Water Taxi and Shuttle to Larnach Castle

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

The quickest and most fun option to get to see New Zealands only castle. A fast water taxi ride across the beautiful Otago Harbour to Macandrew Bay, a small seaside village on the Otago Peninsula. Here you transfer to our executive shuttle van for your scenic drive up the hill to the castle. Your entry fee to the castle and gardens is included in your fare.

You'll have an hour and a half to explore the castle and gardens. You'll then be brought back down to the harbour, for your second water taxi ride into Steamer Basin, in the heart of Dunedin.

From Steamer Basin it's a short 5 minute walk to the iconic Dunedin Railway Station and Toitu, the Settlers Museum. This is also the departure point for the Cruise ship shuttles that return to Port.

Please note-

Trips from 9.00am to 11.15am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers.

Trips from 12.00 and 12.45pm leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city.

All trips conclude in Dunedin City except the 11.15am trip that returns to Port Chalmers at 2.15pm

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Our guide is available for the transport and entry to the Castle only. The tour of the castle and gardens is self guided.

Alternative departure points can be arranged subject to availability and other bookings.

Your departure point depends on the time of your tour. Trips from 9.00am till 11.15am depart from Back Beach, Port Chalmers and finish in Dunedin. Trips leaving at 12.00pm and 12.45pm depart from Steamer Basin in Dunedin.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Morning trips depart from Port Chalmers and finish in Dunedin City

Discounted return trips back to Port Chalmers

Entry ticket to the Castle and Gardens included in your fare

Mid-day Trips depart Dunedin City and return to Dunedin by Shuttle van

Drop off to Dunedin

Please bring your own drink bottle

Bring a warm jacket for those colder days

Return trips to Port Chalmers depend on availability on the day $35 NZD, per passenger.

Your tour of the castle is Self Guided

What To Expect

A scenic 10-15 minute water taxi ride across the harbour from Port Chalmers or Dunedin to Macandrew Bay where you will board our shuttle van for a 10 minute ride up the hill to the famous Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand. This service includes your entry ticket to the castle and gardens. You have 1.5 to 2 hours to explore. We then pick you up in the van for the ride back down to the harbour, and your water taxi ride into Dunedin. Options to return to Port Chalmers can be organized on the day of travel. Please note - Trips from 9.00 am - 11.15 am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Trips from 12.00 and later leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city. IMPORTANT NOTE - ALL trips finish in Dunedin City EXCEPT the 11.15 trip from Port Chalmers that returns to Port at 2.30pm

Options

Steamer Basin Departures

Steamer Basin, Dunedin to Port: Travel by boat to Macandrew Bay then shuttle van to the castle. Tour the castle then back down for your boat ride to Port.
12.00pm and later Departures : Departures from 12.00pm leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin. Earlier departures leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers.
Starting point:
Steamer Basin, 16 Wharf Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

Back Beach Departures

Port Chalmers to Dunedin: Travel by boat to Macandrew Bay then shuttle van to the castle. Tour the castle then back down for your boat ride to Dunedin.
8.30 am - 11.30 am Departures: Departures from 8.30am until 11.15am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Departures 11.00am and later leave Steamer Basin.
Starting point:
Ferry to Quarantine Island, 39 Peninsula Beach Road, Port Chalmers, Dunedin 9023, New Zealand