Dunedin attractions

See up to 200 blue penguins returning from sea in the evening! (Generally more penguins are seen over the spring/summer than our autumn or winter months, but we guarantee to see penguins every night!! In the non-breeding months of March to August we often see 20-50 birds each night, however on rare occasions we might see fewer than 10 birds). Extremely close viewing of these birds. Learn about the Māori history of this significant site. Tour includes a special behind the scenes look at the reserve and penguin habitat. We are the only blue penguin evening tours that allows photography (but no flash photography) Voted in the top 10 experiences in New Zealand (TripAdvisor 2022). Most tours are led by conservation experts/biologists. Other wildlife often seen (e.g., seals, sealions, albatross)

Visit New Zealand’s only Castle, situated on the dramatic Otago Peninsula and only a 20 minute drive from Dunedin. Learn about the colonial history and stories of William Larnach - entrepreneur and politician, plus ongoing restoration by the Barker family. Experience the finest Victorian craftsmanship, the excellent collection of New Zealand antiques and unparalleled views of the Otago Peninsula. Walk in the gardens rated a garden of International significance by NZGT. Take refreshment in the historic Ballroom café serving the best local food and drink. This is for ticket admission only. Transportation, food, drinks, and other accommodations are not included.

Hop aboard our sturdy vessel for a one-hour Wildlife Cruise, departing from Wellers Rock Wharf on the Otago Peninsula. You'll cruise out of the Otago Harbour, beyond the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross. Have your camera ready as these huge birds soar in from sea on three metre wings. A historic lighthouse is perched high atop volcanic cliffs. Your skipper will guide the boat close to the rocks below, for great views of playful fur seals. The boat will travel a short way out into the sea to look for other albatross and rare seabirds. On some trips we might spot little blue penguins, sea lions and occasionally dolphins. Your local crew will provide a full commentary about the areas history, the volcanic scenery and wildlife spotted during your cruise . Hot tip - Don't be put off by cool and windy weather. These can often be the best conditions for wildlife viewing and sea conditions. Albatross really love a brisk southerly wind!

If you are a visitor that truly wants to see and understand the unique ecosystems, wildlife, culture, geology and botany of the Otago Peninsula then join this tour. We see a variety of wildlife species along the way (Note: seasonal). At Pukekura we have a good chance to see seals nearby & albatross flying overhead. Later we join our Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience tour, see the world's smallest penguin emerging from the sea and walking past us just metres away. Note: Others join us for this experience (max 75) PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALLOWED (no flash) We will offer viator refunds of 30% if we see less than 5 penguins ! (Lower than booking direct through our own website where we can offer refunds of 50%) If no availability on this site, check our own website for additional availability. As a Charitable Trust our aim is to look after our reserve and protect the Otago Peninsula's largest penguin colony. Voted in the top 10 TripAdvisor's Best Experiences in New Zealand 2022.

Experience a stunning journey through the Taieri Gorge, crossing historic viaducts and riding through tunnels while discovering Otago’s history. This scenic train ride from Dunedin to Pukerangi offers unforgettable one-way or return adventures. Trip Highlights Sit back, relax and experience breathtaking scenery of rural New Zealand and the Taieri Gorge (most of which is only accessible by train!). Dive into the fascinating heritage of the Taieri Gorge track and hear stories about the Gorge from the onboard commentator. Be amazed at the engineering marvels of a bygone era as you journey through 10 hand-carved tunnels and over 12 striking viaducts, including the Wingatui Viaduct - the largest wrought iron structure in the Southern Hemisphere!

Fewer People - More Wildlife! The Clearwater Family's Farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin. The intimate small group tours offer the chance to see Yellow-eyed penguins, NZ sea lions, NZ fur seals, albatross plus a wide variety of birdlife, in the wild. Your professionally guided tour of no more than 10 people will take you to the private beach & wildlife reserves through our working farm at Cape Saunders on the Otago Peninsula. A wild and untamed, dramatic environment that we are lucky enough to share with some of New Zealand's rarest species. The aim is to give you a truly authentic wildlife experience and leave you with memories that will last for a lifetime. The Clearwater family has deep roots here and is devoted to preserving and enhancing its pristine beauty. Become a part of our shared commitment to protect its natural wildlife habitats.

