Dunedin Castle to Cruise Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
An unrivalled tour package! Visit the stunning Larnach Castle, travel the beautiful roads of the Otago Peninsula and join special Monarch Wildlife Cruise.
Enjoy a 90 minute tour of Larnach Castle and it's beautiful grounds. Hear the scandalous story of early settler William Larnach and his family. Explore the beautifully restored castle, with it's original antique furniture and impressive craftsmanship throughout. Time is allowed for exploring the gardens or a quick snack from the ballroom cafe.
You'll then continue along the Otago Peninsula and your guide will give an interactive commentary along the way.
Hop aboard a Wildlife Cruise out through the entrance to the Otago Harbour. Enjoy close viewing of fur seals, royal albatross and other seabirds. Sometimes we spot sea lions, blue penguins & dusky or hectors dolphins.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
Air-conditioned vehicle
Complimentary warm jackets and binoculars on the Wildlife Cruise
Restroom on board
We do not provide any food during your tour. Guests have a short time available to purchase a bite to eat at Larnach Castle or snack options are available. A packed lunch can be brought on tour.
This option doesn't include pickups from the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal (see our other product)
What To Expect
Otago Peninsula
Tour along the beautiful roads of the Otago Peninsula in our comfortable minivan. Enjoy stunning views of harbour and coast as you go.
Larnach Castle & Gardens
Small group guided tour through 'NZ's Castle'. Discover the scandalous story of the Larnach family and explore the painstakingly restored building and it's beautiful grounds.
Options
Castle to Cruise + Penguins
Wildlife + Penguin Tour: Guided walk through an eco-reserve helping save the endangered Yellow-eyed Penguin. Not suitable for cruise ship schedules.
Pickup included
Castle to Cruise Tour
Pickup included
Cruise Ship Terminal pick up
Cruise Ship Terminal pick up: Castle to Cruise Tour with pickup and dropoff from the Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal.
Pickup included
Reviews
52 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Enjoyable van and boat trip from Dunedin.
Michael K,
Mar 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00We started our tour driving in a comfortable van from Dunedin through the scenic countryside to the Larnach “castle”. Ross was a superb driver and tour guide. After touring the castle and enjoying a quick lunch on the grounds we left for the cruise. We spent an hour or so on the boat with our wildlife expert Will. We saw a few seals and sea lions along with several species of water birds. The highlight was observing the flight of the greater albatross. The crew of the boat thoughtfully escorted us around a small group of peaceful environmental protestors at our cruise ship port.
Best tour
Ichun L,
Mar 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00I just did the tour today and absolutely loved it! It felt very special because there were only me and another lady on the tour, and I was honestly stunned they were willing to do the tour for just the two of us. Our tour guide David was warm and professional, giving us detailed commentary on the history and wild life of the area. I think this tour is just the perfect combination that allows you to see the castle (which is quite hard to get to without a car), and the most iconic wildlife of the area. The albatross were really impressive in their wingspan and they got quite close to the boat. In addition you also see some seals and beautiful rock formations! But my favourite part was the "opera" penguin sanctuary, and I feel really privileged to be able to view so many endangered species of wild penguin from up close. All in all, if you're only doing one tour in Dunedin, I think this is it 😉
Wonderful Day
Susan S,
Jan 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great way to spend our day in port. Our guide, David, was very informative and helpful. The castle was lovely, with lots of traditional Scottish flare. The boat trip was a bit choppy, but we spotted Seals, Dolphins, and Albatross. My only advice would be, if you are particularly prone to motion sickness, make sure you have meds or bands.
History made real
Cameron L,
Nov 1, 2024
- Viator
4.00Castle tour was very enjoyable and the guide’s knowledge of the family and its history was very informative. Cancellation of cruise resulted in long delays while waiting for other guests to complete alternate tour option.
Great Castle and Wildlife Tour, Well Worth the Money
Justin L,
Jan 3, 2024
- Viator
5.00Excellent guides for both legs of the tour. Well informed, handled questions with aplomb and shared some excellent stories about the locations. Plus friendly and helpful. Two very happy customers.
Related Experiences
Operated by Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours