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Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit provided by Back to Nature Tours

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Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit

See all things to do
See all things to do
Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit
5
32
By Back to Nature Tours
Book in advance
from
AU$197.54
per adult
Reserve now & pay later: Save your spot free of charge with flexible booking.
Full view
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Tour snapshot
Duration:
7h 30m
Taking Covid-19 safety measures
Group size:
15
Stroller accessible
Ticket type:
Mobile
Free cancellation
  • Duration:
    7h 30m
  • Taking Covid-19 safety measures
  • Group size:
    15
  • Stroller accessible
  • Ticket type:
    Mobile
  • Free cancellation
About
While you’re in port in Dunedin, explore the history and landscapes of the Otago Peninsula on this 7.5-hour tour. Travel through Dunedin as a guide points out local landmarks including Baldwin Street and the historic railway station. Stroll among the flowerbeds of the pretty Larnach Castle gardens, and upgrade to include entry to Larnach Castle — where New Zealand’s Victorian history comes to life. Then, head along the Otago Peninsula — home to native albatross, fur seals, penguins, and sea lions. This tour includes pickup and drop-off at Port Chalmers in Dunedin.
Know before you go
  • Duration: 7h 30m
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Available languages
English
Know before you go
  • Duration: 7h 30m
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Available languages
English
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 6586P9
Call 0061 (87) 2285 255
Important information
Inclusions
  • Port pickup and drop-off
  • Guide
  • Transport
  • Entry/Admission - Larnach Castle & Gardens
  • Entry/Admission - Penguin Place
Exclusions
  • Lunch
Duration
7h 30m
Departure details
  • Traveller pickup is offered.
  • Upon disembarking your ship make your way inside the Visitor Terminal on the pier. Go to the rear of the building and look for door two, which is where all independent tour operators will be waiting. There will be two large digital screens showing the various tour companies and their departure times. Go through door two to locate your guide. Your driver will be holding a sign with "Back to Nature Tours" on it.
  • Ports:
  • Port Chalmers Wharf, 19 Beach Street, Port Chalmers, Dunedin 9023, New Zealand
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • The CRUISE SHIP SCHEDULE in Dunedin can often change, if this happens please make your way to the meeting point as soon as the ship berths to receive instruction - the tour will still go ahead no matter what time the ship arrives.
  • If your ship changes the CRUISE SHIP SCHEDULE we will change the itinerary to suit - the tour will still go ahead no matter what happens
  • A small amount of walking is involved (expect to walk 500 meters at Penguin reserve)
  • Two forms of ID is required to get back inside the port: your cruise ship card and driver’s license or passport would be sufficient.
  • If your ship is unable to make it into port due to weather or mechanical difficulties, you will be given a full refund
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • 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
Inclusions
  • Port pickup and drop-off
  • Guide
  • Transport
  • Entry/Admission - Larnach Castle & Gardens
  • Entry/Admission - Penguin Place
Exclusions
  • Lunch
Departure details
  • Traveller pickup is offered.
  • Upon disembarking your ship make your way inside the Visitor Terminal on the pier. Go to the rear of the building and look for door two, which is where all independent tour operators will be waiting. There will be two large digital screens showing the various tour companies and their departure times. Go through door two to locate your guide. Your driver will be holding a sign with "Back to Nature Tours" on it.
  • Ports:
  • Port Chalmers Wharf, 19 Beach Street, Port Chalmers, Dunedin 9023, New Zealand
Duration
7h 30m
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • The CRUISE SHIP SCHEDULE in Dunedin can often change, if this happens please make your way to the meeting point as soon as the ship berths to receive instruction - the tour will still go ahead no matter what time the ship arrives.
  • If your ship changes the CRUISE SHIP SCHEDULE we will change the itinerary to suit - the tour will still go ahead no matter what happens
  • A small amount of walking is involved (expect to walk 500 meters at Penguin reserve)
  • Two forms of ID is required to get back inside the port: your cruise ship card and driver’s license or passport would be sufficient.
  • If your ship is unable to make it into port due to weather or mechanical difficulties, you will be given a full refund
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • 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
Travel safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
  • Gear/equipment sanitised between use
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
What you can expect during your visit
  • Gear/equipment sanitised between use
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
Itinerary
  • You'll get picked up
    See Important Information for details
  • 1
    Signal Hill
    Stop: 7 minutes
    See details
  • 2
    Baldwin Street: The Steepest Street in the World
    Stop: 7 minutes
    See details
  • 3
    University of Otago
    Stop: 7 minutes
    See details
  • 4
    Dunedin Railway Station
    Stop: 9 minutes
    See details
  • 5
    Otago Peninsula
    Stop: 5 hours
    See details
  • 6
    Larnach Castle & Gardens
    Stop: 75 minutes - Admission included
    See details
  • 7
    Penguin Place
    Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included
    See details
  • 8
    Taiaroa Head
    Stop: 30 minutes
    See details
  • You'll return to the starting point
+
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Popular mentions
5.0
32 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Madeline Q
1 contribution
Excellent tour with breathtaking scenic views
Dec. 2020
Ben, my knowledgable guide started me off with Baldwin Street, then down Otago Uni and around the beautiful Peninsula before stopping at Larnach. He left me a tip to go up the castle tower and the 360 view was simply breathtaking. He then drove around the inlets and I enjoyed scenic views of the waterfronts. At the albatross colony, luck wasnt with us that day due to the strong winds so we caught sight of only a couple of fleeting ones over the hill. At the Penguin Place, we made many attempt-stops to look for them. Saw one hiding inside their nest and another further out in the open via binoculars. Spotted seals along the way too. At the last point, there had to be a bit of waiting to see the penguins in action. Ben was patient and wanted tourists to get the most out of the tour. Unfortunately I had an appointment to go to so we didnt stay long enough to catch sight of them. Good excuse to come back on this tour in future with family/friends when the borders reopen. Definitely gotta see more of the albatross and penguins again!
