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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: NZD
- Languages: English, Māori
- Climate: Oceanic
- Timezone: Pacific/Auckland
- Population: Approximately 2,500 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere summer (December to February) for mild weather and wildlife activity.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia can enter New Zealand visa-free for short stays, typically up to 3 months. Others may require a visitor visa or an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) before arrival. Visa on arrival is generally not available. Travelers should check the latest requirements before visiting.
About Port Chalmers
Port Chalmers is a charming harbor town located on the Otago Harbour, serving as the primary port for the city of Dunedin in New Zealand. This small town is steeped in maritime heritage, with historic wharves, shipyards, and a lively waterfront atmosphere. Visitors are drawn to its unique blend of industrial port activity and artistic community, featuring galleries, craft shops, and cafes. The town offers stunning views of the harbor and surrounding hills, making it a picturesque destination for photographers and nature lovers. Port Chalmers is also a gateway to exploring the Otago Peninsula, known for its wildlife including albatrosses and penguins. Its relaxed pace and friendly locals provide a welcoming environment for tourists seeking an authentic New Zealand coastal experience. The combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance makes Port Chalmers a compelling destination for travelers interested in maritime history, outdoor activities, and local arts.
Top Attractions
1. Otago Peninsula – Famous for wildlife viewing including albatross colonies and penguin reserves. 2. Port Chalmers Maritime Museum – Showcases the town’s rich shipping and port history. 3. Ship to Shore Gallery – A local art gallery featuring works by regional artists. 4. Port Chalmers Wharf – A lively area with fishing boats, cafes, and scenic harbor views. 5. Signal Hill Lookout – Offers panoramic views over Port Chalmers and Otago Harbour.
Popular Activities
Visitors can enjoy wildlife tours on the Otago Peninsula, including bird watching and seal spotting. Walking and cycling along the harbor and nearby trails provide scenic outdoor experiences. The town’s art galleries and craft shops offer cultural immersion. Fishing and boating activities are popular due to the active port. Seasonal events and markets provide opportunities to engage with the local community.
Port Chalmers Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of South Island
- Duration Range: Visitors can enjoy wildlife tours on the Otago Peninsula, including bird watching and seal spotting. Walking and cycling along the harbor and nearby trails provide scenic outdoor experiences. The town’s art galleries and craft shops offer cultural immersion. Fishing and boating activities are popular due to the active port. Seasonal events and markets provide opportunities to engage with the local community.
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere summer (December to February) for mild weather and wildlife activity. Pack layers and waterproof clothing due to variable coastal weather. Respect local customs and the natural environment, especially wildlife habitats. Safety is generally good, but standard precautions apply. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for smaller vendors.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $180
32 Available Tour Excursions in Port Chalmers
If you want easy access to Dunedin's most popular attractions or some various unknown locals only attractions. I own this business and take great pleasure in giving my clients the best day we can Greate in the short time we have to discover Dunedin city and surrounds.
Price: $103.73
Duration: 4 hours
Its a mini tour of the harbour as we cross from one side to the other. The scenery is stunning, there are many birds to see on the way. The skipper gives a commentary about the history and volcanic nature of the area, as well as the other interesting aspects we see on the way. Comfortable custom built vessel, cushioned seats, heated cabin.
Price: $29.64
Duration: 0 hours
Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored just for your group of up to 6 passengers. A knowledgeable driver - guide will show you the best spots in Dunedin in a comfortable van. You will be very flexible and can spend any amount of time at all the stops. There is an option fo a bigger group too. Scenic drive through the city and on Otago Peninsula to view the most breathtaking views. You will enjoy a stop at Royal Albatross Centre (about 1 hour), the world's only mainland colony of Royal Albatross. Here you have the option to either take lunch, explore the visitor center or wander outside (since it's generally pretty windy, you are likely to see flying the largest seabirds!) Then, take a scenic drive back to Port via Portobello Road, along the harbor, where you are likely to see wading birds. You will have a great choice to create a memorable tour to suit your interests.
Price: $1,037.33
Duration: 5-7 hours
We meet you at the Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal for the 'Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour' Stops include: -Dunedin Railway Station (most photographed building in NZ) -Baldwin Street (world's steepest street) -Otago University (NZ's oldest University) -Signal Hill Lookout -Heritage Buildings Plus more After the 'City Highlights Tour' we drop you off at the Octagon in the City Centre. You will have 1 hour of free time for lunch & shopping. Meridian Shopping Mall is 2 blocks away with a Food Court. After lunch we depart on the journey up to the Castle. We take in the magnificent views of the peninsula and make a quick stop at a lookout for a great photo opportunity. On arrival we take you on a guided tour of the Castle with time afterwards to do some of your own exploring or check out the award-winning gardens. You also have the option to visit the Ballroom Cafe for refreshments. (Larnach Castle/Gardens entry fee is included in our tour price) No hidden fees.
