Day Trips in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Day trips in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula offer travelers the perfect balance of adventure, discovery, and convenience. Whether you are short on time or simply looking for an immersive experience without the need for overnight stays, these tours provide an excellent way to explore the highlights of Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula and its surroundings in just one day. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, you can uncover hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and cultural treasures that bring the destination to life. From exploring scenic countryside and nearby villages to visiting historic monuments and vibrant marketplaces, day trips are designed to maximize your travel experience. They are ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike, offering curated itineraries that combine comfort with unforgettable exploration. You can relax knowing that transportation, guides, and carefully planned stops are all taken care of. Best of all, day trips in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula give you the chance to see more in less time, making them a smart choice for travelers who want to make the most of their visit. With a variety of options available, every traveler can find a day trip that matches their interests and leaves them with lasting memories.

Top Day Trips in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Taieri Gorge Railway & City Sightseeing  in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , South Island

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (302 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 147.08

Duration: 7 hours (approx.)

When your cruise ship docks in Dunedin, take a trip through the spectacular scenery surrounding the Taieri River on board the Taieri Gorge Railway. Travel through tunnels and over viaducts on this train-lover’s shore excursion, and then see Dunedin’s top sights before returning to the Dunedin port. This is one of the most popular shore excursions in New Zealand and has been awarded the TripAdvisors Travellers Choice Award.

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Dunedin City, Wildlife and Larnach Castle in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , South Island

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (89 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 156.08

 

Explore Historical Dunedin city and spectacular Otago Peninsula on this full-day mini group tour. Visit Baldwin St (steepest street in the world), the University of Otago and Dunedin’s famous Scottish heritage sites. Then we will travel alongside the picturesque Otago harbor and take a lunch break at Larnach Castle Ballroom Café and visit the beautiful Larnach Castle and Castle garden. We then drive through rugged Otago wilderness to Hoopers Inlet and near by Allans Beach to observe the unique birdlife and wildlife.

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Castle, Coast & City Tour - 8 pax max - Castle Entrance Included in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , South Island

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (87 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 144.08

Duration: 5 hours (approx.)

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!

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Iconic Shore Excursion: Iconic Larnach Castle Tour in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , South Island

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (79 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 107.46

Duration: 6 hours (approx.)

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.

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Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , South Island

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (71 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 159.08

Duration: 6 hours (approx.)

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.

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City Highlights, Larnach Castle & Peninsula Views in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , South Island

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (68 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 137.47

Duration: 5 hours (approx.)

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.

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Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & a Guided Penguin Reserve Tour in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , South Island

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (62 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 179.50

Duration: 6 hours (approx.)

You will be joining a small group tour and go to places that bigger buses cannot go. You will have personalised attention and will see the most special parts of Dunedin and Otago peninsula.

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Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , South Island

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (38 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 125.47

Duration: 6 hours (approx.)

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.

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Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & Albatross Guided Tour in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , South Island

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (35 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 179.50

Duration: 6 hours (approx.)

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.

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Otago Peninsula Scenery and Dunedin City Highlights Tour in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , South Island

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (28 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 144.08

Duration: 5 hours (approx.)

Start at Port Chalmers to experience the beauty of Dunedin on a fantastic 5 hour tour of rich heritage, spectacular scenery. You will experience gorgeous and memorable landscape of Otago Peninsula with amazing string of rugged beaches, bays and wildlife. Your knowledgeable guide will show you the most breathtaking views and take you closer to nature and its wildlife. Spend some free time at Royal Albatross Centre: this place offers 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!) or watch lazy seals. You will stop at the world's steepest street, First Church, Railway station and will have some free time to explore internationally significant and the oldest botanic garden in New Zealand. The tour is designed only for a small group, to enjoy flexibility, comfort and personalized attention.

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Dunedin to Te Anau via Catlins & Invercargill Small Group Tour  in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula , South Island

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (1 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 174.09

Duration: 11 hours (approx.)

Venture into New Zealand's stunning southern coast on a full-day tour from Dunedin to Te Anau, where the rugged beauty of the Catlins awaits. Explore natural wonders like the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, marvel at the picturesque Purakaunui Falls, and enjoy a creative lunch stop at the Lost Gypsy Caravan. Walk across the ancient petrified forest at Curio Bay and keep an eye out for rare wildlife such as yellow-eyed penguins. This small-group tour with expert local guides ensures a personalized experience filled with storytelling and comfort. - Scenic journey through the untouched Catlins region - Visit Nugget Point Lighthouse and Purakaunui Falls - Lunch at Papatowai with a quirky art experience - Small group size (max 15 guests) for an intimate experience

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Why Choose Our Day Trips in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula?

Our day trips in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula are carefully designed to combine convenience, cultural insights, and memorable experiences. Each itinerary highlights the best of Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, led by local guides who know the destination inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Most day trips in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula include transportation, a local guide, and entrance to selected attractions. Some itineraries also provide meals or free time for independent exploration.

Day trips in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula typically last between 6 to 10 hours, depending on the destination and itinerary. They are designed to make the most of your day while keeping travel times comfortable.

Yes, many day trips in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula are family-friendly, offering activities and destinations that appeal to both adults and children. Be sure to check tour descriptions for age recommendations.

Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula. Some tours may allow same-day bookings if space is available.
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