Written 13 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Back2NatureTours
Hi Madeline, Thanks for the 5 start review - it inspires us! I'll pass your feedback on to Ben today:) Its been a quiet start to the season but with forward bookings picking up we are exited about the future - hopefully your back down this way so we can treat you to some true southern hospitality. Haste Ye Back!
Written 15 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
polyphemus
6 contributions
Soaring South Island Scenery
Mar. 2020
Architectural highlights of Dunedin included Otago University, Railroad station and steepest street in the world. Lanarch Castle's greatest gift was Alice's garden. Best of all was the wildlife. From Ruby the yellow-eyed penguin and her sheltered chicks to seal lions lounging on the beach or seals scratching on the rocks. The Penguin Place is a noble cause attempting to restore a vanishing breed. Even the albatross juveniles floating effortlessly off the cliffs were awe-inspiring.
Special kudos to our guide Ben who not only hit all the highlighted spots despite a 90 minute delay; but also provided us with facts, stories and insights throughout the day. It was arguably the best of our 8 shore excursions throughout NZ.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Back2NatureTours
Hi Cy1175, Thanks for the 5 start review! We're lucky that many of our clients come of the numerous cruise ships that visit Dunedin, 50% of the time its their first experience of New Zealand, so the opportunity to introduce you to our wonderful country and become the highlight of all your excursions is really heartening! Your're a Back to Nature Legend. Haste Ye Back!
Written 29 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alicia R
Caribbean2 contributions
Fantastic
Feb. 2020
Our guide Mel was very knowledgeable and humourous. I loved watching the sea lions and penguins. Lanarch Castle the view was breathtaking and the history of the castle was great. The weather could have been better but the visit was a worthwhile experience.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Back2NatureTours
Hi E2493V, Thanks for taking the time to write a positive 5 star review about your tour with Mel. She was in the office when we received your e-mail, it was a great start to her day, she has asked me to pass on her regards. If your ever come back to the deep south please get in touch for some authentic southern hospitality! Haste Ye Back!
Written 29 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JLS1125
Henderson, NV5 contributions
Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit
Mar. 2020 • Friends
A near-perfect day in terms of the tour, guide and weather. The tour was well designed with adequate time at each stop. Highlights included Baldwin St, Railroad Station, Larnach Castle and Gardens and especially the Penguin Place. Our tour guide/driver, Ben, was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about wildlife and conservation. He identified and provided interesting info about numerous indigenous birds and plants. Highly recommended.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Back2NatureTours
Hi JLS1125, Thanks for your 5 star review, it really does inspire us! Ben has just come into the office - he wants you to know that its people like you that make the job easy! Your're a Back to Nature Legend - Haste Ye Back!
Written 29 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John W
LaGrangeville, NY779 contributions
Outstanding, educational and scenic, tour
We did this tour during a cruise ship port stop. Our group of 12 was very comfortable in our tour vehicle, and our tour guide Ben was very knowledgeable about the many areas visited and on the wildlife we saw. Areas visited included a city tour, a scenic peninsula and Larnach Castle tour, and a great wildlife tour at Penguin Place where we saw Penguins, Fur Seals and various birds. I strongly recommend this tour; it's a great value compared with the cruise ship tours, and it's much more personal with a smaller group and very knowledgeable and outgoing tour guide like Ben.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Back2NatureTours
Hi JohnW, Thanks for the 5 star review, it really makes all the hard work worthwhile. Ben mentioned that you guys were awesome to guide. In the Trip Journal after the tour Ben wrote 'Awesome group that were easy to connect with. Enjoyable day with no issues' You're a Back to Nature Legend, if any of your family or friends are coming out this way make sure you get in touch for a clan discount. Haste Ye Back!
Written 29 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kevin L
Chadds Ford, PA17 contributions
An outstanding tour with Oli!
Jan. 2020
We had a very delightful tour. Our guide/driver Oli is exceptional. He is very knowledgable, personable, interesting and a very safe driver. We visited Signal Hill which had amazing views of the harbor on a gorgeous day, Baldwin Street, which is the site of the steepest street in the world, the very picturesque University, the center of Dunedin's octagon, the lovely Dunedin Railway Station, the Larnach Castle and its amazing gardens, the Penguin Place where we saw the rare Yellow-eyed penguin with a chick, a little blue penguin, and many seals and sea lions in the wild, and Taiaroa Head which had thousands of nesting seagull adults and chicks. We did not see the Albatross there, but Oli told us to look for them on the other side of Taiaroa Head, which our cruise ship would pass that evening as we left the harbor, and sure enough we saw 6 magnificent albatross in flight. Highly recommend this tour and Oli as your guide.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tour07736106642
Hi 928kevin, Thanks for your 5 star review! Oli hasn't had many reviews recently because he's overseas working with bats. Batman returns to Dunedin on the 21st of February so I'll pass your regards on to him. Great to hear you saw the Northern Royal Albatross from your ship, what a great way to leave Dunedin! Hopefully you'll be back one day, make sure you get in touch because your a Back to Nature legend - Haste Ye Back!
Written 18 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lindsey H
2 contributions
Excellent conservation site at Penguin Place
Jan. 2020
Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the inner workings of the Penguin Place and demonstrated a true passion for the well-being of the penguins and all other wildlife we encountered. We were so impressed with the work the Penguin Place does, we decided to make a donation while visiting!

