Tours and Trips in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula

Glimpse early 20th-century life in New Zealand during a 1-hour guided tour of the Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin. Follow a knowledgeable docent through the 35-room mansion as you learn about its Jacobean-style architectural design, fine art and furnishings. Discover the history of one of Dunedin's most prominent families, and stroll through the elegant gardens with views of Otago Harbour.

The Seasider is a scenic railway route between Dunedin and Waitati, affording spectacular views along the Pacific coast. On this tour, enjoy a hassle-free experience with prepaid tickets and soak up the scenery on-board the 90-minute round-trip train ride. Along the way, admire views of the Otago Peninsula, including Otago Harbour, Port Chalmers, Careys Bay, and Blueskin Bay.

Peer at rare yellow-eyed penguins and visit nesting grounds of the northern royal albatross during a full-day tour of the Otago Peninsula and Dunedin. Spend your morning sightseeing in Dunedin's city center, including highlights of the Octagon, followed by an optional visit to Larnach Castle. In the afternoon, immerse in the natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula and the scenic coast along Taiaroa Head. Numbers are limited to 19 people to allow for personalized attention from your informative guide.

Immerse yourself in the vivid natural beauty of the Catlins on this private day trip from Dunedin. See this South Island wonder through the eyes of a local guide who has access to public conservation lands. Set your gaze on remote vistas where waterfalls, golden beaches, coastal rainforest and rare New Zealand wildlife can be found. This personalized tour offers insight about early European settlers and the indigenous Maori inhabitants.

Take a scenic round-trip through the wilds of New Zealand's South Island on this 4-hour Taieri Gorge railway journey from Dunedin. Depart from downtown Dunedin's attractive railway station and head deep into the Taieri Gorge by train. Gaze out over ever-changing corners of the New Zealand countryside inaccessible by road. With informative and entertaining live commentary on board, gain insight into the railway's construction and the challenges faced by the engineers. Enjoy sightseeing stops on route and discover top attractions around Dunedin.

Ride the Taieri Gorge Railway on a 4-hour round-trip route from Dunedin to Pukerangi, and take a guided tour of the Otago Peninsula by minivan in the afternoon. The train steams through vivid South Island landscapes including the Taieri Plains and Taieri Gorge, stopping en route for photo ops plus a leg stretch in Pukerangi. Then dig your toes in the sand at Otago's gorgeous beaches and keep a lookout for oceanic wildlife. Upgrade to include a gourmet boxed lunch.

See one of New Zealand's finest private art collections at the Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin. Containing more than 240 local and international artworks acquired by the Theomin family between the late 1800s and the early 1960s, the Thoemin collection hangs on the walls of the 35-room mansion. Daily guided tours, provided with your entrance ticket, offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the artworks.