Things to do in

Dunedin

Discover New Zealand’s only castle and learn the fascinating story behind it. With admission to Larnach Castle and gardens, you’ll find beautiful antiques, manicured gardens, and gorgeous views across the Otago Peninsula. Step back into the 1960s on a historic property. The castle is surrounded by seven acres of maintained gardens, rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance. This unique collection of specialized gardens includes the Patterned Garden, the Lost Rock Garden, the Serpentine Walk, the Rain Forest, the South Seas Garden, the Alice Lawn, and the Laburnum Arch and Green Room. Learn about the castle's history through the written and audio guides available in multiple languages. Marvel at the spectacular views of the surrounding greenery and native plants from the towers. At the end of your exploring, you can enjoy some delicious food and beverages in the Ballroom Cafe. Larnach Castle is a must-visit attraction in Dunedin.

Begin your tour with a 10-minute educational video giving you insight into the nature and lifespan of this giant bird. During the video, your expert guide will provide commentary about the albatross as well as some information about the Royal Albatross Centre. Begin your climb up the hill overlooking the ocean and the Otago Peninsula, to the exclusive observatory on the nature reserve where you can see giant albatross throughout their breeding cycle as they court, lay eggs and raise huge fluffy chicks. Learn more about the conservation efforts of the team that is necessary to protect the albatross chicks. The centre is run by a not for profit conservation trust with fees going back to a range of projects along the Otago Peninsula. If you are interested in learning a bit more about the history of the local area you can choose the 1.5 Hour Albatross Centre Wildlife & Fort Taiaroa Tour.

Meet your tour guide at 9 AM at Port Chalmers, from where you will enjoy a 20-minute scenic drive with photo stops to Dunedin City. Make the first stop at the world’s steepest street, and spend about 10 minutes grasping this extreme location. From there, head to Signal Hill's lookout point, which offers a gorgeous panorama of Dunedin and the surrounding area. Then, take a short guided stroll at the upper botanic garden to view a variety of plants, as well as native New Zealand birds. Drive through one of the oldest cemeteries of Dunedin where the William Larnach family and Thomas Bracken are buried, as you hear all about their fame. Later on, stop at the oldest New Zealand’s University, Otago University. Drive through the main shopping street, George Street and Octagon, which comprises the heart of the city. Next up, stop to view one of the finest churches, the First Church of Otago before you visit the stunning Dunedin Railway Station and hear all about how busy it used to be. Following the city sightseeing, sit back to enjoy the most breathtaking scenery of the Otago Peninsula via Highcliff Road with some great photo stops. After a 1-hour scenic drive, stop at the end of the Peninsula, the Royal Albatross Centre, and enjoy some free time to grab some snacks and drinks at the lovely cafe. You can also explore outdoors, walk down to the beach to spot seals on rocks or in water, view royal albatross gliding if it is windy enough, and enjoy the ocean and lighthouse views. Following a break on the Otago Peninsula, drive via a low road to enjoy some different scenery along the harbor. Later on, return to Port Chalmers or choose to stay in the city for some shopping before making your own way back to the port. Alternatively, upgrade your tour to include a 1-hour wildlife cruise so you can learn more as you view Otago Peninsula's unique marine wildlife.

Experience Dunedin and Otago Peninsula on a small group tour with plenty of flexibility and personalized attention. Begin your journey by meeting your tour guide between 9 - 9:30 AM at 2 meeting points in Dunedin and Port Chalmers. Then enjoy a 20-minute scenic drive with photo stops around Dunedin City. Some highlights include the world's steepest street, viewpoints, and strolling around the botanic gardens.  After the city sightseeing, sit back to enjoy the most breathtaking scenery of Otago Peninsula along Highcliff Road with various stops for photo opportunities. After your 1-hour scenic drive, stop at the end of the Peninsula at The Royal Albatross Centre. Here you will immerse yourself in a 1-hour guided tour to learn all about Royal Albatross - one of the world's biggest seabirds. The tour starts with a short introduction about The Royal Albatross before a short walk up a slight slope to the viewing platform to view Royal Albatross breeding colony. After a break on Otago peninsula, drive along a low road to enjoy some different scenery, along the harbor. Then be returned to the meeting point to enjoy the rest of your afternoon.

Download a vibrant MP3 self-guided audio tour combined with a fully detailed map of the area of your tour. Enjoy the culturally rich history in the city of Dunedin, where it was first discovered by Scottish pioneers. This city is very much like Scotland’s capital of Edinburgh and boasts many historical buildings and some of the steepest streets in New Zealand and is home to the steepest street in the world. In this audio tour, you’ll see stunning cathedrals like St Paul's Anglican Cathedral and you will be able to relax in the tranquil Chinese Garden and witness the magnificent Flemish-style Old Railway Station, which is New Zealand's most photographed building. You will also see the city's famous Octagon, the First Church of Otago, the Law Courts, the Otago Settler's Museum, and the Speights Brewery. Optional additions include St Josephs Cathedral, St Dominic's Priory and the Fortune Theatre if you have time. Your tour. Your way.

Explore the Southern skies through a unique 4-hour storytelling experience that brings these celestial wonders to life. Take a journey through time and hear how Māori believe the world came to exist, and marvel at their knowledge of the night sky that enabled them to navigate the Pacific Ocean and discover Aotearoa New Zealand 2000 years before the invention of the modern-day compass. After pickup from your Dunedin hotel, you'll be taken to Otago Peninsula. Lie back in your own zero-gravity chair, and let your knowledgeable guides share their passion for the night sky, and oral traditions as you enjoy Māori manaakitanga (hospitality) with a light supper and hot beverage. Sit back, relax, and be enchanted. Then, before you head back to the city, take a closer look at a few notable sky heroes through a powerful optical lens that makes the heavens seem that little bit closer.