The story behind the making and renovations of the Larnach castle were quite fascinating. There is truly plenty of beautiful sights to see on the castle grounds/gardens alone, so I would say that the castle tour itself is not necessary for those who enjoy quality time in the outdoors. Individual castle entry tickets can be purchased the day of the tour at the front desk for anyone who would prefer to book that way.

One recommendation I would encourage is to promote that this is an ACTIVE activity with a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces/trails and many opportunities to transfer on/off the van throughout the day-long trip. I would advise individuals with mobility difficulties to consult the company directly prior to booking to determine what accommodations are available for you. A member of our tour bus group had some difficulties with mobility throughout the trip and wheelchair access to the van was difficult at times, thus slowing the pace of our group and limiting some time we were able to spend at some stops. Wheelchair access to the castle is also not reasonably possible due to the structure of the building with many stairs throughout.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Back2NatureTours
Hi W2865K, Thank you for spending the time to write a great review - we're glad you enjoyed the tour. The tour is advertised as an active tour that requires a reasonable standard of fitness because there is approximately 500 metres of walking on uneven surfaces and steps to negotiate. Entry into Larnach Castle is completely optional, most tour members are happy to walk in the gardens - all the best for 2020!
Written 3 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Farrellkl
Lilburn4 contributions
Otago peninsula
Jan. 2020 • Couples
Our guide, Ben, was very knowledgeable, humorous and organized. We enjoyed the day very much, especially the penguins and the glorious views!
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Back2NatureTours
Hi Farrellkl, Thank you for your feedback. Haste Ye Back!
Written 20 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Holly S
80 contributions
Excellent Tour for the Money
Jan. 2020
I booked this tour thru Viator, Trip Advisor, and was very happy. We were picked up by the company, we were on a cruise, adn returned on time for the sail. Cheaper than the shore excursion on the ship.
The guide was knowlegeable and nice. The castle is interesting-lunch on your own and beautiful. The blue penguins are nocturnal so they were in there box houses. You could see them but photos did not come out.
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Back2NatureTours
Hi Holly, Thank you for your 5 star review, it certainly makes our porridge taste better in the morning! I think many visitors traveling on cruise ships are learning to 'trust the locals' by booking excursions not organised by the cruises ships - we're glad you enjoyed our tour and manged to save $$$ Haste ye Back!
Written 20 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DEL67NJ
NJ108 contributions
Great Tour!
Dec. 2019
The Back to Nature Wildlife Tour was a great tour from the time they picked us up at the cruise terminal to the time they dropped us off. Our guide Ollie was interesting and knew a tremendous amount about Dunedin and the local wildlife in general and the Yellow Eyed Penguins and Albatross in particular.

