Otago Water Taxis & Tours, Dunedin

Explore Otago Harbour with Otago Water Taxis & Tours, offering a scenic Dunedin water taxi, wildlife cruises, boat tours, bike ferry services and private charters.

Travel by boat between Dunedin, Port Chalmers, Portobello, Quarantine Island and destinations around Otago Harbour, or join a wildlife cruise to Taiaroa Head to experience the spectacular scenery and wildlife of the Otago Peninsula.

Whether you’re exploring Dunedin, cycling the Otago Harbour loop, arriving by cruise ship or simply looking for a memorable day on the water, Otago Water Taxis & Tours offers a unique way to experience the harbour.

Why Choose Otago Water Taxis & Tours?

• Scenic Dunedin water taxi services
• Otago Harbour wildlife and sightseeing cruises
• Boat tours to Taiaroa Head
• Royal Albatross and wildlife viewing opportunities
• Bike ferry between Portobello and Port Chalmers
• Bikes and e-bikes welcome
• Cruise ship shore tours
• Private boat charters
• Fishing trips
• Transport to destinations around Otago Harbour
• Multiple harbour pick-up and drop-off locations
• Locally owned and operated by Rob and Holly

Dunedin Water Taxi on Otago Harbour

See Dunedin from a different perspective with a scenic water taxi across Otago Harbour.

Otago Water Taxis provides convenient boat transport between harbour destinations including Dunedin City, Port Chalmers, Portobello and Quarantine Island.

Rather than simply travelling from one place to another, the journey becomes part of your Dunedin experience, with harbour scenery and views of the Otago Peninsula along the way.

Regular pick-up and drop-off locations include:

• Steamer Basin, Dunedin
• Back Beach, Port Chalmers
• Portobello
• Quarantine Island
• Careys Bay
• Macandrew Bay
• Broad Bay
• Otago Yacht Club

Alternative jetty pick-ups may also be available by arrangement.

Dunedin Boat Tours & Wildlife Cruises

Discover the wildlife and dramatic coastal scenery of Otago Harbour on a guided Dunedin boat tour.

The Harbour & Wildlife Tour travels along Otago Harbour aboard Adagio towards Taiaroa Head, home to the mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.

Watch for these magnificent seabirds soaring around the headland and across the water. Other wildlife may also be encountered during the cruise, including seals, penguins and seabirds.

Your skipper and guide provide commentary along the way, sharing information about the harbour, local landmarks and wildlife.

Pick-up: Dunedin or Port Chalmers
Duration: Up to 2 hours
Tour size: Maximum 18 people

Restroom facilities are available onboard.

Royal Albatross & Otago Peninsula Wildlife

Taiaroa Head is one of the highlights of the wildlife cruise and provides the opportunity to view Northern Royal Albatross from the water.

The cruise combines wildlife watching with views across Otago Harbour and the Otago Peninsula, making it an appealing option for photographers, nature lovers, families and visitors looking for memorable boat tours in Dunedin.

Wildlife sightings occur in a natural environment and can vary between trips.

Otago Harbour Bike Ferry

Cycling Te Aka Ōtākou – the Otago Harbour Cycleway?

The Dunedin Bike Ferry provides a quick and scenic harbour crossing for cyclists and connects Port Chalmers and Portobello, helping riders complete the Otago Harbour cycling loop without having to backtrack.

Standard bikes, touring bikes and e-bikes can be carried.

The Port Chalmers to Portobello crossing generally takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on conditions. Scheduled services operate during the season, with additional sailings potentially available during busy periods.

Cruise Ship Shore Tours from Port Chalmers

Visiting Dunedin by cruise ship?

Otago Water Taxis & Tours offers cruise ship shore tours and water taxi services from Port Chalmers, providing an alternative way to explore Otago Harbour and the Otago Peninsula.

Back Beach in Port Chalmers is approximately a 5–10 minute walk from the main street and cruise terminal.

Tours can depart from Port Chalmers or Dunedin, with Harbour & Wildlife Tours lasting up to two hours and accommodating a maximum of 18 passengers.

Private Boat Charters in Dunedin

Experience Otago Harbour your way with a private boat charter.

Private charters can be customised for:

• Sightseeing tours
• Wildlife watching
• Fishing trips
• Birthdays and celebrations
• Anniversaries
• Corporate events and work functions
• Family and friend groups

Private charter experiences can be tailored around your group and the type of day you would like to enjoy on the harbour.

Ferry to Dunedin Events

Heading to an event at Forsyth Barr Stadium or elsewhere around Dunedin?

Otago Water Taxis also operates event ferry services, providing a scenic alternative to driving, parking and traffic.

Event ferry pick-up points can include Port Chalmers, Portobello, Macandrew Bay, Vauxhall Yacht Club and Steamer Basin, depending on the service.

Explore Otago Harbour by Boat

Otago Harbour is much more than a route between Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula.

Travelling by water provides a different perspective of the region’s coastal landscapes, wildlife, harbour communities and historic shoreline.

From a quick Otago Harbour ferry crossing to a wildlife cruise or private charter, Otago Water Taxis & Tours offers several ways to experience this spectacular part of Dunedin.

For more ideas on exploring the region, visit our Otago Travel Guide.

Book Direct with Otago Water Taxis & Tours

Experience Otago Harbour by water with scenic cruises, water taxi services, bike ferry crossings and private charters.

Whether you’re travelling between Port Chalmers and Portobello, exploring Dunedin from the water, cycling the harbour loop or looking for wildlife around Taiaroa Head, Otago Water Taxis & Tours offers a memorable way to experience the harbour.

Support local and book direct with Otago Water Taxis & Tours.