Price: $123.89
Duration: 6 hours
Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago Harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more. Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat. Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration. -Full professional amplified commentary -Quality binoculars provided. -Bathroom onboard, heated cabin -Learn about historic Quarantine Stations and old shipwrecks. -See and learn about the fishing boats, workboats, dredges and ships as we pass Port Chalmers and Careys Bay. -Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas. -See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations. -Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.
Price: $100.77
Duration: 1-2 hours
A tour that "cruise" the city of Dunedin and Larnach Castle. Sit back and relax and let Horizon Tours introduce you to Dunedin and its iconic buildings and landmarks. Pick up is from Port Chalmers and en-route to Dunedin City we'll see the world's steepest street, Baldwin Street, our covered Sports Stadium and the University campus. After stretching our legs at Baldwin Street we make our way towards the city centre to learn more about the city's history and view some of Dunedin's iconic landmarks including the Railway Station, Law Court House, First Church of Otago and other historic buildings in the city centre. We next drive along the picturesque Otago Peninsula en-route to Larnach Castle where guests will have up to 90 mins of free time exploring the castle and gardens, maybe grab a cup of tea from the castle cafe. After Larnach Castle we may have some free time to see more of the city centre before making our way back to the cruise ship.
Price: $115.59
Duration: 6 hours
Enjoy a personalized small group tour of Larnach Castle and Dunedin City. This is a 6 hour fully guided tour that lets you explore Dunedin and Larnach Castle at a leisurely pace. Included is a fully guided tour of Larnach Castle's unique interior. Chilled spring water is provided complimentary to those who bring their own re-useable water bottles. The tour takes in many interesting buildings and landmarks in Dunedin city such as the Larnach family tomb, the old University and all the main city attractions. The drive to Larnach Castle offers spectacular views from the Otago Peninsula with a lookout stop along the way. On arrival at Larnach Castle, your table will be reserved for lunch at the Ballroom cafe (lunch is own cost). After lunch and the guided tour inside the Castle, your guide will also take you through the award winning gardens offering fantastic views over the Otago Harbour.
Price: $106.10
Duration: 6 hours
With this tour you will enjoy a small group experience with a personalised attention while discovering the beauty of Dunedin City and Otago peninsula. You will avoid wasting time waiting for a bog group to get on and off the bus. You will be introduced to the city in the best way, optimising time to see the highlights of the city, enjoying the most breathtaking scenery of Otago Peninsula via Highcliff road where the road for bigger buses is not suitable. You will have a 1 hour guided tour of Albatross Centre and discover all about these huge seabirds.
Price: $177.24
Duration: 6 hours
Join our guide for a personalised tour of Larnach Castle and learn about Dunedin's early history along the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Otago Peninsula, the Otago Harbour and our rugged coastline as your bus travels across it's volcanic countryside. Your guide will give a full commentary throughout your journey. Hop aboard a special Wildlife Cruise experience and find out why Dunedin is known as the Nature Capital of New Zealand. Spot royal albatross, fur seals, historic lighthouses and so much more!
Price: $112.62
Duration: 6 hours
Rated as one of the top 10 experiences in NZ in 2025 by Tripadvisor! The Clearwater family farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin. A chance to see yellow-eyed penguins, NZ sealions, NZ fur seals & pups, albatross, and a wide variety of sea & wading birds, in their natural habitat. The Clearwater family have been the caretakers of the pristine land a wild & untamed, dramatic environment that we are lucky enough to share with some of NZ's rarest species. Not accessible to the public, our working farm envelops one of the most beautiful coastal headlands & beaches in NZ. Your private tour will be guided by an experienced & knowledgeable local guide. Commentary on the tour also includes local history & Dunedin city highlights. Our comfortable 4WD vehicles are all air conditioned & we provide quality Nikon binoculars & wind & rain proof jackets. We recommend a 15-minute stop to purchase coffee, food or snacks as there are no food stops along the way.
Price: $1,630.09
Duration: 5 hours
A relaxed and friendly small group tour (max. 8 pax) showing you Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights, including a tour of the only castle in the country: Larnach Castle. With an entertaining mix of storytelling, photo ops, scenery, and charm, our tours provide visitors with an unforgettable experience and a fantastic insight into our hometown - Otepoti Dunedin. Auch auf Deutsch!
Price: $142.26
Duration: 5 hours
Discover top attractions and iconic sites and lookouts around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take in key sites of interest such as the World famous Baldwin Street, University of Otago, Olveston Homestead gardens and Dunedin's Grand Railway Station. Awesome lookouts over Otago Harbour and from Signal Hill. Visit the Octagon (city centre) for some shopping and a bite to eat. All transport to and from the cruise ship wharf is included. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 20 people. Daily departures are available for cruise passengers and city-based passengers.
