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‘s Included

This is a return ticket

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.

Options

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

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

Reviews

4.98

90 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Brilliant
sarahtheresemacc,
Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Rachel is a legend, and we couldn't believe how much she packed into the commentary during such a short (and spectacular) trip from Portobello to Port Chalmers. My visitor from Manchester was thoroughly impressed, and Dunedin is so lucky to have this :)
Great
imhonot,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Good boat , good captain , friendly , engaging , and was on time in both directions . Lucky with blue sky weather and Rachel filled us in with some interesting info along the route . Good price , good time ….
Amazing wildlife tour
Flyer45727752882,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Terrific trip. Rachel is incredibly knowledgeable and cool, performing both guide duties and captain of the boat simultaneously. Saw great birds and had a fun time on the water
Ferry ride Otago Harbor
V8691HIevans,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We decided to cycle Otago Harbor for the day, making our own “ excursion” from our New Zealand cruise ship stopping in Dunedin. We had a great day, concluding with our ferry ride from Portobello to Port Chalmers with Rachel on Port to Port cruises. Rachel was exactly on time, had a very clean and comfortable small vessel, and she could not have been nicer!! She provided a delightful brief tour of the harbor on the way back to our ship. I would 100% recommend her to anyone looking to either ferry across the harbor to return to the port or to spend a few hours learning about the local region and wildlife!!
Great trip
Companion30240725487,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great trip over to Quarantine Island, on Otago Harbour. Rachel is very friendly capable and knowledgable. Will go again.
Unexpected Delight
936borisn,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We phoned the number to check the particular time we wanted was actually running on the day. I spoke directly to Rachel who kindly confirmed and did our booking over the phone, but with a follow up email for reassurance. From the very start, from booking, to getting on for the Portobello to Port Chalmers crossing, to getting off, Rachel was friendly, helpful, and made the crossing more interesting than what the 15min seemed it was going to be. We found her so charming and helpful, we booked with her on the spot for a Wildlife tour the following day, where we ticked off seeing a heap of the local wildlife, including a few flying albatross. It was definitely the highlight of our short visit to Dunedin, and we couldn't recommend the service and the tour enough. Rachel definitely made it so, with her local knowledge and friendly charm. We wish her business the very best success and commend people to try her tours out, not just the very helpful taxi service that makes the riding loop so possible, the attraction for the region.
Excellent every time
Julia M,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I find that Rachel is excellent every time I do this trip, so I bring friends and family knowing it will always be great time
Transport from Portabello to Port Chalmers
MattO1566,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great little trip across the harbour, loved the service and the commentary. Thanks very much Rachel, and cheers for taking some photos too!!
Highlight of the port to port cycle
Mobile38094177250,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My family had an awesome time soaking up Dunedin's scenery on the port to port cycle. The ferry ride definitely made the trip! Rachel was very friendly and skilled, taking us on a well-organised, informative and exciting journey. Thank you!
5* Multitasking
Odette P,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fantastic service. Rachel loaded the bikes, skippered and commentated the trip. 5* Multitasking, we will definitely be using this service again x