City Highlights, Larnach Castle Garden & Olveston Guided Tour
Embark on a scenic drive from Port Chalmers if you’re arriving on a cruise ship, or from The Octagon if you’re an independent traveler, to explore the charm of Dunedin city and the Otago Peninsula, New Zealand’s wildlife capital.
Make a stop at the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, one of the most photographed buildings in the Southern Hemisphere.
As you drive along the stunning Otago Peninsula, be sure to capture breathtaking views of its picturesque bays, beaches, and harbor. Pause to enjoy the lush grounds of Larnach Castle and its beautiful gardens.
The tour concludes with a 60-minute guided visit to Olveston Historic Home, a true time capsule. Little has changed inside since it was a family home from 1906 to 1966.
Olveston offers an authentic glimpse into the life of a wealthy merchant family during the early 20th century, preserving the history and elegance of a bygone era.
Departure: 9.30am*
Price: from NZD265* per person
Duration: 6 hours
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Your tour guide will meet you at 9:00 AM at the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal waiting area, located between doors 1 and 2. From there, embark on a scenic 20-minute drive to Dunedin City, with photo opportunities along the way. The first stop will be at the world’s steepest street, where you'll have around 10 minutes to take in the stunning views.
Enjoy panoramic views of Dunedin from the lookout point before taking a relaxed stroll through the Upper Botanic Garden. As you drive through the Northern Cemetery, learn about notable figures such as William Larnach and Thomas Bracken, who are buried there.
Stop at the University of Otago, the First Church of Otago, and the historic Dunedin Railway Station. Then, embark on a 1-hour guided tour of the Olveston Historic Home, where you'll discover more about Dunedin's fascinating past.
After exploring Dunedin, relax as you enjoy the stunning scenery of the Otago Peninsula on a scenic drive along Highcliff Road, taking in the breathtaking ocean and harbor views on your way to Larnach Castle. You’ll have between 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the castle gardens, a beautifully maintained space with sweeping views. There will also be a cafe at the castle gardens where you can grab drinks or a light snack.
Please note, entry to the castle building is not included in the tour, but you can opt to upgrade for a fee of approximately NZD 23 to visit inside the castle. The tour is designed to show you the original, preserved interior of the Olveston Historic Home, while at the castle, we will focus on exploring the gardens and admiring the exterior of this iconic building.
We reserve the right to slightly adjust the itinerary and its order based on factors beyond our control, such as road closures, late ship arrivals or early departures, and other unforeseen circumstances.
For non-cruise ship passengers, the tour will start at 9:00 AM at The Octagon, outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre
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* On occasions when the cruise ship arrives later than scheduled, we may delay our departure to accommodate cruise ship passengers. Please click "Book Now" to check the departure time for your chosen day.
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*An additional booking fee applies