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Tours & Experiences

Port to Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours

πŸ“ Dunedin, Otago South

β˜…4.9(50 Google reviews)πŸ’°$10-$85πŸ‘ΆAll ages

Port to Port Cruises is a small family-owned operator at 39 Peninsula Beach Road, Port Chalmers, Dunedin. Otago Harbour wildlife cruises (albatross, seals, penguins, seabirds), harbour ferry between Port Chalmers and Portobello, and a bike ferry for the Otago Harbour cycle loop.

βœ“ Rachel as skipperβœ“ Wildlife cruisesβœ“ Harbour ferryβœ“ Bike ferry optionβœ“ Family-owned
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by JJ (JJ61)

We have had the best day out on the waters of Dunedin.We met Rachel at the jetty and caught the Sootychaser from Portobello. The interesting points crossing to Port Chalmers were great. We knew we were in for a great day. Calm conditions. Sunny skies. Lots of sea-life along the coast. We stayed for ages watching the fur seals. Watched the Albatross skimming the sea. 2.5 m wing spam. It’s the best way to view. Great scenery. We got a list of what birds and sea-life look we saw to take away and remember the great day we had. We also got to see bike riders join us crossing over to the other side to continue their bike riding. A very handy service. Would highly recommend. Well worth organising and keeping in touch with Rachel. A fantastic service.

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with kids who'll enjoy a boat trip and wildlife spotting. Reviewers consistently name Rachel as the skipper and call out the commentary and small-group format. The bike-ferry option suits families combining a cycle loop with a harbour crossing.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Three trip types: wildlife cruise, harbour ferry, or bike ferry
⏰Family-owned β€” small groups, not packed sailings
🎟️Bike ferry connects the Otago Harbour Cycle Loop
πŸš—Bookings online; check the timetable for cruise departures

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πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.9
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

50 Google reviews

Knowledgeable, friendly skipper100%
Otago Harbour wildlife sightings80%
Useful for cycle-loop riders60%
J

JJ (JJ61)

4 months ago

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β€œWe have had the best day out on the waters of Dunedin.We met Rachel at the jetty and caught the Sootychaser from Portobello. The interesting points crossing to Port Chalmers were great. We knew we were in for a great day. Calm conditions. Sunny skies. Lots of sea-life along the coast. We stayed for ages watching the fur seals. Watched the Albatross skimming the sea. 2.5 m wing spam. It’s the best way to view. Great scenery. We got a list of what birds and sea-life look we saw to take away and remember the great day we had. We also got to see bike riders join us crossing over to the other side to continue their bike riding. A very handy service. Would highly recommend. Well worth organising and keeping in touch with Rachel. A fantastic service.”

K

Kevin Reid

4 weeks ago

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β€œTook the ferry so I could do the Port to Port bike ride. A great service from Rachel who gave a really interesting commentary as we cross the harbour. I was surprised how much I learnt. If you're interested in doing the bike ride then use the ferry it's really efficient and gives you a total different perspective of the harbour.”

H

Heather McClure

a month ago

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β€œWe had an absolutely brilliant time this afternoon on the harbour wildlife cruise, birds and seals were plentiful, and we were lucky to see an albatross on the water, one setting off from the water and another in flight. Thank you to our amazing skipper Rachel! Highly recommend and very thankful we did this trip!”

R

Rob Burnell

2 months ago

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β€œRachel was incredibly helpful in arranging our Otago harbour bike ride. We’d been completely sideswiped by the weather but Rachel was awesome in helping us make decisions around how to still make it happen. The boat trip was fab too. Very friendly and informative. Thanks Rachel.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Family Adventures on Otago Harbour!

Port to Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours is a family-owned and operated business based in Port Chalmers, Dunedin. Skipper Rachel β€” a mum herself β€” runs relaxed, small-group trips designed to be enjoyable for both kids and adults.

We offer three main experiences on the harbour. Our wildlife cruises are a favourite for families, giving you the chance to see albatross, seals, penguins, and seabirds in their natural environment, along with fun, easy-to-follow commentary about the harbour along the way.

Our harbour ferry runs between Port Chalmers and Portobello and is a great outing in itself, or a handy connection for exploring more of the peninsula. For active families, we also offer a bike ferry, making it easy to complete the Otago Harbour Cycle Loop β€” a safe, easy, and kid-friendly ride.

For young and curious explorers, our Touch Tank Tours are a hands-on highlight, letting kids safely interact with local marine life.

We also run the popular Quarantine Island Treasure Hunt, where children follow clues around the island, with treats and badges at the end.

πŸŽ‰ The treasure hunt is also a great birthday party idea, combining a boat ride, outdoor adventure, and a bit of magic for the kids.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday08:30 – 18:30
Tuesday08:30 – 18:30
Wednesday08:30 – 18:30
Thursday08:30 – 18:30
Friday08:30 – 18:30
Saturday08:30 – 18:30
Sunday08:30 – 18:30

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