Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
4.5
Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
By Back to Nature Tours
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About
While your cruise ship is in port at Dunedin, make an easy trip to the Otago Peninsula. After brief sightseeing in the city center, your guide takes you on a scenic shore excursion to Dunedin’s outskirts. Pass by seaside villages and enjoy panoramic lookout points on the coast. Minivan transport is limited to 19 passengers.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Dunedin shore excursion includes city center highlights
- Visit one of the Otago Peninsula's most scenic beaches
- Snap pics of sea lions basking on shore
- Half-day trip includes minivan pickup from Port Chalmers
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Entry/Admission - Dunedin Beach
What's not included- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Viewing of wildlife is not guaranteed
- Start:Traveller pickup offered.Pickup details
- If your cruise ship is late please just make your way to the meeting point for further instruction
Port pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.- Port Chalmers (Also called Port Otago)
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6586PRT_DUN2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- A moderate amount of walking is involved as well as uneven surfaces
- Viewing of wildlife is not guaranteed
- Please wear comfortable clothing, sun protection and closed-toe shoes, suitable for walking
- Departure time may change depending on cruise ship schedule
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6586PRT_DUN2
From
AU$128.89
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 507heatherr0 contributionsWe’re not able to go, but good personal contact after.I can’t comment on the actual trip,as you may have read on my previous review!however our refund is now on hand and I’ve received a very nice apology and explanation from Chris this mornin*,our other trip with back to nature tours was 2xcwllent and when we travel again will look for this small c9mpany to look after us. Thank you.Written 5 February 2024
- chjada0 contributionsExcellent tour of the beauty of DunedinThis tour was the best of our trip to date. It was far better than our excursions through Viking cruises. Our guide, Chris, was superb. With only 11 in our group he made it intimate and personal. The weather of the day wasn't the best but he certainly made up for that by taking us places where we saw wildlife and beautiful views. It was just great. We found this tour on Shore Excursions where it was called "Bays, Beaches, and Views of Dunedin. Given the quality of the trip I'd also be very comfortable going directly through Back to Nature tours, who operated this tour.Written 9 January 2024
- samrox50 contributionsA snippet of DunedinOver 40 on this tour but our driver and tour guide kept us informed and amused the whole time. We saw so much in the short time, even a walk on the beach to see the seals. Highly recommendWritten 8 January 2024
- Extraordinary368830 contributionsNice tour of Dunedin and the countrysideOur guide Ben provided many interesting facts about the area and his experience living there. There was ample time given at each stop to take pictures. The highlight was a stop at Allan’s Beach, so pristine and we even saw a penguin hiding in a rock formation.Written 17 December 2023
- catndog19460 contributionsExcellent tourSeeing sea lions on the beach so close up and learning so much about the history and wildlife of the area. Such a friendly host as well.Written 6 May 2023
- Greg L0 contributionsBad weather prevented our ship docking at PortUnfortunately our cruise ship was unable to dock in Port so sadly we were unable to do our trip. This was not due to any fault of the tour operator.Written 16 April 2023
- playa_piquante0 contributionsBack to Nature in DunedinChris provided an entertaining and informative tour of the Otago Peninsula and Dunedin. He knew the flora and fauna of the area like the back of his hand, and even dug in the Hooper's Inlet mud to show us what certain birds would look for. Chris and Back to Nature Tours are highly recommended. Check them out if you're in Dunedin!Written 10 April 2023
- KenTaree0 contributionsWant Seals....this is your tourTrip didn't start off so good as there was a problem with a bus?? Anyway instead of being picked up in Port Chalmers we had to make our way to Dunedin. Once there Chris picked us up and off we went for the best morning you could imagine. Chris was friendly and easy to listen to and most importantly knew what he was talking about. We went off the beaten track and found ourselves at one point about 2 metres from about a dozen seals, who seemed to like nothing better than to have their photos taken. We were taken to places a larger tour could not have gotten to and made all the difference. Thank you Chris, I highly recommend.Written 6 April 2023
- bonniep9010 contributionsBest ship excursionFrom the onset of this tour we knew we were in exceptionally good hands. Harry was knowledgeable , funny and experienced and showed us everything and more in this wonderful excursion. It was probably the best excursion we had on the NCL cruise and I would highly recommend it to others.Written 26 March 2023
- DontMessWithAWheat0 contributionsGreat way to see and learn about the areaReally lucky with the weather which helped. Great summary of the area, sites and history. The beach part was amazing, and we were lucky enough to see Sea Lions lazing on Allen’s Beach. Chris was very knowledgeable about all the wildlife too. Have to say it was the easiest port collection from the cruise. You’re pointed to a trip area, and your excursion is on a “departures board”, so you know you’re in the right place. Free wifi at the port too!Written 21 February 2023
- Linsey C0 contributionsBack To Nature Tour - BrilliantGreat value half day tour yesterday with Harry. Picked up at Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal and dropped back just over 3 hours later. Allans beach and the sealions was the highlight.for us. !! Wildlife, views and lots of information about Dunedin as well.as NZ generally. - What's not to love !!Written 20 February 2023
