Silversea Luxury Cruises To DUNEDIN (Port Chalmers)

Explore a pair of the most lavish and historic estates in New Zealand during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion to Larnach Castle and Olveston House.

Dunedin, Larnach Castle

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive along the coastline and through Dunedin en route to the magnificent Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand. Upon arrival, begin your guided walking tour of the castle. Built between 1873 and 1877 and perched atop the highest point on the beautiful Otago Peninsula, the castle commands breath-taking, 360-degree views of Dunedin and the Otago Harbour.

Larnach Castle Tour, Wood Ceilings, Antiques, Castle Ballroom, Morning or Afternoon Tea

Inside the castle, your surrounds are equally dramatic. Thrill to magnificent wood ceilings carved by the best European craftsmen and a superb collection of New Zealand antiques, including a unique, nine-piece totara knot suite, all masterfully incorporated into the castle's 43 different rooms. As you stroll from room-to-room, your guide brings the castle to life with stories about the brilliant, yet tumultuous, career of William Larnach. Following your tour, proceed to the Castle Ballroom for morning or afternoon tea.

Olveston House, Manicured Gardens

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to historic Olveston House. Designed by London architect, Sir Ernest George, and built between 1904 and 1907, the home is set amidst an acre of manicured gardens and abuts the lush parkland, or 'Town Belt', that surrounds the centre of Dunedin. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of this 35-room Edwardian mansion, which is filled with treasures from all over the world. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Hike Mount Cargill, the most prominent peak in Dunedin and home to the amazing Organ Pipes, the basalt columns formed 10 million years ago during the area's volcanic eruptions. For a limited few, this trekking adventure offers a look at one of the natural wonders of southern New Zealand.

Mount Cargill

From Port Chalmers, transfer by mini-van to the base of the Mount Cargill Walkway, the starting point of your hike. Begin by hiking through a forest of secondary growth, up the steep and undulating unpaved trail. At the viewpoint, you are rewarded with superb vistas - look out over Otago Harbour, Mihiwaka, Mount Kettle, Blueskin Bay, and the Silver Peaks. Next, your trail takes you into Mount Cargill's native bush, containing broadleaf, tree fuchsia, pepperwood, mountain cedar and emergent totara and many lush ferns.

Organ Pipes

A highlight of your guided walk is a stop to see the incredible Organ Pipes, the 10-million-year-old basalt formations created during the volcanic activity that formed Otago's Harbour. Once past the Organ Pipes, you will notice the vegetation becomes sparser and stunted as you ascend the pathway, which provides ever-expanding views. Wander through manuka, kanuka and dracophyllum scrub, finally emerging at Buttars Peak, which rises to an elevation of over 2,000 feet (609 metres) above sea level.

Light Refreshments

Savour light refreshments as you take in the panoramic views around you, before descending down the same track. Return to Port Chalmers via Dunedin and stop briefly in the Octagon (time permitting), the centre of Dunedin before arriving at the pier. Guests wishing to remain in the city may opt to take the last shuttle bus back to the ship.

Stunning scenery and viewing seals, penguins and other marine birds are the highlights of this off-road experience in a specially-designed six-seater Argo vehicle. Argos are amphibious, all-terrain, off-road vehicles that venture into areas others cannot.

Otago Harbour

Depart the pier via coach with your driver-guide, travel from Port Chalmers along the shore Otago Harbour and Sawyers Bay to Dunedin. From there, continue out to Otago Peninsula and along the pretty coastline to Taiaroa Head. Taiaroa Head is unique for the diversity of wildlife which abounds on this small headland and includes the only mainland albatross colony in the world. Historically, the headland was in use by the Maori as a defensive retreat, long before being fortified by European settlers in the 1880s.

Taiaroa Head

At Taiaroa Head, board your argo vehicle for a special one-hour tour to view the many wildlife inhabitants in the area. Highlights of the journey are the New Zealand fur seals that live on the rocks and the sea lions that are naturally sand dwellers. Experience the thrill of the ride on the Argo that takes you places other vehicles would find difficult to access. Half way through the tour, the groups will switch over and continue the tour via 4WD coaster bus.

Re-board the coach and return to the ship via the Otago Peninsula's High Road.

Discover the abundant migratory seabirds, penguins, seals and other wildlife along the Otago Peninsula during this panoramic sightseeing cruise.

