Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Tour from Port Chalmers
Walk the world's steepest street, then tour a 19th-century castle with views across the peninsula
A six-hour guided tour departing from Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal takes you through Dunedin's city highlights (the Victorian railway station, Signal Hill overlook, and Baldwin Street), then up to Larnach Castle for a guided tour of the rooms and award-winning gardens. Larnach Castle and gardens entry ($48 NZD) is included in the tour price. You get an hour of free time at the Octagon in the city centre for lunch and shopping before heading to the castle in the afternoon.
Step-by-step itinerary
Dunedin city and Larnach Castle tour
- Meet at Port Chalmers Terminal
- Visit Dunedin Railway Station
- View Clocktower and heritage buildings
- Stop at Signal Hill Lookout
- Walk or view Baldwin Street
- Free time for lunch and shopping at The Octagon
- Guided tour of Larnach Castle and gardens
- Optional visit to Ballroom Cafe
- Dunedin Railway Station 15m
- University of Otago 5m
- Signal Hill 10m
- Baldwin Street 15m
- The Octagon 1h
- Larnach Castle Entry included 2h
What’s included
- Larnach Castle and gardens entry fee.
- air-conditioned vehicle.
- live English-speaking guide.
- GST.
- Monday 09:30 10:30
- Wednesday 09:30 10:00
- Thursday and Saturday 09:30
- Friday 09:00 09:30
Information
Six-hour shore excursion from Port Chalmers cruise terminal: Dunedin Railway Station, Baldwin Street.
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The experience
The tour starts at Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal and moves straight into the city. Your first stops are the Dunedin Railway Station (the most photographed building in New Zealand), and a brief look at heritage clocktower buildings. Signal Hill comes next, a lookout with views across Dunedin City and the Pacific Ocean. The operator notes that Antarctica sits only 2,700 kilometres away from this vantage point. Baldwin Street, the world's steepest street, gets about 15 minutes: you can walk to the top or photograph it from the bottom, depending on how you want to spend the time.
At the Octagon in the city centre, you have a full hour free. Meridian Shopping Mall is two blocks away with a food court, or you can explore the shops and cafes around the square. This break sits halfway through the tour, so you eat and rest before the drive up to the castle.
The drive to Larnach Castle takes in views of the Otago Peninsula, with a stop at a lookout for photographs. Once you arrive, a guide takes you through the castle rooms. After the guided portion, you have time to explore on your own or walk the award-winning gardens. The Ballroom Cafe is on site if you want refreshments. The castle and gardens entry fee is already paid as part of your tour price, so there are no additional costs at the gate.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is Baldwin Street and why do we stop there?
Baldwin Street is the world's steepest street, located in Dunedin. The tour stops for approximately 15 minutes, giving you the choice to walk to the top or take photos from the bottom.
How much free time do I get in Dunedin city centre?
You have one hour of free time at the Octagon, the city's main square, for lunch and shopping. Meridian Shopping Mall with a food court is two blocks away.
Is the entry fee to Larnach Castle included?
Yes. The $48 NZD entry fee for Larnach Castle and gardens is included in the tour price, with no hidden fees.
What happens after the guided tour of the castle?
After the guided portion of Larnach Castle, you have time to explore the rooms and gardens on your own, or visit the Ballroom Cafe for refreshments.
Where does the tour pick me up and drop me off?
The tour picks you up at Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal and drops you at the Octagon in Dunedin's city centre after your free time there, then returns you to the ship after the castle visit.
Operated by Discover Dunedin Tours. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated today
Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Tour from Port Chalmers
6h · EN
from NZ$ 209 per person
≈ US$ 118 in your currency
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