Dunedin tours

Things to do in Dunedin

Dunedin, with its rugged coastline and roots steeped in Scottish heritage, extends an invitation to explore its unique blend of natural and cultural landscapes. The historical architecture speaks volumes of a bygone era, and there's a certain charm in wandering through its streets. On Dunedin tours, with a local guide at your side, you’ll discover stories woven into the very fabric of the city. Whether it’s the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula or the historic centre's intriguing past, the local touch ensures a deeper connection. Private tours in Dunedin let you bypass the usual queues, revealing the city's hidden stories and subtle delights. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Dunedin. Explore Dunedin your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Dunedin tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Dunedin for every interest, including: Layover tours: With a few hours from the airport or Port Chalmers, your guide can time a loop to the Railway Station, Baldwin Street, and the Octagon for a cheese roll and coffee, then out along the Otago Peninsula. You’ll be returned on schedule, with luggage handled and photo stops kept efficient. Nature and Wildlife tours: Walk the dunes at Sandfly Bay to watch New Zealand sea lions haul out, then visit Penguin Place for a guided encounter with rare yellow‑eyed penguins from camouflaged hides. If the tide allows, add Tunnel Beach for coastal arches and fossils. Bird Watching tours: Scan the skies at Taiaroa Head for soaring northern royal albatross, and scope shag colonies and waders around Hoopers Inlet. For forest species, your guide can take you to Orokonui Ecosanctuary to look for kākā, kākāriki, and tūī on easy tracks. The central city is walkable and local buses cover main routes, but the peninsula and wildlife sites are best reached by car. Ask about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation for smooth timing. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Dunedin inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour to discover the distinctive charm of Dunedin and think about adding some popular neighborhoods to your itinerary with a local guide. There’s no better way to truly know a neighborhood than having a local by your side. - Octagon: The heart of Dunedin, this area is perfect for cultural tourists and anyone interested in architecture. Surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes, it’s a great spot to soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere. - St. Clair: Known for its stunning beach and surf culture, St. Clair is ideal for families and those looking to relax by the ocean. Enjoy a walk along the esplanade or take a dip in the saltwater pool. - Port Chalmers: A short drive from the city center, this port town offers a mix of art galleries and historic sites. Perfect for cultural tourists, explore its creative community and maritime history. Day trip ideas from Dunedin Base yourself in Dunedin and use the day to reach wild coastlines, heritage towns, and cool-climate wine country, with day trips that are simple to tailor into your tour. - Otago Peninsula: Follow the harbour road out and the high road back for big views, beach walks, and a chance to see sea birds or sea lions from safe distances; perfect if you like coastal landscapes, wildlife spotting, and photography, with your tour choosing lookouts and tracks suited to the tides and weather. - Moeraki Boulders and Oamaru: Drive north for the round boulders on Koekohe Beach, then carry on to Oamaru’s limestone streets and harbour; good for geology, art, and local food, with your tour balancing beach time and town wandering. - The Catlins: Go southeast for rainforest, waterfalls like Purakaunui, and cliff-top walks to Nugget Point; a strong option if you enjoy quiet roads, short hikes, and rugged coastlines, with your tour planning the order around daylight and road conditions. - Central Otago via Clyde and Cromwell: Trade the coast for big skies, rivers, and old stone towns, stopping for historic bridges, fruit stalls, and vineyard viewpoints; suits history fans and landscape lovers, with your tour mixing scenic drives and easy trails. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Dunedin most travellers miss.