Enjoy over 145 years of brewing history as the guides take you through the interactive brewery tour. Learn in a guided small group with a maximum of 15 travelers about all of the ingredients that go into the award-winning brews and hear about the state of the art brewing process used today. The tour ends with a tasting, where you’ll get to enjoy samples of the beer as the knowledgeable guides talk you through the different styles and flavors in the range.

Admire the fine architecture, gardens and decor of the elegant Olveston Historic Home during a 1-hour guided tour of this must-see attraction in Dunedin. You can also stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in views of the city and Otago Harbour. During the house tour, your knowledgeable guide shares informative commentary about the design, art and furnishings, as well as the family that built the home. This tour gives you a chance to glimpse life in New Zealand during the early 20th century and learn about one of Dunedin’s most prominent families.

Visit the stunning Larnach Castle. Explore the scenic Otago Peninsula and enjoy a special Monarch Wildlife Cruise. Your guide will take you on a one-hour tour of Larnach Castle. Hear the scandalous story of early settler William Larnach and his family. Explore the beautifully restored castle, with it's original antique furniture and impressive craftsmanship throughout. 30-minutes is allowed to briefly explore the gardens or take tea in the ballroom cafe. The bus tour will then take you further along the Otago Peninsula. You'll next board a one-hour Wildlife Cruise, travelling past volcanic cliffs and a historic lighthouse. Enjoy close viewing of fur seals, royal albatross and seabirds. We sometimes spot sea lions, blue penguins & dusky or hectors dolphins. A 90-minute visit to The OPERA can also be added on as an extra. See conservation in action and possibly see the worlds rarest penguin (yellow-eyed) as you walk through a private eco-reserve and wildlife rehab facility.

We invite you to join us for an experience unlike any other in New Zealand on one of our guided Wildlife and Penguin Tour. Penguins, fur seals, sea lions, shore and land birds, native fauna, and more await you within our private reserve. Best of all, by taking a tour you are joining our work, as tour operations directly fund the conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and education initiatives at The OPERA.

Bus across the beautiful Otago Peninsula and enjoy the sights whilst your local guide gives an informative commentary about the area. Then hop aboard our comfortable boat for an invigorating cruise out past the historic Taiaroa Head lighthouse. You'll spot rare Southern Ocean marine wildlife, including royal albatross, fur seals and more! The tour concludes with a relaxed cruise, back to Dunedin, along the Otago Harbour.

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will love the Peninsula Encounters + Wildlife Cruise. This tour enjoys unrivalled access to remote locations and rare animals. You'll visit a variety of beautiful locations on the Otago Peninsula and see the Otago Harbour during a special Wildlife Cruise. Your guide will give a personalised commentary throughout the tour and help you spot Royal Albatross, Fur Seals, Sea Lions and Yellow-eyed Penguins.

This is an educational tour where we dive into the human history of New Zealand. Discussing how Polynesians (Māori) navigated to New Zealand with pin-point accuracy from Islands thousands of kilometers away. We explore all the key sights of Dunedin on a modern, comfortable mini bus on this small group tour. Starting at the Octagon, we pass several iconic buildings as we leave Central Dunedin including St Paul’s Cathedral, Otago Boys High School, First Church and the Dunedin Railway Station before arriving high up on the Otago Peninsula for scenic viewpoints. We venture to St Kilda and St Clair surf beaches where we break for a light lunch. Then it's past the botanic gardens to visit Baldwin Street, the World’s steepest street. Our final stop is the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university, where we take a guided walk around a collection of beautiful old iconic buildings.

This is a short tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers but anyone can participate so long as it is a cruise ship day. The tour stops at all locations mentioned with a chance to get off and have a walk around. Comfortable vehicles and a commentary is provided. A full refund will be offered if at the conclusion of the tour the customer is dissatisfied with any part of the experience that is within the operator's control so long as the issue is raised first with the operator before any third party. (Subject to tripadvisor complying with operator request)

Whether you’re into science, history, machinery, or (most likely) beer, the Emerson’s brewery tour is a must do in Dunedin. The tour gives you a behind the scenes look at our state-of-the-art 5000L brewery, and 1200L workshop. We take you through every step of the brew process, from the malt room, right through to the fermentation, bottling, and most importantly, the tasting. And as if that’s not enough, you get to do it all in an attractive, high-visibility waistcoat.