- trophywest0 contributionsGreat Tour & Full Day - A Must SeeThis is a must see tour. Great guide. Our first stop is the steepest street in the world which is Baldwin St., Dunedin at 35%. They had to fight to get that distinction but they won in court. Some things are important to people. Dunedin is the oldest city in NZ. It sits on the Otago Peninsula and houses the oldest university in New Zealand, the University of Otago. Our next stop was the clock tower at Otago University (I thought he said Chicago). It is an impressive building. The first big stop is Larnach Castle. Not so much a castle as a mansion. The garden outside is magnificent, photos included. After lunch in the café, we explore the house. It was built in the 1800’s by William Larnach. There is a one person spiral staircase heading up to the turret for a spectacular view of the harbor. On to see penguins. After a short lecture, we go on the hike down to the beach. Through tunnels to a blind to watch where the young are & to watch the beach for parents coming in. On to see penguins. After a short lecture, just Jim & I elect to go on the hike down to the beach. Through tunnels to a blind to watch where the young are & to watch the beach for parents coming in. After pictures of penguins, we go looking for osprey at a ocean cliff that they like to hangout. It was a full day & well worth the time.Written 17 February 2023
- fsdukejr0 contributionsGreat tour - 7.5 hours of sightseeing, no time wasted for lunchOne of the best tours we have had in NZ. Picked us up at the cruise terminal at 8:45AM and gave us a tour of the city with a stop at the railway station. On to Larnach castle stately home (included). Very impressive home and grounds. We spent about 1.5 hours exploring this interesting site. In the afternoon, we visited a myriad of bays and overlook points and visited a reserve for yellow eyed penguins for about an hour. Our last major stop was to see the albatross nesting grounds near the lighthouse at the entrance to the port. We were dropped back at the port at about 4:30PM, one hour ahead of our sailing. We have been to multiple ports in NZ and this was one of the best, most inclusive port tours we have taken. No time was wasted on a scheduled lunch. If you wanted that, you got it at the Larnach castle.Written 2 February 2023
- A8282LAsarahw0 contributionsGreat dayBeautiful day (except for the weather;-)) and great tour. Our tour guide Harry was super friendly and had detailed knowledge about the Dunedin region and New Zealand. Also the guide at the penguin place, Laura was really fantastic. The albatross was the best for me, thank you Harry again, made my day perfect!Written 2 February 2023
- Mposhea01040 contributionsExcellent small group tour of Dunedin with wildlife included from Back to Nature - excursionThis tour was amount my favorites in New Zealand. The tour company was Back to Nature. Our guide was Harry who was an excellent guide. There were 8 of us on the tour. My husband and I were the only ones from the cruise ship. Harry picked us up and returned us to the port terminal. We got to see the highlights of Dunedin , stopping and walking around Baldwin street, and the old train station while still being shown all the neighborhoods. We then went to Larnach Castle, which we got to tour . It was very interesting with beautiful gardens and great views. We then went to the Penguin Reserve. You get to see the penguins they have rescued and go on a walk through dug out tunnels above the beach they use for viewing penguins coming on shore. You are unlikely to see the penguins coming ashore, but we did get glimpses of the small penguins in small man made shelters, which the penguins used for protection. Lastly we wen5 to the Albatros reserve where we saw many of the large birds gliding in the wind. It was an excellent day with a great guide. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Dunedin. They offer tours from the city central and for cruise passengersWritten 26 January 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
58 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
13
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
robertlO4600GQ
Chesapeake, VA2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
The tour guide, Chris, was informative, knowledgeable, energetic, considerate, and provided an outstanding tour. There were many sights to see sprinkled with info of some of the culture of the area. A highlight was the walk to the beach and encountering a sea lion bull. We saw a female sea lion with a pup, but from a distance. We concluded the tour with a stop at the steepest road in the world, as noted in Guinness World Book of Records.
Written 22 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Robert,
Thanks for this great 5 star review! Back to Nature Tours was established in 1991, a couple of years before the first NZ pup was born here for likely over 150 years. Since then, the population has steadily risen to the point where its more likely to see them than not out on the Otago Peninsula these days. It's pretty amazing the recovery thy've made - hopefully next time you visit we have a breeding colony here.
Haste Ye Back!
Your're a Back to Nature Legend
Written 26 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mutti1171
Miami, FL51 contributions
This was a small group. We made many stops for picture opportunities. We had a very informative guide and we were lucky enough to see wildlife. He dropped us off in the city at our request so we could enjoy our few hours we had left before boarding our ship.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Mutti1171,
Small group tours are what we are all about! This allows us to stop and take advantage of picture stops you just don't get in larger buses. We;re glad you enjoued your tour with us and made the most of your day exploring Dunedin in the afternoon - good option, about 40% of our clients do this:)
Your a Back to Nature Tours legend!
Haste Ye Back!