Port Chalmers, MV Monarch, Cruise & Coastal Views

Board your coach for a short transfer to the motorised sightseeing vessel, the MV Monarch. Upon arrival, receive your safety and tour instructions, embark the boat and begin your scenic, approximately two-hour cruise showcasing amazing local wildlife in its natural habitat. As you pull away from the dock, take in expansive views of picturesque Port Chalmers. Founded in 1844 during the Otago Gold Rush, this bohemian seaside town raised a memorial to commemorate Port Chalmers as the departure point for the Antarctic expeditions of Captain Robert Falcon Scott of 1901 and 1910. Something of an artists' colony today, several galleries, a small seafaring museum and a host of charming eateries make this a popular weekend excursion for locals.

Otago Peninsula, Taiaroa Head, Lighthouse

This voyage of discovery, rich with gems of geological and historical significance, is enhanced by the expert, insightful commentary of your skipper and crew. As your narrated cruise glides along the scenic Otago Peninsula, view Taiaroa Head. Named after a Maori chieftain, Taiaroa Head is unique in the world for the variety and richness of the bird and marine life found here. Learn about the history of the Cape with its dramatic, 1860s lighthouse, 100-year-old Fort, network of tunnels and the unique albatross-breeding colony that draws thousands of visitors every year. As the skipper steers his vessel in close to the headland, learn about the ongoing campaign to protect this magnificent seabird from extinction.

Albatross Colony, Penguins, Fur Seals, Sea Lions

The first Taiaroa-reared albatross chick flew in 1938, and this now-protected nature reserve is home to an established colony with a population of around 140 birds. Marvel at the sight of a soaring albatross. Held aloft on slim wings up to 10 feet (about three metres) across, they provide awesome aerial displays, and are just as intriguing to watch as they go about their daily activities of courtship, nest-building and chick-rearing. In addition, take in spectacular views and photographs of other inhabitants of Taiaroa Head. Observe blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and Hooker's sea lions as they fish for their supper along the rocky ledges.

Upon your return, disembark the boat and commence the short drive back to the ship.

This half-day kayaking adventure offers a fun experience along the scenic Otago Peninsula coastline.

Otago Harbour, Dunedin, Portobello

From Port Chalmers, travel along the eastern shores of the Otago Harbour to Dunedin city. Turning to the western shores, proceed along Otago Peninsula towards the small settlement of Portobello.

Safety Briefing & Gear, Kayaking, Refreshment, Local Wildlife

After a safety briefing, all necessary equipment, including a life jacket, is distributed. Then, begin paddling along the rugged but beautiful coastline, making a beach stop en route to stretch your legs and to enjoy some light refreshments. Along the way, you may see many forms of marine life including royal albatross, New Zealand fur seals and cormorants.

Upon the conclusion of your sea kayak adventure, re-board the mini-coach for the hour's return to the ship.

Explore Dunedin at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 3 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Dunedin at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 3 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Dunedin at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 6 guest per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme.

Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Dunedin at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 6 guest per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

A ride on the Taieri Gorge Railway is rated as one of the great scenic train journeys. The refurbished carriages are superb examples of Victorian railway engineering and reminiscent of Dunedin's unique heritage.

The Taieri Gorge Railway, Panoramic Views

The train is made up of refurbished older-style wooden cars, which brings to life Dunedin's unique heritage, as well as offering you some truly spectacular sightseeing. You board alongside the ship at Port Chalmers and follow the shoreline of Otago Harbour to Dunedin. South of Dunedin city you cross the fertile Taieri Plains and enter the breath-taking Taieri Gorge.

Morning Tea & Packed Lunch

A special highlight stop is made inside the Gorge for you to enjoy the views and take photographs. Morning tea and lunchboxes accompanied by soft drinks or local beer are served on-board the train.

Pukerangi Settlement, Dunedin Railway Station

Upon reaching the tiny settlement of Pukerangi there is time to stretch your legs before returning to Dunedin. The train returns down the same line. On arrival at Dunedin's gorgeous Edwardian-style railway station there will be a short photo stop. Don't miss the stunning stone work on the outside of the building and the custom-designed New Zealand Railways mosaic tiles in the main lobby.

The train then returns you to the pier area. If time permits, guests may leave the tour at the Dunedin stop and return to the ship via the Silversea shuttle that departs every 30 minutes from the Octagon. Please see the shuttle schedule on-board.