Things To Do in Dunedin - Port Chalmers
The Port Chalmers Golf Club, only 5minutes drive from dockside, is renowned for its friendly, welcoming attitude and is a popular 3-putt venue. Transport is available for Cruise ship visitors (phone Steve on 027 850 5603 or email Steve at walkersteve4@gmail.com to arrange transport). Fabulous views, the sound of native birds, a crowd-free course and above all, a great golfing challenge for seasoned golfers and a fun filled adventure to those who may be new to the game.
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A 8.7km of predator-exclusion fence, protects reintroduced native animals, including breeding pairs of the very rare Saddlebacks, tuatara and skinks. From the interactive visitor centre are spectacular views over the valley containing three square kilometres of regenerating bush, some of it over a century old containing the tallest tree in New Zealand.
How To Get there: Orokonui is on the northern scenic route from Dunedin via Port Chalmers. If you require transport, contact Orokanui for details of group tours, or Southern Taxis will also provide transport to Orokonui for a fee of approximately NZ $25.00 each way (from Port Chalmers). Book via their website or telephone them, they are open 24 hours
For Cruise ship visitors, staff at Orokonui will organise a Tour at a time to suit your timetable. Either a 1 hour or 2 hour guided walking tours with an expert and friendly guide, allowing visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the enchanting native New Zealand cloud forest. Contact them directly on +64 3 482 1755 or Email Us
All guided tour tickets include a complimentary unguided walking pass to allow guests to explore the Ecosanctuary at leisure.
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A charming 1874 bluestone pub and seafood restaurant, with a waterfront location, and million-dollar harbour views. Friendly service, and fabulous food.
17 Macandrew Rd, Careys Bay, Port Chalmers
Phone (03) 472 8022
Chicks is a popular venue for iconic Dunedin and touring musicians. Over the years, locals and visitors have converged here to see some amazing music being performed. Great atmosphere.
Opening hours are irregular but typically are; Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 8.00pm until 1.00 am. A free bus to ‘Chicks’ from Dunedin is provided whenever there is an event, it departs from outside Countdown at 309 Cumberland Street in Dunedin at 8.30pm, then The Otago University Library at 8.40pm. The return bus to Dunedin leaves Chicks at 1.00am. Check their Facebook page for details.
2 Mount Street, Port Chalmers, Dunedin
Ph 022 672 4578
Offering a free pickup service for Cruise Ship Passengers and crew, Hare Hill Horse Treks is 5 minutes by car from the Wharf around in Deborah Bay. Choose from a 3 hour Beach Ride rNZ $160pp; a Scenic Harbour Trek 1-2 hours NZ $85; an Individual NZ $45 or Joint NZ $40 Riding Lesson with We offer a free pick up for bus and Cruise Ship passengers and crew. All riding gear is supplied if necessary and all levels of riding ability are catered for from from first timers to experienced riders in dressage and cross country.
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“A five star cycle ride”
Modern multi-terrain general purpose cycles and cycle helmet are included in the cost of these trips. Two different self guided heritage tour maps are provided.
The first trip is a shorter local history and heritage trip of 4.2 Km around Back Beach and other scenic heritage Port Chalmers sites. Riding at a gentle pace, with stops, this trip takes approximately 30 minutes.
The longer trip follows the coast all the way out to the Southern Pacific Ocean. The route is scenic with gentle flat terrain ride out alongside the harbours edge to the to the Pacific Ocean, on paved roads. This 11 Km (one way) trip takes 2-3 hours return out to the spectacular untouched beauty of Aramoana Beach with its long white sands, reputed to be one of the best beaches in Otago with abundant wildlife and shellfish.
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Newly refurbished, delightful light and warm, with many interesting exhibits on 2 levels.
This unique museum was formerly the Post and Telegraph Office when Captain Scott and his crew left Port Chalmers for Antarctica on 29 November 1910. The last letters and telegrams they sent went from this building.
The museum includes a photographic database of over 5000 images, currently digitally stored, with another 10,000 to be downloaded at some time in the future. Ink jet reproductions are available.
Other significant collections held here include: David Alexander De Maus, Otago Harbour Board. The painting collection contains a sizeable collection of 19th and 20th century paintings. These images reflect the tradition of artists settling in the Port Chalmers area. A tradition that continues today with Port Chalmers home to a very active artist community.
Researchers and enquiries from information from the archives are free and are welcome. It may be best to call first so staff can find information you require before you arrive.
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“One of the best tours I have had in New Zealand!”
Heritage Pub Tour - A unique tour of character heritage hotels stories of local characters and events from the days of early sealers and whalers, watersiders, intrepid adventurers.
This tour takes approx 3 hours visiting 4 -5 hotels tasting NZ Quality Boutique Beers at New Zealand Prices this is with your own guide a knowledgeable and experienced local historian and guide. This is a walking tour but on easy flat contours.
You can book for this Tour onboard Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, for other cruises please contact Pete through his website.
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If you'd like to come sailing with us, there are usually free places available. You can ring first (Clubhouse 03 472 7081), or simply turn up at the clubhouse on race day. Arrive an hour or so before start time & make yourself known. Check out the Race Program and dates here.
Racing is generally held in the Otago Harbour just close to the clubhouse, with many vantage points for viewing or if you would prefer just to watch you are able to relax and watch from the lawn outside the Clubhouse.
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With an adjacent room dedicated for visitors and providing free WiFi, the library is a warm inviting place with seats for relaxing and reading, within 100 metres to the Cruise ship wharf. The opening hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9.30am - 5.30pm Thursday: 9.30am - 8.00pm and Saturday: 11.00am - 2.00pm Sundays closed.
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The Dunedin Community Salmon Trust - Salmon Hatchery
Established in 2008 the The Dunedin Community Salmon Trust has established a salmon rearing facility at the Sawyers Bay in Port Chalmers. Annually salmon fry are released into the Otago Harbour and in 2014 they are hoping to release at least 200,000. The hatchery is maintained by a dedicated group of Trust & Community volunteers in making Dunedin – Salmon City! The only City in the Southern Hemisphere where salmon can be caught off the inner city wharf. Arrangements to visit the hatchery can be made by contacting the Trust Secretary Wendy.
Visit The Dunedin Community Salmon Trust Website:
The Dunedin Community Salmon Trust Facebook Page:
Dunedin-Port Chalmers Road, Sawyers Bay, Dunedin. Contact Trust Secretary Wendy: Tel +643 487 7727 or Mobile: 027 487 7012
