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Water & beach · Port Chalmers

Top 6 water & beach things to do in Port Chalmers

Boats, beaches, and the parts of Port Chalmers you only see from the water. Ferry rides, sunset cruises, snorkel runs, and the occasional sailing day for travellers who measure good cities by their coastline.

  1. Bike Ferry, Dunedin Harbour Trail, Port Chalmers1

    1. Bike Ferry, Dunedin Harbour Trail

    · 10 min

    A custom built boat, with a custom built bike rack, Rachel effortlessly loads your bikes onboard her vessel, so you can ride the Otago Harbour Cycle Loop. A mostly flat, paved and scenic cycleway, a must do when visiting Dunedin. The Port To Port Cycle Ferry is iconic in Dunedin and ensures you can complete the loop in a safe and enjoyable way. Owner skippering and guiding experience on Otago Harbour stretches back to 2004 and is unrivalled by any other company, making your experience safe, unique, exciting and professional. You will receive an explosive live commentary full of local history as you cross.See shipwrecks, birds, boats, volcanic rocks and much more.This is a one woman show and a family owned business. Port to Port's values are reflected in a friendly and professional service loved by locals. Mix with the locals and join Rachel onboard.

  2. Dunedin Wildlife Cruise-Albatross, seals and harbour, Port Chalmers2

    2. Dunedin Wildlife Cruise-Albatross, seals and harbour

    4.9· 135 reviews

    Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago Harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more. Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat. Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration. -Full professional amplified commentary -Quality binoculars provided. -Bathroom onboard, heated cabin -Learn about historic Quarantine Stations and old shipwrecks. -See and learn about the fishing boats, workboats, dredges and ships as we pass Port Chalmers and Careys Bay. -Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas. -See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations. -Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.

  3. Half day Private Tour of Dunedin City Highlights and Peninsula Scenery, Port Chalmers3

    3. Half day Private Tour of Dunedin City Highlights and Peninsula Scenery

    4.8· 19 reviews· 4 hours

    Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored just for your group of up to 6 passengers. A knowledgeable driver - guide will show you the best spots in Dunedin in a private vehicle. You will be very flexible to spend any amount of time at all the stops. Scenic drive from Port Chalmers through the countryside road to the city. Suggested stops are: Baldwin Street, Signal Hill Lookout Point, upper Botanic Garden with bird aviaries, Otago University, Octagon, First Church, Dunedin Railway station, Olveston House. Continue with a scenic drive onto Otago Peninsula with the most breathtaking views. Stop for a drink and a short stroll at Glenfalloch gardens or St Clair Beach. You will be flexible and will have a great choice to create a memorable tour to suit your interests.

  1. Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise, Port Chalmers4

    4. Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

    4.8· 205 reviews

    Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more. Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat. Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration. -Fully commentated. -Quality binoculars provided. -We pass by the historic Quarantine Stations and old shipwrecks. -See and learn about the fishing boats, workboats, dredges and ships as we pass Port Chalmers and Careys Bay. -Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas. -See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations. -Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.

  2. Garden and City tour, Port Chalmers5

    5. Garden and City tour

    4.8· 250 reviews

    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)

  3. Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour, Port Chalmers6

    6. Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

    4.7· 100 reviews· 3 hours

    Explore Dunedin highlights on a half-day, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. You'll see the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and more, then continue to the beautiful Otago Peninsula, pausing on route to view St. Clair Beach and esplanade. This tour includes transfers from Port Chalmers, with departure times to suit cruise ship arrivals. Learn about local history and culture and see Dunedin's must-see sights. Take a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula. Choice of morning or afternoon departures to suit your schedule. Transfers from Port Chalmers, select Dunedin hotels, or The Octagon.

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