Dunedin Tours
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
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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 offered
    During 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
      Select date and travellers
      Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

      Similar experiences

      Itinerary
      • 1
      • 2
      • 3
      About the operator
      Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
      • Back to Nature Tours
        338
        Dunedin, New Zealand
        Joined in September 2009
      • 507heatherr
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        We’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
      • chjada
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Excellent tour of the beauty of Dunedin
        This 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
      • samrox5
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A snippet of Dunedin
        Over 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 recommend
        Written 8 January 2024
      • Extraordinary36883
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nice tour of Dunedin and the countryside
        Our 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
      • catndog1946
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Excellent tour
        Seeing 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 L
        0 contributions
        1.0 of 5 bubbles
        Bad weather prevented our ship docking at Port
        Unfortunately 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_piquante
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Back to Nature in Dunedin
        Chris 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
      • KenTaree
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Want Seals....this is your tour
        Trip 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
      • bonniep901
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Best ship excursion
        From 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
      • DontMessWithAWheat
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great way to see and learn about the area
        Really 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 C
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Back To Nature Tour - Brilliant
        Great 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
      • trophywest
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great Tour & Full Day - A Must See
        This 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
      • fsdukejr
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great tour - 7.5 hours of sightseeing, no time wasted for lunch
        One 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
      • A8282LAsarahw
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great day
        Beautiful 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
      • Mposhea0104
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Excellent small group tour of Dunedin with wildlife included from Back to Nature - excursion
        This 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 passengers
        Written 26 January 2023
      See all 338 reviews
      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.

      Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

      Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

      Popular mentions

      We perform checks on reviews.
      Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
      Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
      When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
      Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
      Learn more about our review moderation.
      4.5
      4.5 of 5 bubbles58 reviews
      Excellent
      43
      Very good
      13
      Average
      1
      Poor
      0
      Terrible
      1

      robertlO4600GQ
      Chesapeake, VA2 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      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
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      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
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      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
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      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
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      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
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      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
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      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
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      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
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      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
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      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
      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.

      Showing results 1-10 of 55

      Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula provided by Back to Nature Tours

      All Dunedin HotelsDunedin Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Dunedin
      All things to do in Dunedin
      RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars