Dunedin to Larnach Castle: Water Taxi & Shuttle with Entry

Summary

Otago Harbour crossing, castle gardens, and a hillside drive

You’ll cross Otago Harbour by water taxi before riding up winding hills by shuttle to explore Larnach Castle and its gardens at your own pace. Entry is included, so you can take your time wandering through history or sitting quietly among flowers before returning to Dunedin city by boat — it’s simple but feels special.

What’s the experience like?

We hopped onto the water taxi at Steamer Basin in Dunedin — I could smell salt and engine oil, and there was this low hum as we pulled away from the dock. The morning air was colder than I expected, but the light on Otago Harbour made up for it. Our driver (I think her name was Moana?) grinned when someone asked if dolphins ever show up — she just said “sometimes,” but winked like she knew more. The ride over to Macandrew Bay only took about fifteen minutes, but it felt longer in that good way where you’re just watching the shoreline change shape.

At Macandrew Bay, we switched to a shuttle van for the climb up to Larnach Castle. The road twisted through green hills dotted with sheep (classic New Zealand), and our guide pointed out a house painted bright purple — apparently it’s famous locally, though I still don’t know why. When we reached the castle gates, she handed us our entry tickets and told us we had an hour and a half to wander. No guided tour inside — just you and whatever you find. I liked that. Inside Larnach Castle, the wood floors creaked under my boots, and there was this faint smell of old books in one of the upstairs rooms. The gardens outside were wild in places; I sat on a stone bench for a bit just listening to tui birds making these weird metallic calls.

I lost track of time in the garden maze (not really a maze — more like winding hedges) and almost missed the van back down. On the way down, someone asked if there’s ever snow here; our driver laughed and said only “once every few years.” Back at the harbour, we caught the water taxi again into Dunedin city. It’s funny how different everything looks coming back — maybe it was just the afternoon light or maybe I was tired from all those stairs in the castle tower.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Water taxi and Larnach Castle visit

• Depart from Port Chalmers or Dunedin
• Take water taxi to Macandrew Bay
• Board shuttle van to Larnach Castle
• Explore castle and gardens for 1.5 hours
• Return by shuttle van to harbour
• Take water taxi to Steamer Basin, Dunedin
• Walk to Dunedin Railway Station and Toitu Museum

Top questions

How long does the water taxi from Dunedin to Macandrew Bay take?

The water taxi ride across Otago Harbour usually takes 10-15 minutes each way.

Is entry to Larnach Castle included in this tour?

Yes, your ticket includes entry to both Larnach Castle and its gardens.

Where do trips depart from in Dunedin?

Midday trips depart from Steamer Basin in Dunedin city; morning trips leave from Back Beach in Port Chalmers.

How much time do you get at Larnach Castle?

You’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore Larnach Castle and its gardens on your own.

Does this day trip include transportation back to Port Chalmers?

Most trips end in Dunedin city; only the 11:15am departure returns directly to Port Chalmers.

Is there a guide inside Larnach Castle?

No, exploration inside Larnach Castle is self-guided; staff are available for questions if needed.

Are pickups available from hotels?

No hotel pickup is included; departures are from set points at Steamer Basin or Back Beach depending on your chosen time slot.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join; infants may sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller.

What’s included

Your day includes a water taxi ride across Otago Harbour, shuttle transport up to Larnach Castle with entry tickets for both castle and gardens provided, plus return transfer into central Dunedin city after your visit — all arranged so you don’t have to worry about logistics or tickets along the way.