Dunedin WATER TAXI-Port To Port
Overview
10 minutes
Mobile ticket
Its a mini tour of the harbour as we cross from one side to the other.
The scenery is stunning, there are many birds to see on the way.
The skipper gives a commentary about the history and volcanic nature of the area, as well as the other interesting aspects we see on the way.
Comfortable custom built vessel, cushioned seats, heated cabin.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Bicycles welcome at extra charge
Dogs welcome at extra charge
Not recommended for people who may have difficulty stepping (30cm) down, into the vessel. Or stepping back out.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
You will receive an indepth commentary along the way and you will see birds, boats, old wrecks of ships and historic quarantine stations, in this interactive, exciting harbour crossing. Visit local cafes, restaurants, pubs, gift shops and museums on opposite side of the harbour. The vessel is partially enclosed. It is fast, comfortable and seats 20 people.
What‘s Included
This is a return ticket
Options
Port Chalmers TO Portobello
Duration: 10 minutes
Otago Harbour: Cruise across the harbour from Port Chalmers to Portobello or Quarantine Island. Stay for approx 2 hours before returning
Ferry/water taxi: The vessel Sootychaser can take up to 20 passengers at a time.
You'll receive a full commentary on the way.
Starting point:
39 Peninsula Beach Road, Port Chalmers, Dunedin 9023, New Zealand
Portobello TO Port Chalmers
Duration: 10 minutes
Otago Harbour: From Portobello to Port Chalmers, or Quarantine Island. Return back after approx 2 hours. Go for a walk, or relax.
Ferry/water taxi: The vessel Sootychaser can take up to 20 passengers at a time.
You'll receive a full commentary on the way.
Pickup included
Reviews
104 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A highlight of a great day
Q3443OVpault,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My son and I cycled the loop around Otago Harbour and crossed from Portobello to Port Chalmers on the Dunedin Water Taxi. The ride was great and the scenery terrific, but a highlight of our day was the crossing with Rachel. Rachel is an excellent skipper and runs a great business, dependable and goes the extra mile for her customers. Really enjoyed her commentary during the sailing and her enthusiasm for the harbour and her job is infectious. Thank you!
A wonderful way to see the harbour
CraigB1972,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful way to get from Port Chalmers to Portobello. Rachel was extremely knowledge and welcoming. She even came back to get us as we were a couple of minutes late for our return trip. Very grateful!
A short but interesting ride.
Sherpa53679228970,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I used the water taxi to complete my cycle around the otago harbour. The ride was short but the experience was wonderful. The skipper was cheerful and gave an excellent commentary throughout the trip, pointing out many of the interesting sights.
An enthusiastic guide to the local wildlife.
davidbY9578EE,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As you would expect after several years of business, Rachel knows the Dunedin area. She has excellent knowledge of the wildlife and where to find it. Most importantly, she is enthusiastic about her work and getting the best experience for her customers. The size of her boat ensures she can easily engage with her travellers of the day.
Wildlife tour
X7309WWcraigm,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I booked the wildlife cruise, which was around 2 hours in length, we were able to see an amazing range of wildfe during the trip, ranging from seagull chick's, through various seals chilling on the rocks with a couple of pups, onto inflight royal albatross and the highlight of the trip, a white capped albatross as up close and personal as you can get! Rachel was a great guide, extremely knowledgeable about the whole area as well as the wildlife. Can definitely recommend if you want small highly personal experience rather than one of the big boats.
Amazing trip
Discover33800922458,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience on the port to port water ferry from port Chalmers to Porto Bello. There was a 11 of us with our bikes, Rachel was super efficient loading our bikes and really accomodating. The ride was smooth and we learned about the surrounding Islands along the way. 10/10 would recommend to everyone!
Port to Port with Bikes
sharynvw,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to be able to complete the full circuit for biking the Otago Harbour Loop. Very easy to book for 6 people and electric bikes, great communication at all times. Rachel was very efficient in transporting us and our bikes and all with a smile and friendly chatter. Good value for money. Highly recommend.
Local legend - port to port cruise is a must do.
Roam38221204587,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were so impressed with our experience - the way the captain handled boarding, loading heavy bikes, greeting people, giving instructions, providing commentary, taking phonecalls and bookings (simultaneously at times) and always with a smile, was particularly notable. Seeing the harbour from the middle of the channel was great and having some explanations provided about landmarks was really interesting. Thoroughly recommend.
A really nice tour in Dunedin
GoPlaces07840625305,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a really nice tour on the Ortago Loop including the Port to Port Ferry with Rachel. During the tour we got an explanation of things we passed by and their history. I had some problems booking online, and also made a mistake with the date, but Rachel fixed everything for us and including renting of bikes.
More Than a Ferry: Port to Port with Rachel Builds Real Community
Tourist758164,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Port to Port Ferry, run by Rachel, is a fantastic community resource. It makes it easy to bike the full harbour route and really improves access for all. Friendly, well-run service and a great way to experience the harbour. Highly recommended. Collected a few locally made Christmas treats on the way… See you again soon.
From NZ$50.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Port To Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours Ltd