We first took a tour of Dunedin and stopped at 2 of the major sites: the steepest street and railway station. Then we went to to see the beautiful grounds of Larnach Castle. And then finally to see Yellow Eyed Penguins, Harbor Seals and Albatross. Ollie's knowledge of the penguins provided us with a better knowledge of why they are near extinction and the efforts being made to save them.

It was a very education and interesting day>
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Back2NatureTours
Hey DEL67NJ, Thanks for your 5 start review, it really make our day getting feedback like this. All the best! Haste Ye Back!
Written 18 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

By: Back to Nature Tours
282
briantorres15
briantorres15
00
Awesome tour!!!
Awesome tour, it was just me, my partner and driver/tour guide/overall friend Ben. He was very knowledgeable about …
118materesal
118materesal
00
Well spent day in Dunedin! It was an awesome experience.
Highly recommended day your - Chris was nice, friendly and very informative. Will definitely recommend this to my …
U4178YAannem
U4178YAannem
00
Beautiful Dunedin
Our tour guide was brilliant. I loved the tour but was a bit disappointed that we didn't have tickets to see the al…
richardtL9568WQ
richardtL9568WQ
00
Otago Peninsula
We were very fortunate to see the both sealions and fur seals on a picture perfect beach on the Otago peninsula.
Shirley G
Shirley G
00
The train was great but peninsula excellent
Great to be picked up and expected the Taieri Gorge Railway trip would be the highlight but no. The shuttle trip ar…
petaswan
petaswan
00
Yellow-Eyed Penguins
The tour is a good combination of civilisation - sightseeing in Dunedin and Larnarch Castle - and nature - sea lion…
terif413
terif413
00
Amazing Day In Dunedin!
Our day with James was amazing! He was knowledgeable about Dunedin, the indigenous culture and all the wildlife in…
Dolly502014
Dolly502014
00
Half day
Chris picked us up from the ship in a minibus. As he’s lived in Dunedin for a number of years he was very knowledge…
Annie S
Annie S
00
Wonderful experience
The trip began with a very friendly guide meeting us at the port exit. The day got even better from then. The tra…
rma7477
rma7477
00
Nice trip and ride
I would recommend this day excursion as it gives a nice ride and taste of the country side through the area. The tr…
khowlettt
khowlettt
00
Rainy Day in Dunedin
We were only in Dunedin for one day and this tour gave us a good overview of the area. Our guide was very knowledge…
KScott55
KScott55
00
Great driver/guide (Scott). Comfortable van.
Tour was as described. Had some fog in the morning but cleared late morning. Driver Scott was very informative an…
milezpluegs
milezpluegs
00
Great excursion for people getting off of a cruise ship
Maybe it was the beautiful scenery, maybe it was the very friendly tour guide, maybe it was both, regardless, this …
Jondie88
Jondie88
00
Couldn’t have been better
We were met at the cruise terminal which was too easy. Everything was on time. I think our guide was Marty. He was …
406przemys_awl
406przemys_awl
00
Marvelous Otago
The excursion to Otago Peninsula was one of highlights of our stay in NZ. The guide-driver was the best of the kind…
Frequently Asked Questions about Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit
Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit price starts from AU$197.93. Discover and book Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit on Tripadvisor
Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit on Tripadvisor
Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit is hosted by Back to Nature Tours. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Back to Nature Tours on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit on Tripadvisor