Larnach Castle

Explore Dunedin on a half-day trip from Port Chalmers with a local guide. Hear the fascinating history of Larnach Castle, keep an eye out for wildlife as you drive along the Otago Peninsula, and explore the town. Meet your guide in Port Chalmers and head out to the Otago Peninsula, known for its rare birds. As you drive, learn why this area is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand. As you get closer to Dunedin, admire the views of secluded beaches and the rugged coastline. Once in the city, visit Dunedin's most charming sights, taking in the sweeping spires and strolling up the steepest street in the world. Next, head to the only castle in the country: Larnach Castle. As you explore the castle, listen to your guide tell stories of its rich history before heading back to Port Chalmers.

Join a tour with expert local guides, minimal van time, and maximum scenic beauty. Explore the city’s highlights, the stunning Larnach Castle, and their very extensive gardens on the Otago Peninsula. Explore from the highest vantage point down to the rugged coastline on a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Dunedin is known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and has some of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the southern hemisphere. Early settlers to the region and goldrush grew the city to become the first in New Zealand and you will learn about that heritage. Tour the Octagon and historic buildings, the Dunedin Railway Station, the University of Otago, Signal Hill Lookout, Baldwin Street – the world’s steepest street, Otago Boys High School, and urban street art. Enjoy views of the Otago Harbour and the stunning peninsula. Take in the coastal environment and view white sand beaches. Finally, visit the stunning Larnach Castle and its extensive gardens.

Bookatour are Dunedins high end guides - immaculate vehicles with fun guides and we cannot wait to take you out with us. Our motto is start as strangers end as friends and we love you becoming part of our tour family for the day and beyond. We love having fun and we will ensure your day is adventure packed from, start to finish before taking you back to join your cruise ship later in the day. Join us on our adventure to The Worlds Steepest Street, Lookouts, Otago Peninsula, Dunedins Railway Station and NZ only Castle with good banter and friends We like to move at a relaxed pace and love being able to show you Dunedin through the eyes of a local. PLEASE NOTE this is only available for cruise ship passengers - travellers wanting a tour must be a minimum of 2 persons to book

Start your tour with a 20-minute scenic drive from Port Chalmers to Dunedin City. Stop at Baldwin Street which has a claim to be the steepest residential street in the world. Enjoy panorama of the area from the lookout point. Take a laid back stroll in the Upper Botanic Garden and drive though Northern Cemetery to hear about famous figures of William Larnach and Thomas Bracken who are buried here. Stop at the University of Otago, the First Church of Otago and the historic Dunedin Railway Station. At the Railway Station you will have 30 minutes to grab a hot drink or some snacks before joining an informative 1 hour guided tour of Olveston Historic Home to complete the story of Dunedin City's past. After exploring Dunedin, sit back to enjoy the most breathtaking scenery of Otago Peninsula on a drive via Highcliff Road to Larnach Castle, which offers both ocean and harbour views. Spend about an hour exploring the gardens at the castle. After exploring the castle gardens, take another scenic drive back to Port Chalmers to complete the excursion. Entry to the castle building is not included, there is an extra fee of approx NZD23 to pay in order to upgrade to see inside the castle building. This tour is planned to show you inside Olveston historic home where every single piece of the house is in its original state. At the castle we plan time to explore gardens and see the castle from outside.

You’ll see the city, learn about our heritage, and experience the wild peninsula all in one comfortable and interesting tour. Our guide will commentate throughout the journey and there’s plenty of time to chat and ask as many questions as you like. Dunedin is an ecotourism hub and we have different attractions for all ages. On our Otago Peninsula tours from Dunedin, you will be able to access all the attractions and you can explore as much or as little as you like. We’ll also make sure you have plenty of opportunity to photograph the wildlife and scenery.