Question 1

Do I need to be on a cruise?

Accepted Answer

No. Cruise passengers are a big part of what we do, but we run tours all year round for everyone: visitors arriving by air or road, guests staying in Dunedin, and locals showing friends and family around. Book a Private Excursion and we'll collect you from your hotel, the airport or any Dunedin address.

Question 2

How long is the Uniquely Dunedin shore excursion?

Accepted Answer

Approximately six hours, including collection from and return to your port.

Question 3

Where can you pick us up?

Accepted Answer

On a Private Excursion, we collect you from your hotel, the airport or any Dunedin address you give us when booking, and drop you wherever you like at the end of the day. For cruise passengers: cruise ships berth either at the Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal (21 Beach Street, Port Chalmers) or at the Cruise Ship Wharf (94 Fryatt Street, central Dunedin) — we collect from either, and set your pickup from your ship's berth automatically. You can also choose to be collected from anywhere else in Dunedin, such as your hotel. Detailed meeting instructions are included in your booking confirmation.

Question 4

What time does the shore excursion start?

Accepted Answer

The standard excursion generally begins around 9:30am, but timings can vary depending on your cruise ship's arrival. Your confirmed booking will show the appropriate meeting time.

Question 5

What time do Private Excursions start?

Accepted Answer

Whenever suits you. You choose your start time when booking, and your confirmation will show your pickup time and address.

Question 6

Can you drop us somewhere other than the ship?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can return to the Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal or the Cruise Ship Wharf in central Dunedin, or hop off somewhere else in Dunedin — such as the Octagon or your hotel — at no extra cost. Just choose your drop-off when booking.

Question 7

Can we book a private tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Anyone can book a Private Excursion all year round, and cruise passengers can book a private tour on most cruise days. A Private Excursion gives your party its own vehicle and driver-guide. It's priced by the hour for the vehicle (3 hours minimum, up to 12), whatever the size of your group, and can often be booked even when the shared tour is full. Larnach Castle entry isn't included, but you can add castle tickets when you book.

Question 8

Can we choose our vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on a private tour. Choose from our fleet, from the fully electric BMW i7 and Tesla Model Y to the Mercedes-Benz LWB SUV, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Hiace, Mercedes Sprinter, 24-seat Mitsubishi Rosa mini coach and 42-seat Ankai coach, or leave it to us and we'll book the best-value vehicle that suits your group. Each vehicle has its own hourly rate, shown when you book. On the shared shore excursion, vehicles are allocated according to group size.

Question 9

Is Larnach Castle included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Admission to Larnach Castle and Gardens is included.

Question 10

How much time do we have at Larnach Castle?

Accepted Answer

Approximately one hour is normally allowed for a self-guided visit through the castle and gardens.

Question 11

Is lunch included?

Accepted Answer

No. You'll have time in central Dunedin to purchase lunch from a café or restaurant.

Question 12

Can children join?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Children aged 3–14 are NZ$132, and infants under three travel free.

Question 13

Is there much walking?

Accepted Answer

There is some walking on formed paths as well as inclines and steps, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Question 14

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Accessibility at Larnach Castle is limited. Guests with mobility requirements should contact us before booking so we can discuss their needs.

Question 15

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable footwear, waterproof clothing, sunscreen, a sunhat, camera and card/cash for lunch or personal purchases.

Question 16

Can I cancel my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, online at any time before your tour starts: open your booking in My Trips and choose Cancel booking. It's cancelled straight away and we email you to confirm. Cancel 7 days (168 hours) or more before the tour starts and you get a full refund to your card, usually within 5–10 business days. Within 7 days of the tour, no refund is given. The same applies to Shore Excursions and Private Excursions, and to tours booked through our partners.

Question 17

What happens if my cruise schedule changes?

Accepted Answer

Cruise schedules can change. We will use the latest information available to us and communicate material changes affecting your excursion.

Question 18

Does the tour operate on Christmas Day?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We run tours every day of the year, including Christmas Day (25 December), 365 days a year.

Questions Before Your Dunedin Day?