Dunedin, New Zealand cruise port guide

This southern city, although modest in size, has a lively vibe, an interesting history, and a pleasant setting amidst big, beautiful landscapes.

Who goes there

Dunedin is a regular stop on New Zealand cruises, which often start from Auckland or via The Ditch in Sydney or Melbourne. You can choose from cruise options, from ships like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Princess to Viking and Silversea. Expedition lines such as Aurora, Ponant and New Zealand company Heritage Expeditions also visit.

sail away

Dunedin is located at the tip of the 25-kilometer-long Otago Harbour, surrounded on one side by the Otago Peninsula and entered through a narrow gap. Step on deck for arrival because the shoreline is so close you feel like you could lean over the railing and pet a sheep. You can see the albatross flying overhead. Although arriving at nondescript Port Chalmers isn’t exactly a big shake-up, it’s one of New Zealand’s most beautiful ports.

docking ceremonies

Port Chalmers, 13 kilometers from Dunedin, isn’t the most convenient location, so it’s best to plan your day. The terminal is well managed by port and volunteer staff and offers free Wi-Fi and tourist information. Shuttles will take you into the city and drop you off and pick you up at the local landmark, The Octagon. If you’re on a small ship, you’re in luck because small ships can sail further up the bay and dock a kilometer away from the city centre.

Disembark

Dunedin has only 134,000 residents, but its 25,000 university students give it a welcome liveliness. Its architectural heritage and cool winds may remind you of Edinburgh. Check out the quaint colonial railway station with its stained glass and floor mosaics, then visit the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum and Otago Peninsula Museum to learn about the history. You’ll also want to check out the street art that adorns the city center with striking colors.

Don’t miss

Built in 1906 for Dunedin businessman and philanthropist David Theomin and his family, Olveston Historic House is an impressive 35-room Edwardian mansion built of carved oak and filled with period furniture and ornaments including Japanese ceramics and historic weaponry. You will have a view of the upper and lower floors, including the maids’ quarters. The guides are very informative.

Be active

Located one stop from the center of Dunedin, St Clair has a wide beach, beautiful walks and coastal walks. Surfers will find reliable waves. The water is refreshingly gentle, but you can also dip into a nicely heated saltwater swimming pool to revitalize your tingling extremities. Dunedin is surrounded by wonderful walking and cycling trails; There are 152 kilometers of cycle paths, including the Otago Central Rail Trail.

best bites

There’s a lot going on in Dunedin’s local food scene. Artisan producers sell chocolate, cheese, honey, coffee and more, and there are plenty of restaurants and food trucks in town. Founded in 1876, Speight’s Brewery is New Zealand’s oldest; You can tour the heritage building and then enjoy beer tasting. But this is just one of many breweries, and also No. You can visit 8 Distillery (gin and rum) and Dunedin Craft Distillers (gin and vodka).

further away

A popular excursion is Lanarch Castle, a Gothic revival mansion from 1871 with gardens and stunning views, set in the hills beyond the city. The Otago Peninsula is home to seals, sea lions, penguins and a breeding colony of the royal albatross. Orokonui Ecosanctuary houses native creatures such as kiwi, bellbird, skink and lizard-like tuatara behind a predator-proof fence. If you enjoy railways or picturesque views, another option is the Taieri Gorge Railway, which takes you from Dunedin to a narrow river gorge via 10 tunnels and a spectacular viaduct.