, Dunedin, Otago Region, South IslandLastly, see the St Clair beach esplanade before returning back to your ship between 4:00 pm-4:30 pm.
Dunedin, Otago Peninsula Small-Group Tour with Port Pickup
After your cruise ship docks in Port Chalmers, just outside Dunedin, meet your guide at the dockside to begin your scenic small-group tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula.Your route takes you above the harbor for views over the peninsula. Enjoy more views on the trip into Dunedin, and make a stop at the historic Dunedin Railway Station in the city center.Take the road out of Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula, and see signs of the volcanic activity that shaped this region over the millennia. Leaving the paved path, follow tracks toward the coast for views of scenic inlets usually visited by seabirds.Then stretch your legs on a short walk along one of Dunedin's most beautiful beaches, where the rare New Zealand sea lion can often be seen basking in the sunshine. Returning to your coach, continue to a lookout over the Otago Peninsula. Admire the views of sea and coast, including Cape Saunders, one of only two landmarks logged by Captain James Cook in the 18th century as he traveled around New Zealand.From there, travel along the the gravel roads to Portobello, and stop to admire the leafy residential suburb of Dunedin, overlooking the Dunedin Harbor. You will be given several opportunities to get out of the bus and admire the views. This tour takes you to the finest lookouts Dunedine and Otago has to offer. Then conclude your tour with the return journey weaving in and out of the various harbor side bays as you make your way back to Dunedin city or the cruise port at Port Chalmers. 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.
Taieri Gorge Railway Tour from Dunedin
When you visit Dunedin make sure you climb on board a Dunedin Railways train for a scenic train ride you will not forget.The stunning Taieri Gorge Railway is a world class train trip and one that should not be missed. Departing Daily from Dunedin’s stunning railway station this trip encompasses scenery that is spectacular, ever changing and unique to this part of the country and can only be seen from this train. The live commentary gives a great insight into the building of this railway through the enormously challenging terrain and is informative and entertaining. On the return journey to Dunedin City you can take full advantage of traveling the same route to take in the sights once more or pick up on those you missed.Taieri Gorge Railway is considered a “must-do” railway trip in New Zealand, not just for train enthusiasts, and is a brilliant New Zealand Qualmark approved all weather tour.
Dunedin Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing, Olveston House Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, Otago Region, South IslandStart your shore excursion with port pickup and board your comfortable coach for a sightseeing tour. Hear commentary detailing Dunedin’s history as you motor around the hilly city, which overlooks the Otago Peninsula.Pass By: Baldwin Street: The Steepest Street in the World, Dunedin, Otago Region, South IslandPass by Baldwin Street, considered the world’s steepest street, and get a glimpse of the harbour.Pass By: Dunedin Botanic Garden, Dunedin, Otago Region, South IslandSee the beautiful Botanic Gardens of Dunedin City on this sightseeing tour.Pass By: University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago Region, South IslandView the University of Otago, the neoclassical Dunedin Town Hall and Renaissance Revival–style Dunedin Railway Station as well as opulent banks, theatres and 19th-century edifices.Stop At: Olveston Historic Home, Dunedin, Otago Region, South IslandAfter the city tour you will join a 1-hour guided tour of Olveston Historic Home a 35-room mansion and gardens. A docent reveals the history behind this enchanting time capsule of one of Dunedin’s wealthy merchant families. Built in a Jacobean style, Olveston is decorated with original fine art and furniture collected by the home’s wealthy owners. Stroll past century-old trees and manicured lawns to the gardens.Duration: 1 hourPass By: Port Chalmers WharfRejoin your guide in the afternoon aboard the coach, and the return drive to the Dunedin port. You will be given the opportunity to explore Port Chalmers where you can discover a vibrant village with a wide range of art & culture from potters and sculptors to painters, musicians, jewellers and fashion designers and then make your way back to board the Ship.
Dunedin City Tour, Larnach Castle, Cadbury's Chocolate Factory
You will be picked up from your cruise ship at Port Chalmers (Dunedin) at approximately 9:30am.Enjoy a very informative, entertaining and scenically stunning tour of Dunedin City, the tour will include Otago University, Botanical Gardens, historic buildings, neo-gothic church architecture and Cathedrals, stately homes, the world`s steepest street with lots of photo opportunities.Arrive Larnach Castle and journey back in time with a guided tour of New Zealand`s only castle built in 1871. Learn the scandalous, exciting and tragic history of the castle whilst enjoying the magnificent splendor of a bygone era. The tour also includes the castles gardens which are of international significance and provide breathtaking views from this commanding vantage point on the Otago Peninsula. There will be time for lunch at the castles café (at own expense).Depart Larnach Castle, sit back and relax returning to Dunedin by road along the Otago Peninsula again enjoying magnificent views on route.Arrive at Cadbury's Chocolate Factory. Here you will enjoy the new Cadbury's World Experience, a one hour tour that includes explanation of the chocolate making process, liquid chocolate tasting, tempering demonstration, chocolate fall and sampling along the way of course! Please note: Due to Health & Safety Regulations this tour no longer enters the actual factory and there are also 150 steps to climb during the tour. Worry-free Shore Excursion: We will ensure your timely return to Port Chalmers for this activity. In the rare 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.
Dunedin Small-Group Half-Day City Tour
Following a morning pickup from Port Chalmers or your Dunedin hotel, travel through the city as your guide sheds light on its history and culture. During your tour, take in top attractions and stops at popular sites including Dunedin Railway Station, University of Otago and the beautiful gardens of Olveston House. Along the way, gain insight into Dunedin’s rich heritage and hear stories from the city’s colorful past. We take you to magnificent lookout points such as Signal Hill and the Otago Peninsula to admire sweeping views over Dunedin City and the Otago Harbour. We visit Baldwin Street (World's Steepest Street) and enjoy a stroll amongst 19th-century buildings in the heart of the University of Otago campus, often bustling with students and professors. Discover iconic places of interest such as the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and Speight’s Brewery — where one of New Zealand’s most popular beers is produced. After a good 4 hours touring the streets and sights of Dunedin, return in comfort to the Port or your hotel to conclude your tour, usually around 2pm.