Explore the Otago Peninsula on this scenic day tour to Larnach Castle PLUS a wildlife cruise around Tairoa Head! Departing from Dunedin, travel along the Otago Peninsula to enjoy scenic views of the coastline before the first stop at Larnach Castle- New Zealand’s only castle built in 1871. Enjoy a guided tour to hear the tragic history of William Larnach whilst admiring the craftsmanship of the carved ceilings and antiques within the castle. Lunch is not included but can be purchased here at Larnarch Castle. Rejoin the bus tour for a scenic ride to the harbour where you will then join a wildlife cruise around Taiaroa Head. Throughout the cruise, passengers will see the world’s ONLY mainland nesting place of Royal Albatross as well as NZ Furseals playing on the rocks and rare ocean birds, dolphins and occasionally penguins out on the water.
Tours depart from Dunedin at 10.30am in summer and return back to Dunedin via a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula at 4pm. In winter, passengers will travel out on the scenic bus tour and return to the city via harbour cruise. This is the perfect way for guests short on time to visit Larnach Castle and see why the Otago Peninsula is the wildlife capital of New Zealand. Book your NZ adventure online here!
Inclusions
- Complimentary pickups from selected hotels
- Warm jackets are provided and the aft deck is enclosed and heated
Highlights
- A half day tour to Larnach Castle followed by a 60 minute wildlife cruise encountering New Zealand's southern ocean marine and bird life
- Take a guided tour of the the Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle built in 1871. Listen to the scandalous, exciting and tragic history of the Castle as you admire the magnificent carved ceilings, antiques, craftsmanship
- Take advantage of your free time and explore the Larnach Castle, climb the parapets for 360° views and enjoy the beauty of the gardens of international significance or re-visit areas of the castle you enjoyed on tour
- Continue along the high road by bus enjoying the scenic views down the Otago Harbour before joining a 60 wildlife cruise. Discover the rugged coastline, rolling farmland and quaint townships of the region with commentary on the passing scenes and wildlife
- Keep an eye on sky as the Northern Royal Albatross maybe soaring above as they return to their mainland nesting ground. The world's only mainland nesting ground for the Albatross
- Watch the native Fur Seal fight and play around their rookeries and witness the endangered native Sea Lions returning to the sandy beaches
- Occasionally the Hector's and Dusky Dolphin will curiously swim in the waters surrounding the vessel and a few lucky passengers have witnessed the Southern Right and Humpback whales
- View the breathtaking and rugged coastline close to the entrance of the Otago Harbour
Time
- Summer: 10:30am pickup available from the Dunedin city iSite (Return bus)
- Winter: 11:30am pickup from the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal (Bus out and boat back)
Duration
Location
- Departure from 20 Fryatt St Dunedin
- Selected hotel pick up and Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal
Hotel Pickup
If you have booked a hotel
Prior to completing your purchase, enter your hotel name in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your hotel pick up time
If you have not yet booked a hotel
If you have not yet booked a hotel, enter the words 'hotel not known' in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your hotel pick up time
If you do not require a hotel pick up
If you do not require a hotel pick up and will be meeting the tour at the tour departure point, enter the words 'not required' in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your tour. Tour departure point is listed above and on your confirmation tour voucher.
What To Bring
- Please ensure to dress in accordance with the weather predication
- A warm coat and sun protection is recommend
- Lunch, you're able to purchase food or a coffee from the cafe at Larnach Castle
Additional Information
- This cruise is suitable for most people with limited mobility
Booking Information
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
