The Octagon Tours & Attractions

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.
Duration: 6 hours.

From the soaring spires to the sweeping beaches, experience the best of New Zealand's most fascinating wee city with an experienced local guide. On this small group tour (max. 8 pax) you will visit Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights, including the only castle in the country: Larnach Castle. With an entertaining mix of story telling, beauty, wildlife and charm our tours provide visitors with an unforgettable experience and a fantastic insight into our hometown - Otepoti Dunedin. Auch auf Deutsch!
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Explore spectacular Dunedin city and Otago Peninsula on this full-day small 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 Ballroom Café and visit the beautiful and historic Larnach Castle and Castle garden. We then drive through typically rugged and beautiful Otago wilderness to Hoopers Inlet swamp and near by Allans Beach to observe the unique birdlife and wildlife. We then drive to Taiaroa Head to visit the blue fairy penguin colony at Pilot Beach and the albatross sanctuary.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours.

Discover top attractions and iconic sites and lookouts around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take in key sites of interest such as the World famous Baldwin Street, University of Otago, Olveston Homestead gardens and Dunedin's Grand Railway Station. Awesome lookouts over Otago Harbour and from Signal Hill. Visit the Octagon (city centre) for some shopping and a bite to eat. All transport to and from the cruise ship wharf is included. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 20 people. Daily departures are available for cruise passengers and city-based passengers.
Duration: 4 hours.

A tour that "cruise" the city of Dunedin and Larnach Castle.

Sit back and relax and let Horizon Tours introduce you to Dunedin and its iconic buildings and landmarks.
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Pick up is from Port Chalmers and en-route to Dunedin City we'll see the world's steepest street, Baldwin Street, our covered Sports Stadium and the University campus.

After stretching our legs at Baldwin Street we make our way towards the city centre to learn more about the city's history and view some of Dunedin's iconic landmarks including the Railway Station, Law Court House, First Church of Otago and other historic buildings in the city centre.
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We next drive along the picturesque Otago Peninsula en-route to Larnach Castle where guests will have up to 90 mins of free time exploring the castle and gardens, maybe grab a cup of tea from the castle cafe.

After Larnach Castle we may have some free time to see more of the city centre before making our way back to the cruise ship.
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes.

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. There are many dining options nearby. 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.
($45 pp Larnach Castle/Gardens entry fee included).
Duration: 6 hours.

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)
Duration: 4 to 5 hours.

Take in the best of Dunedin City on this 3-hour, small-group tour. Ride in the comfy, safe van to the highest vantage points, around heritage buildings, and view the white sand beaches of Dunedin. You'll visit the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, the world's steepest street, and a lot more. Take great photos from the best spots and learn as the expert commentary from your local guide gives you a real feel for the past and present of New Zealand's first city. Enjoy free pickup and drop-off from your cruise port, your hotel, or in town for either the morning (9am) or afternoon (1pm) tour. Group size is limited to 12 people.
Duration: 3 hours.

Enjoy a full-day tour experiencing lovely Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You will see all the city highlights before journeying along the Otago Peninsula, which is full of wildlife and the majestic Larnach Castle (garden entry included, the tour inside the castle can be booked and paid for on the day if required). Also included is a visit to The Opera (Formerly Known as Penguin Place) - learn about the Yellow-Eyed penguin and our conservation efforts to protect them. Guests then move into the rehabilitation centre (when penguins are present) where Yellow-Eyed penguins and other penguin species can be seen up close. Then a short bus trip to the reserve where you are guided on an approximately 2km nature walk (Some steps included and uneven ground). Your local guide has many stories of the area and knows all the best spots and vantage points along the way. There is plenty of time to chat and enjoy the commentary during your small-group tour.
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes.

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on cruise ship days

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)
Duration: 4 to 6 hours.

The stories Gregor researches have rarely been heard before. They are the culmination of years of research and are exclusive to Tales From Darkest Dunedin. Darkest Dunedin has an extensive knowledge of the area and its history so you'll walk away feeling like a local and just as welcome!
Duration: 90 to 120 minutes.

From the soaring spires to the sweeping beaches, experience the best of New Zealand's most fascinating wee city with an experienced local guide. We offer a selection of tours ranging from sight seeing and wildlife experiences to our popular brewery and distellery tour. After being picked up from your desired location you will visit Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights. With an entertaining mix of story telling, beauty, wildlife and charm our tours provide visitors with an unforgettable experience and a fantastic insight into our hometown - Otepoti Dunedin. Contact us for details! Also in German!
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Embark on an exclusive private tour, accommodating a maximum of five participants. This intimate setting ensures a personalized experience akin to a private tour, allowing for flexibility and customization. Our meticulously curated itinerary covers all the city’s highlights, providing a comprehensive exploration of Dunedin. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of lifestyle, history, and culture, tracing back to New Zealand’s early periods.
Duration: 8 hours.

Join a small group tour to discover highlights of Dunedin - the oldest city in New Zealand .Our City Tour is a great choice for those who are short on time and want individual and personalised service. It is a short but sweet introduction to our wonderful city of Dunedin. Our two hour City Tour takes in the highlights of Dunedin and still allows plenty of time for you to partake in any other activities that you may have planned.
Duration: 2 hours.

Dunedin is a great wee city and is best explored on foot. Once New Zealand's largest city, and now a university town, Dunedin boasts picturesque streetscapes and some standout Victorian and Edwardian (and Art Deco!) buildings. This small-group tour is fun and interesting - and a great introduction to Dunedin. See our reviews!
Duration: 1 hour.

Explore Dunedin’s charms on our Family Walking Tour, a delightful journey through heritage and natural beauty. Begin in The Octagon, where lively street performers entertain, setting the stage for an enjoyable family outing. Discover St. Paul’s Cathedral, an architectural wonder, and learn about the city’s spiritual heritage in a serene setting. Meander down Tennyson Street, lined with unique shops and cozy cafes, offering family-friendly shopping and local flavors. Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden, transports you to a peaceful world with meandering paths and cultural insights. Queens Gardens invites picnics and leisurely strolls amidst lush greenery and charming bridges. Finally, explore the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, an architectural gem that shares the city’s intriguing history. This Dunedin Family Walking Tour combines history and natural beauty to create cherished family memories.


Duration: 3 hours.

Discover Dunedin at your own pace with our self-guided audio tour.

Explore Dunedin's culturally significant sights, including the fascinating Octagon and the iconic Old Railway Station. Our audio guide allows you to uncover the city's rich history and vibrant culture at your leisure.

Download the Citywalksz APP, put on your headphones, and start your journey. Learn about Dunedin’s Scottish heritage, its transformation into a bustling city, and its unique local landmarks.

The tour takes about two hours, but you can pause anytime to shop or take breaks. Perfect for tourists looking to experience Dunedin on foot, this tour offers flexibility and deep insights into the city's past.

Things to note before booking:
1. No admission fees or physical guide included.
2. Available only in English.
3. Tour downloading instructions are in the "Before You Go" section of your ticket.
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes.

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.
Duration: 4 hours.