Top Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Art & Culture

Visit New Zealand’s only castle with admission to Larnach Castle & Gardens, where you’ll find beautiful antiques, manicured gardens, and gorgeous views across the Otago Peninsula. Learn the story of the castle’s founding family through recorded commentary on a personal headset, and pause to explore a collection of New Zealand native plants before entering the castle. Pre-booking your tickets to Larnach Castle & Gardens ensures a smooth visit, with the flexibility to see the castle and grounds at your own pace.

Join a small group for a full-day tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. During the city tour, see landmarks such as the University of Otago and Scottish heritage sites. Next, explore the Otago Peninsula, including Otago Harbour, Larnach Castle (where there will be time for lunch), and the penguin colony and albatross sanctuary at Taiaroa Head. Your tour includes pickup and drop-off in central Dunedin or the port.

Cruise ship passengers can make the most of their limited time on land with a small-group tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Learn about local history, culture, and nature at city-center highlights, including the Dunedin Railway Station, the University of Otago, and the Octagon. Then head out to the beautiful Otago Peninsula to admire the views and visit Larnach Castle.

A tour with Gregor is like no other. Emerging business award finalist, Tales From Darkest Dunedin and Gregor Campbell, respected historian and expert story teller has been uncovering forgotten events and people in Dunedin's history. He has been featured in newspapers for his finds and recently on the cover of New Zealand Heritage Magazine for his cemetery tours. Gregor is particularly interested in colonial history, the exchanges between Māori Kāi Tahu, the Scottish and the everyday people that came to make a life here, for better or for worse. And now he's your tour guide! Gregor's stories of murder, shipwrecks, discovery, heroes and villains are exclusive to Tales From Darkest Dunedin and weave together to give a greater picture of our city and the lives that brought it to where it is today.

Travel with a small group to explore the city of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Get personalized attention from your guide and enjoy an intimate atmosphere with your fellow travelers as you hit all the highlights, such as Larnach Castle, Penguin Place, the Octagon, the Dunedin Rail Station, the University of Otago, and more. Along the way, listen to engaging commentary from your guide and enjoy the opportunity to ask questions.

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.

Make the most of a short time in Dunedin on this action-packed one-hour V8 trike tour of the city and Otago Peninsula. Starting in the central city, pass some of the most beautiful historic buildings and learn about Dunedin’s culture and heritage. Continue your drive out to the peninsula, where you can enjoy views of hills and beaches, and maybe even spot some birds and wildlife.

Glimpse early 20th-century life in New Zealand during a 1-hour guided tour of the Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin. Follow a knowledgeable docent through the 35-room mansion as you learn about its Jacobean-style architectural design, fine art and furnishings. Discover the history of one of Dunedin’s most prominent families, and stroll through the elegant gardens with views of Otago Harbour.

Swap the cruise port for the Dunedin countryside on a half-day shore excursion that includes the Otago Peninsula. Your sightseeing tour covers highlights of the city center such as the Dunedin Railway Station, then travels to several village suburbs, stopping en route at scenic lookouts and for a beachside view of basking sea lions. Enjoy the personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 19 people.

Take a heritage-focused tour of Dunedin with a local historian and learn about the city’s fascinating colonial past. Visit the magnificent Dunedin Railway Station, learn about the amazing historic buildings in the ‘Octagon’, see historic Tennyson Street featuring Otago Girls High School, and much more. Your guide will tell fascinating stories about the city that will help you understand the lives of its citizens, past and present.

This short city tour is the perfect way for time-poor travelers to get a good overview of Dunedin. This tour manages to fit a laundry list of iconic landmarks into a short space of time, with transport between each landmark taken care of to save you time. Don’t miss out on seeing any of the city’s highlights, like St Paul's Cathedral, the Robbie Burns Statue, and Baldwin Street (believed by locals to be the steepest street in the world, even if the title is disputed).

This historic audio tour of the intriguing city of Dunedin will take you on a culturally significant journey where you will see sights such as the interesting Octagon and the iconic landmark that is the Old Railway Station.

Enjoy an easy introduction to Dunedin, whose compact city center is best toured on foot. Even visitors short on time can fit in this one-hour private tour. Admire the Victorian architecture and urban planning of the Octagon, learn more about Dunedin history at the impressive St. Paul’s Cathedral, and take plenty of photos of the beautiful Dunedin Railway Station.

