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.
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
What‘s Included
This is a return ticket
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
143 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very warm welcome on a rather wet day.
margaretj772,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience right from the booking to the completion.Rachel was so efficient at loading and unloading our bikes and gave a very warm welcome aboard to us. She also gave an informative commentary during the harbour crossing taking time to point out a group of little penguins in the water. Would absolutely recommend Rachel and her wonderful service.
A wildlife extravaganza!
167victoriam,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic tour of the Otago Peninsular where Rachel guided us around the wildlife present really professionally and with a real personal touch. We saw so many birds and blue dolphins, the Albatross stole the show for sure. Also caught a glimpse of 2 sea lions frolicking in the calm waters. Would highly recommend this tour which we did from Portobello wharf. Finished off the evening at The Portobello Hotel for delish cod.
Autumn ride.
kirstymG9362XS,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience. It's an excellent service.
Awsome, effecient, friendly ferry service across the harbour.
490robynp,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were looking for an outdoor activity to take our 7 year old grandson to, and settled on a trip to Quarantine Island to do the treasure hunt. Our grandson had been on a boat before, but when he was only one, so was a little nervous about what to expect on the ferry. Rachel put him at ease with her friendly, optimistic manner. The ferry turned up on time and the same on the return trip. Rachel made our grandson feel special when she did a big doughnut on the water on the return journey, as there were only the three of us on the boat. A highlight of his day. We wish Rachel well in her enterprise. She is a real asset to Dunedin.
Fantastic mini cruise
Daydream46587355819,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my first time on this mini cruise, cyling from Dunedin then across to portobello then back to Dunedin. What a fantastic trip, Rachel was great with so much information and sights to see on the short 10 minute voyage, i will remember this for a long time and planning to go again very soon. Fantastic professionally operated service with a fantastic host, easy to book online and great prices. Atmosphere was great, everyone was interested Rachel was great Looking forward to my next visit with you Paul
Unique Otago Harbour Experience
CliveM408,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great experience. I took some family who were visiting Dunedin across from Portobello to Port Chalmers spent a couple of hours exploring the port including coffee and morning tea at Cafe Santosha, before making the return trip. It was great way to give our visitors a unique perspective of this beautiful area. Rachel is a great skipper, friendly and communicative.
A must do!!
triplebaussieadv,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the bike ferry trip from Port Chalmers to Portobello with Skipper Rachel. What a ride!! And the information Rachel packed in in those short 10 mins was amazing! Complete with viewing the wrecks of ships off Quarantine Island. It was a great way to break up the Harbour Cycle Trail and experience this local service. Rachel was responsive to emails the previous day regarding boat departure times, given it was Good Friday, and still she was working. Thank you Rachel for this great service and the wonderful commentary on the way over.
A great tour with a knowledgeable and engaging skipper!
manytanksalot,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rachel took us out in a calm Sunday morning. She purposely does. It fill the boat to capacity so it was a comfortable trip. She’s hugely knowledgeable and has a really keen eye for the sea life and birds that we were trying to spot. We saw so much - sea lions, fur seals, Albatross Shags, Blue Penguins and much more. It was a fantastic trip, made all the better due to Rachel’s commentary and really engaging nature. This was a brilliant, can’t recommend it enough!
Absolutely fabulous!
Juanita555,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an incredible tour ! We had an absolutely wonderful time with the lovely Rach, so friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend anyone visiting Dunedin to jump on board and enjoy the ride 💚
Forth time cycling the Loop.
gregmilne53,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is the forth time we have taken advantage of the great service Rachel provides. We use the Port to Port service to enable us to cycle from Portobella to Port Chalmers around the Dunedin harbor loop. Rachel provides a very friendly and interesting commentary regarding some of the history while crossing, from one port to the other. Highly recommend her service, whether your cycling or just popping from one side to the other and back. p.s. Great coffee at the little Portobella cafe too.
Related Experiences
Operated by Port To Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours Ltd