Price: $58.68
Duration: 4 hours
Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored just for your group of up to 6 passengers. A knowledgeable driver - guide will show you the best spots in Dunedin in a private vehicle. You will be very flexible to spend any amount of time at all the stops. Scenic drive from Port Chalmers through the countryside road to the city. Suggested stops are: Baldwin Street, Signal Hill Lookout Point, upper Botanic Garden with bird aviaries, Otago University, Octagon, First Church, Dunedin Railway station, Olveston House. Continue with a scenic drive onto Otago Peninsula with the most breathtaking views. Stop for a drink and a short stroll at Glenfalloch gardens or St Clair Beach. You will be flexible and will have a great choice to create a memorable tour to suit your interests.
Price: $711.31
Duration: 4 hours
Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more. Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat. Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration. -Fully commentated. -Quality binoculars provided. -We pass by the historic Quarantine Stations and old shipwrecks. -See and learn about the fishing boats, workboats, dredges and ships as we pass Port Chalmers and Careys Bay. -Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas. -See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations. -Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.
Price: $100.77
Duration: 1-2 hours
Enjoy a guided tour of Dunedin city, take in the highlights and enjoy a café lunch in a lovely garden setting. This 5 hour tour explores the city before heading out onto the stunning Otago peninsula. A visit to Larnach Castle , New Zealand's only castle is a must see. There is a café here which has tea coffee and a variety of food on offer. Then spend the rest of the visit enjoying the very extensive gardens. (Admission to the gardens is included. The tour inside castle can be booked and paid on the day). During the tour you will view some outstanding scenery that we have on offer here in paradise (AKA Dunedin). There are fantastic photo opportunities during the tour.
Price: $135.74
Duration: 5 hours
The quickest and most fun option to get to see New Zealands only castle. A fast water taxi ride across the beautiful Otago Harbour to Macandrew Bay, a small seaside village on the Otago Peninsula. Here you transfer to our executive shuttle van for your scenic drive up the hill to the castle. Your entry fee to the castle and gardens is included in your fare. You'll have an hour and a half to explore the castle and gardens. You'll then be brought back down to the harbour, for your second water taxi ride into Steamer Basin, in the heart of Dunedin. From Steamer Basin it's a short 5 minute walk to the iconic Dunedin Railway Station and Toitu, the Settlers Museum. This is also the departure point for the Cruise ship shuttles that return to Port. Please note- Trips from 9.00am to 11.15am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Trips from 12.00 and 12.45pm leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city. All trips conclude in Dunedin City except the 11.15am trip that returns to Port Chalmers at 2.15pm
Price: $94.25
Duration: 2-4 hours
Start at Port Chalmers to experience the pure beauty of Dunedin on a fantastic tour of rich heritage, spectacular scenery. You will experience memorable landscape of Otago Peninsula with amazing string of rugged beaches, bays on a Peninsula Drive via Highcliff Road to Larnach Castle. Your tour will include an entry to the garden only of the only castle of New Zealand - Larnach castle. You will stop at the world's steepest street, local lookout point to enjoy the views of city, peninsula and harbor, University of Otago - the oldest New Zeland university, Octagon, Dunedin Railway Station and internationally significant and the oldest botanic garden in New Zealand. In addition you will join a 1 hour guided tour of Olveston historic home. The tour is designed only for small groups, so you will enjoy flexibility and comfort in a small bus. Important: this tour includes entry to castle garden only, to enter the castle building there is an extra cost $NZD20.
Price: $157.08
Duration: 6 hours
Take in the best of Dunedin City on this 3-hour, small-group tour. Ride in the comfy, safe van to the highest vantage points, around heritage buildings, and view the white sand beaches of Dunedin. You'll visit the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, the world's steepest street, and a lot more. Take great photos from the best spots and learn as the expert commentary from your local guide gives you a real feel for the past and present of New Zealand's first city. Enjoy free pickup and drop-off from your cruise port, your hotel, or in town for either the morning (9am) or afternoon (1pm) tour. Group size is limited to 12 people.
Price: $94.25
Duration: 3 hours
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Port Chalmers offers fresh seafood, reflecting its coastal location, with specialties like green-lipped mussels, oysters, and fish and chips. Local cafes serve New Zealand-style breakfasts and artisanal coffee. Dining options range from casual waterfront eateries to cozy bistros. Noteworthy spots include local seafood shacks and cafes known for their fresh, locally sourced ingredients and relaxed atmosphere.
Getting Around
Port Chalmers is accessible by car or bus from Dunedin, approximately a 20-kilometer journey. Local buses connect the town with Dunedin city center. Walking and cycling are convenient within the town. Taxis and rideshare services are available but limited. Parking is generally available near the waterfront. Costs for local transport are moderate, with car rental or private transport recommended for exploring the wider Otago Peninsula.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere summer (December to February) for mild weather and wildlife activity. Pack layers and waterproof clothing due to variable coastal weather. Respect local customs and the natural environment, especially wildlife habitats. Safety is generally good, but standard precautions apply. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for smaller vendors.
Culture & Customs
The community values its maritime heritage and local arts scene. Social interactions are friendly and informal. Respect for the natural environment and wildlife is important. Local events often celebrate Maori culture and New Zealand’s colonial history. Visitors should be mindful of quiet residential areas and observe etiquette when visiting wildlife reserves.