Written 17 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Becky N
San Antonio, TX610 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
This was a great tour. We enjoyed seeing the sea lions in their native habitat, and the drive through the countryside was beautiful. The beach where we saw the sea lions was deserted except for us and that was nice. We had a good guide. I'm only giving 4 stars instead of 5 because the visit to the "steepest street in the world" and the iconic train station were rushed. The view of Baldwin St was from more than a block away and we were very strictly warned that there was NOT time to actually go there. Photos of the homes on this street look cool and I would have liked to have seen it; one reason I booked this tour. It shouldn't be hard to add 10-15 minutes more to the tour and do this, since it is listed as an attraction. Otherwise a beautiful day and scenic drive.
Written 18 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lucky B,
Thanks for the feedback!!
Its are 25th Anniversary this year and its people like you that have made that happen!
Written 27 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caroline8888888888
Glasgow, UK12 contributions
We had a fabulous day with Back to Nature Tour . We saw 2 sea lions and a beautiful white sandy Bay. The driver/Tour guide was full of enthusiasm and local knowledge. Dunedin was absolutely stunning and the Tour was extremely enjoyable. Thanks
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for the 5 star review - it makes our porridge taste better in the morning!
Haste Ye Back!
Written 15 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jbjunior63
Saint Paul, MN36 contributions
After a little confusion at the start of our tour we were assigned to Harry as our tour guide. Harry was friendly and provided adequate commentary as we toured Dunedin and the Otago peninsula. Highlight was Hooper’s Inlet where we got amazing sightings of various birds and seals. Unfortunately due to the confusion I referenced earlier, our tour missed some expected sights. Chris was very apologetic and quickly made things right for us. I would recommend Back to Nature tours for anyone visiting Dunedin.
Written 5 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi There,
Thank you for being so understanding - the world needs more people like you!
God Bless you!
Written 20 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul Driver
Melbourne, Australia49 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
This was a nice relaxed and informative tour. Chris has excellent local knowledge of Dunedin and its Flora and Fauna. Starting at 1.15pm and arriving back at the Cruise Pier around 4.30pm give or take it was ideal for us to see the beautiful Otago Peninsula. Thank You Chris.
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Relax your mind and let your energy flow....
Thanks for the 5 star review - your a Back to Nature Legend!
Haste Ye Back!
Written 28 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Voyage57645843213
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
A wonderful, relaxing and very informative tour that took in the stunning sites of the Otago Peninsula. Our tour guide Chris was friendly, knowledgeable and well organised. The views and animal life was stunning and we were all excited to see seals in the wild up close. Our large family had a wonderful and memorable day on this Back to Nature tour and highly recommend the tour company.
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! What a great 5 start review!
Thanks for taking time out of your day to remember and support us.
Your a Back to Nature Legend!
Haste Ye Back!
Written 15 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dol123
North Wales, UK966 contributions
Excellent value. Our guide Ben was tremendous- full of local knowledge & advice. We had a trip around the main sites of Dunedin & then went out to the Otago Peninsula where we saw many birds & sea lions. It was fantastic. Thank you for all your help beforehand too (Chris). Would highly recommend the trip.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
'Dunedin Delight' we love that subject line. We may use that for future marketing material. Your a Back to Nature Legend - Haste Ye Back!
Written 20 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather R
Wrexham28 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We didn’t actually go on this much looked forward to trip!we were on a cruise and unfortunately the weather was so bad it was deemed too dangerous to dock meaning we had to miss the trip. I have emailed the operator twice as to a refund but as of today have not heard back. Waiting in anticipation.
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry to hear your ship was unable to dock due to the bad weather. I trust you received a full refund.
Written 10 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ken C
Bottesford, UK528 contributions
Chris our driver and guide gave a really good tour and commentary which we were impressed by.
Even took us a little off the normal route to see some sealift and birds.
Some good info. as we went along.
Highly recommend
Even took us a little off the normal route to see some sealift and birds.
Some good info. as we went along.
Highly recommend
Written 18 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your 5 star review - what a legend!
Haste Ye Back!
Written 23 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are arriving via Princess Cruise ship on 15th February 2022. Is the pickup for this tour at Port Chalmers or do we need to get transport to a pickup point?
Written 18 January 2024
We met the operator in the terminal building. You have to walk to the end of the pier to get to the building.
Written 20 January 2024
Hello, is the pickup at Port Chalmers or do we have to get transport to a pick up point?
Written 18 January 2024
I am trying to book this excursion for 4 people for tomorrow March 6th but I keep getting an error message to tey back later. Can you help me book this please. Thanks, Teri
Written 4 March 2020
We'll be on the 9:45am tour which will run through the lunch hour. Can we eat in the van or is there somewhere to stop for a quick lunch?
Written 19 October 2018
You can probably eat if you bring something on your own. There was no stop for lunch on a shorter tour. We always take granola/protein bars or get some cold cuts on the ship at breakfast to take along. (We take one or two soft ice packs that we can freeze in the stateroom fridge to keep things cold).
Written 20 January 2024
If we wanted to book the 9.45am tour and our ship was a bit late docking (we arrive at 9am) would the tour wait for the people off the ship?
Written 9 June 2018
All our tours fit in with Dunedin's busy cruise ship schedule - if your ship is running late or changes it time of arrival don't worry, all tour members are on your ship so your all in the same boat:) We just ask that you make your way to the meeting point as soon as you can. Back to Nature Tours Team
Written 18 September 2018
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