Water Taxi and Shuttle to Larnach Castle
Available languages
From NZD 159
Overview
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 8.30 am - 10.30 am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers.
Trips from 11.00 and later leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city.
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.
Departure point depends on time of departure - 8.30 am - 11.30 depart Back Beach, Port Chalmers. 11.00 am and later depart from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city.
Alternative departure points can be arranged subject to availability and other bookings.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Option for pick-up from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Contact us for availability.
Discounted return trips back to Port Chalmers
Option for pick-up from Steamer Basin in Dunedin. Contact us for availability.
Entry ticket to the Castle and Gardens included in your fare
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.
Options
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 11.30am 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 9023, New Zealand
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.
11.00am and later Departures : Departures from 11.00 am 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
Operated by Otago Water Taxis and Tours Ltd
Reviews
60 reviews
The husband and wife team...
Kathleen I,Apr 9, 2024
5.0The husband and wife team were great! A good way to see the castle without the long drive. A very enjoyable day.
Memorable
Robyn O,Apr 8, 2024
5.0Had a great time. The water taxi jet boat was awesome operator was terrific. Husband and wife team couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful.
A must do journey and adventure with Rob and Holly
Donna M,Apr 4, 2024
5.0Rob and his wife Holly were helpful and a knowledgeable source of information. They went out of their way to help and ensure we had a great time. Rob went out of his way to drop us at the city centre. Recommend this service for an amazing day
Water Taxi and castle excursion.
Liz B,Mar 29, 2024
5.0Beautiful gardens and wonderful interior. We enjoyed the view from the turret. The water taxi ride was fabulous and our drivers friendly. Lovely excursion.
Don and Holly are the best!
Judy P,Mar 28, 2024
5.0The water taxi run by Don was such an exciting way to travel across the water to the waiting shuttle. We were whisked up the road by Holly and enjoyed a a lovely early walk through the castle. She gave us a great tip to seeing the entire castle while there was so few visitors and the bus tours hasn’t yet arrived. They were both punctual and informative. Professional and friendly. Could not recommend them both more highly, and the trip with them was a fantastic way to experience this unique opportunity
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