Discover New Zealand’s only castle with an excursion from Dunedin to Larnach Castle & Gardens. You’ll join a guided tour to learn the fascinating history of the castle and of William Larnach, who built the castle in 1871 for his beloved wife, then enjoy some time to explore on your own, strolling the sumptuous gardens or taking high tea in the castle’s ballroom. The basic tour includes entrance fees and round-trip transport from a central location in Dunedin, with multiple departure times available, or opt to upgrade with some exciting extras.

Otepoti/Dunedin was settled by Free Church Presbyterians in 1848. They worked hard and went to church on Sunday. The gold rush in 1861 brought with it a completely different population to the one first envisioned - a much more lively and less law abiding one. Your guide, Gregor Campbell has spent years curating true stories of crime and murder from Dunedin's grim past. He tells the tales expertly with poise and dignity as he drives around the seemingly harmless areas of Dunedin that, over a hundred years ago were more sordid and despairing. Relax back in a brand new Toyota Hiace minibus while Gregor brings our city back to life.... if only temporarily.

Larnach Castle is New Zealand's only castle! Top attraction Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula The Castle's Garden has received numerous national Awards Lovingly restored by the Barker Family, Have a look around the lovingly restored Larnach Castle that dates back to 1871,

Explore Dunedin’s charms on our Family Walking Tour, a delightful journey through heritage and natural beauty. Begin in The Octagon, where lively street performers entertain, setting the stage for an enjoyable family outing. Discover St. Paul’s Cathedral, an architectural wonder, and learn about the city’s spiritual heritage in a serene setting. Meander down Tennyson Street, lined with unique shops and cozy cafes, offering family-friendly shopping and local flavors. Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden, transports you to a peaceful world with meandering paths and cultural insights. Queens Gardens invites picnics and leisurely strolls amidst lush greenery and charming bridges. Finally, explore the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, an architectural gem that shares the city’s intriguing history. This Dunedin Family Walking Tour combines history and natural beauty to create cherished family memories.

Discover Dunedin's rich history and heritage on a two-hour walking tour starting at the Fortune Theatre. Hear fascinating stories of Dunedin's past as we stroll down Tennyson and Princes Streets. Explore the Chinese Garden and the Queens Gardens, then dive into Otago's cultural and social history at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. Our journey through time concludes at the grand Dunedin Railway Station, where you'll discover its important role in the city's growth and prosperity. Join us and step back in time in Dunedin!

Embark on a captivating and immersive 3-hour private tour that unveils the vibrant tapestry of Dunedin’s craft beer culture. This carefully curated experience invites you to delve into the heart of the city’s brewing scene, where craftsmanship and creativity converge. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit 4 or 5 handpicked breweries, each representing a unique facet of Dunedin’s diverse beer landscape. As you journey from one brewery to the next, you’ll discover the artistry and passion behind the brewing process, gaining insights into the intricacies of crafting exceptional beers. The selected breweries showcase a spectrum of offerings, from timeless and well-loved classic ales to avant-garde and experimental concoctions that push the boundaries of flavor profiles. Immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of these establishments, where the dedication of brewers is palpable, and the hospitality is as refreshing as the beers themselves.

Embark on an exclusive private tour, accommodating a maximum of five participants. This intimate setting ensures a personalized experience akin to a private tour, allowing for flexibility and customization. Our meticulously curated itinerary covers all the city’s highlights, providing a comprehensive exploration of Dunedin. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of lifestyle, history, and culture, tracing back to New Zealand’s early periods.

Join us on a fascinating two-hour walking tour of Dunedin, where we will explore the city's rich history and heritage, starting at the historic Fortune Theatre, before moving on to the Speights Ale House brewery, where you'll learn about the iconic brewery and its history in the city. From there, we'll walk to the beautiful Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden, which is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city, and hear about the Chinese community's contributions to Dunedin's culture and heritage. Our next stop will be at the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, housed in the beautifully restored Dunedin Railway Station. Finally, we'll conclude our tour with a visit to the grand Dunedin Railway Station, which is a stunning example of the city's Edwardian architecture, where we'll explore the station's role in Dunedin's growth and prosperity, and its role in transporting troops during World War I.

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 8.30 am - 10.30 am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Trips from 11.00 and later leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city.