Dunedin Ōtepoti In the Māori language, Dunedin is known as Ōtepoti - 'The village at the base of a hill.' Map of Dunedin Accommodation Options
The Otago Peninsula Experience: An eco rich corner of New Zealand offering the ultimate in wildlife viewing, the Otago Peninsula is renowned for the world's only mainland albatross breeding colony at Taiaroa Head and various other ocean bird, seal and penguin species, including one of the world's rarest, the yellow eyed penguin. Experience the best of the peninsula on this full day tour which includes an opportunity for a fully guided tour of Larnach Castle, Royal Albatross Colony or Monarch Albatross Cruise and Penguin Place (home to New Zealand's Yellow Eyed Penguins). Viewing of New Zealand Fur Seals, Birdlife and Craft shop options.
Larnach Castle & Gardens: Discover New Zealand’s only castle, built 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. 200 workmen spent three years building the castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world. This superbly crafted building showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques, with a tragic and scandalous history. Enjoy spectacular tower views and beautiful gardens along with a personally guided tour of the castle and return to Dunedin by scenic high road and harborside drive with visit to Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens. Duration 3.5 hours.
Dunedin City Heritage Tour: Dunedin is widely regarded as the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian heritage city in the southern hemisphere. One of Dunedin's great strengths is the way it lives with and values its heritage. Rather than turning its fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings into museum pieces, the city cherishes and uses them. The Railway Station, New Zealand's most photographed building, still performs its original function and houses the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. Speights Brewery, a Dunedin icon which dates back to the 1800s, is a piece of living, working heritage. Other examples are the stately homes Larnach Castle and Olveston. Experience Dunedin on this 5 hour tour.
Tropical Butterfly House: A lush,
living, tropical environment, the Tropical Forest brings visitors face
to face with some of nature’s most beautiful butterflies. Hundreds of
these enchanting creatures roam free – some even stopping (on you) to
say hello! Visitors will experience a hot and steamy rainforest from
above and below, encountering an amazing array of flora and fauna
within. This exhibit features around 1,000 imported tropical
butterflies and a wide variety of lush tropical plants including
orchids, bromeliads, bananas, coffee, cardamom, passionfruit and more!
Otago Settlers Museum: Otago Settlers Museum, One of New Zealand's finest social history museums; telling the stories of Dunedin and Otago's people, stands to the south of Dunedin's Railway Station and forms an integral part of the historic Queens Gardens precinct. The museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions explore themes of cultural interaction, technological innovation and developments in everyday life. The museum also provides a variety of walking tours throughout the city which bring Dunedin's history to life through stories of the events and characters that helped form our unique and culturally diverse city.
Moeraki Boulders (and Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony): Visit the worlds steepest Street on the way out of the city by scenic coast road. Views of the Otago Peninsula, Karitane Fishing Village, visit Moeraki township, Boulders visit with time for break at restaurant and shop. Morning or afternoon departure. Duration: 4 hours. Your option to add all of the above plus continuing on to visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin
Colony & viewing the Whitestone (sandstone) buildings for which
Oamaru is famous. Late afternoon departure. Total duration: 6 hours
Dunedin Walking Tours: Experience the unique character of Dunedin, New Zealand’s first city in this gentle stroll through the city streets, which provides a wonderful insight into Dunedin’s architectural and social past. The walking tour visits a number of historic landmarks such as the Dunedin Railway Station, First Church of Otago, and the Grand Hotel and also includes a guided tour of the Otago Settlers Museum. You'll enjoy a multitude of wonderful photographic opportunities and an espresso coffee stop along the way.