Top 15 Dunedin & Otago Tours

1.Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 682 reviews · 1h 30m · from $28Our pick

Watch tiny little blue penguins return at dusk in Oamaru. Guided commentary, close viewing, and conservation support, with strict no-photo rules.

“We loved watching the blue penguins coming up to their nests, we were lucky enough to see seal's also. As two adults it was a great experience and a wonderful conservation program. It was cool and you are sitting still for a long time so make sure you rug up. Also, we did notice young children got bored really quickly and were upset in the cold and having to stay quiet for the penguins resulting in parents needing to leave with these small children so if you're a parent be mindful of this before booking. Still all in all it was an AMAZING experience for us.”

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2.Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 531 reviews · from $139Top rated

Small-group Otago Peninsula wildlife tour near Cape Saunders, with private viewing spots, binoculars, rain gear, and chances to see penguins and seals.

“It was amazing and we saw baby seals playing, sea lions, various birds and yellow eyed penguins. We were very luck and saw one coming back from the ocean. The tour guide was very professional and knowledgeable. It was a great tour.”

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3.Speight’s Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 508 reviews · from $16Best value

Small-group Speight’s Brewery tour in Dunedin, NZ. Learn NZ beer history and get guided tastings plus beer pouring tips for $16.

“Interesting overview about how beer was brewed "back in the day". Annika was a great tour guide. She told some fun stories about the original owners of the brewery.”

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4.Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 471 reviews · from $34

A guided evening penguin viewing on Otago Peninsula in Dunedin, with no-flash photos allowed, up-close viewing, and expert nature talk.

“Wonderful experience! So amazing to see penguins so close! Absolutely worth the money! We saw around 100 very cute penguins .”

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5.Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 279 reviews · from $29

Visit New Zealand’s only castle, explore native gardens and restored rooms with written guides, and enjoy Otago Peninsula views.

“Recommended attraction to visit whilst you are in Dunedin, no matter the weather or the time of year :)”

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6.Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 270 reviews · from $86

Small-group Dunedin and Otago Peninsula shore tour with skyline views, steep street photos, and a beach walk for sea lions.

“Nice way to learn about Dunnedin and the trip to the Otago Bay was agood way to wrap up the tour. Got to see some Sea Lions.”

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7.Wildlife and Penguin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 239 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

A 90-minute eco-reserve tour on Otago Peninsula to learn penguin conservation, visit a rehab centre, and spot wildlife on a guided 2 km walk.

“We learned a great deal about the efforts to restore habitat and wildlife populations including blue penguins and yellow eyed penguins. It was fascinating and fun”

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8.Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 227 reviews · from $43

Otago Peninsula wildlife cruise with Monarch: warm jackets, top binoculars, and a one-hour shot at dolphins and royal albatross near Taiaroa Head.

“Brilliant crew and very knowledgeable. Had a wonderful afternoon out in the ocean! Saw some seals and sea lions. A blue fin shark was spotted. Would recommend.”

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9.Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 207 reviews · from $86

A one-hour V8 trike ride through Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula with photo stops, warm gear, and wind-in-your-hair views for $86.

“An amazing way to see Dunedins beautiful spots, beaches, country side and things you would never get to see on a normal sightseeing tour…all at an adrenaline pace, wind in your hair experience. Myself, my wife and my 2 teenage kids loved this experience!!! Definitely recommend!!!”

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10.Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 205 reviews · from $16

Explore Olveston’s 1906 35-room mansion with a small-group guide, then wander a one-acre garden with Dunedin and harbour views.

“What an amazing tour! The house is stunning and it was so interesting to learn about the the history and all the interesting collections displayed. Fantastic guide who was very knowledgeable. A must see experience!”

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11.Garden and City tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 197 reviews · from $37

Cruise-day bus tour from Port Chalmers to Dunedin highlights: Octagon, Baldwin Street, Signal Hill, Botanic Gardens, Toitu.

“A great tour. We really enjoyed it. Very pleasant tour guide. Beautiful weather and lots to see. A lovely day had by us all. Thankyou.”

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12.Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 189 reviews · from $105

Small-group wildlife cruise from Port Chalmers with Captain Rachel, binoculars, and onboard ID help for albatross, seals, penguins, and more.

“This was an awesome experience made even more awesome. By our tour guide Rachel, her knowledge of the wildlife, and the birds all around the waterway that she took us through a second to none. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to learn about the unique wildlife in around Port Chalmers especially those with young children. Thank you Rachel for an enjoyable time.”

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13.Speight’s Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 170 reviews · 1h 15m · from $28

A guided walk through Speight’s Brewery in Dunedin, followed by a guided beer tasting in the iconic tasting room.

“Rosie gave me a tour of the more accessible areas. Very knowledgeable and great fun.”

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14.Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour & Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 163 reviews · from $102

Evening tour from Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula, with wildlife stops and close-up Blue Penguins at Pukekura, plus great guide storytelling.

“Easy hotel pick up and drop off. Excellent driver who provided a wealth of knowledge of local fauna along the way. And the blue penguins were the star of the show!!”

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15.Cruise Dunedin City and Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 142 reviews · from $121

Small-group Dunedin cruise tour with Baldwin Street, Otago Peninsula views, and Larnach Castle. Round-trip transfers and plenty of time.

“James was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining. He was also very kind and considerate. He made the trip truly enjoyable”

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