Water Taxi and Shuttle to Larnach Castle
Overview
The quickest and most fun option to get to see New Zealands only castle. A fast water taxi ride across the beautiful Otago Harbour to Macandrew Bay, a small seaside village on the Otago Peninsula. Here you transfer to our executive shuttle van for your scenic drive up the hill to the castle. Your entry fee to the castle and gardens is included in your fare.
You'll have an hour and a half to explore the castle and gardens. You'll then be brought back down to the harbour, for your second water taxi ride into Steamer Basin, in the heart of Dunedin.
From Steamer Basin it's a short 5 minute walk to the iconic Dunedin Railway Station and Toitu, the Settlers Museum. This is also the departure point for the Cruise ship shuttles that return to Port.
Please note -
Trips from 8.30am - 10.30am and the 11.30am trip leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers.
Trips from 11.00 and 12.10pm leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city.
What's Included
- Option for pick-up from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Contact us for availability.
- Discounted return trips back to Port Chalmers
- Option for pick-up from Steamer Basin in Dunedin. Contact us for availability.
- Entry ticket to the Castle and Gardens included in your fare
- Drop off to Dunedin
- Bottled water Please bring your own drink bottle
- Bring a warm jacket for those colder days
- Return trips to Port Chalmers depend on availability on the day $35 NZD, per passenger.
Meeting Location
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
A scenic 10-15 minute water taxi ride across the harbour from Port Chalmers or Dunedin to Macandrew Bay where you will board our shuttle van for a 10 minute ride up the hill to the famous Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand.
This service includes your entry ticket to the castle and gardens. You have 1.5 to 2 hours to explore. We then pick you up in the van for the ride back down to the harbour, and your water taxi ride into Dunedin. Options to return to Port Chalmers can be organized on the day of travel.
Please note -
Trips from 8.30 am - 11.30 am leave from Back Beach, Port Chalmers.
Trips from 11.00 and later leave from Steamer Basin, Dunedin city.
Additional Info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Our guide is available for the transport and entry to the Castle only. The tour of the castle and gardens is self guided.
- Alternative departure points can be arranged subject to availability and other bookings.
- Your departure point depends on the time of your tour. Trips from 8.30am to 10.30am and the 11.30 trip depart from Back Beach, Port Chalmers and finish in Dunedin. Trips leaving at 11.00am and 12.10pm depart from Steamer Basin in Dunedin.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(8)Q: Will I get seasick on Water Taxi and Shuttle to Larnach Castle?
A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.87 out of 5 stars based on 91 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Option for pick-up from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Contact us for availability.
- Discounted return trips back to Port Chalmers.
- Option for pick-up from Steamer Basin in Dunedin. Contact us for availability.
- Entry ticket to the Castle and Gardens included in your fare.
- Drop off to Dunedin.
- Bottled water. Please bring your own drink bottle.
- Bring a warm jacket for those colder days.
- Return trips to Port Chalmers depend on availability on the day $35 NZD, per passenger.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Water Taxi and Shuttle to Larnach Castle is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Water Taxi and Shuttle to Larnach Castle will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Option for pick-up from Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Contact us for availability.
- Discounted return trips back to Port Chalmers
- Option for pick-up from Steamer Basin in Dunedin. Contact us for availability.
- Entry ticket to the Castle and Gardens included in your fare
- Drop off to Dunedin
- Bottled waterPlease bring your own drink bottle
- Bring a warm jacket for those colder days
- Return trips to Port Chalmers depend on availability on the day $35 NZD, per passenger.
Additional Info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Our guide is available for the transport and entry to the Castle only. The tour of the castle and gardens is self guided.
- Alternative departure points can be arranged subject to availability and other bookings.
- Your departure point depends on the time of your tour. Trips from 8.30am to 10.30am and the 11.30 trip depart from Back Beach, Port Chalmers and finish in Dunedin. Trips leaving at 11.00am and 12.10pm depart from Steamer Basin in Dunedin.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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