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Water Taxi, Ferry or Tour Around Dunedin's Otago Harbour

Enjoy breathtaking scenery and wildlife while ferrying around the harbour. From Dunedin to Port Chalmers and Portobello.

Come Join Us

Join our Harbour & Wildlife Tour to witness the majestic Royal Albatross near the Albatross Centre and possibly see the world’s smallest penguins, along with the stunning sights of Dunedin Peninsula.

We’ll Water Taxi you to and from Port Chalmers to Portobello via Quarantine Island or any one of our other destinations including transfers to Larnach Castle and ferry to Steamer Basin, Dunedin.

Enjoy a scenic cycle along the Otago Peninsula, with a Bike Ferry across the harbour from Portobello to Port Chalmers or return.

Looking for something special? Book a Private Charter for celebrations, work events, private tours, or even a relaxing day of fishing.

Choose Your Tour Or Water Taxi Service

Harbour & Wildlife Tours

Dunedin Wildlife Cruises is at the top of the list of Dunedin attractions. View the wildlife in action as our boat trip extends out to Taiaroa Heads, the only mainland breeding colony of the North Royal Albatross.

Water Taxi

Come aboard our Water Taxi to be transported to beautiful destinations across the Otago Peninsula. Whether you're enjoying the harbour, dining at a café or restaurant or just enjoying a day out, we can provide your alternative transport.

Bike Ferry

Enjoy the scenery while riding Te Aka Otakou - the Otago Harbour Cycleway, and take our bike ferry from one side of the harbour to the other.

Private Charters

The Otago Harbour is the perfect spot for a private event, celebration or get together with friends or colleagues.

Events

Never get caught in traffic queues again when your ferry with Dunedin's Otago Water Taxis. How enjoyable to combine a harbour cruise with a day or night out, reliable and stress free alternative transport.

Meet the team

Rob and Holly, the husband-and-wife team behind Otago Water Taxis, are passionate about sharing Otago Harbour’s beauty. Rob skippers the boats with expert care, while Holly ensures smooth, friendly service from shore to sea.
Rob
Holly

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faqs

We recommend wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Layers are a good idea, as temperatures can change on the water. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. Flat, closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles are essential for safety. Additionally, bring a camera or smartphone to capture the incredible sights, and if you're prone to motion sickness, consider taking a preventative remedy before boarding.

Absolutely! Our boat tours are designed to be family-friendly and enjoyable for all ages. We offer a range of experiences suitable for kids and adults alike. Our knowledgeable guides provide engaging and educational commentary that can captivate young minds, and our boats are equipped with safety features to ensure a secure and comfortable journey for everyone. Whether you're a family of nature enthusiasts or just looking for a fun day out, we welcome families aboard with open arms.

We strive to make our boat tours as accessible as possible. Please let us know about any specific mobility requirements when booking, and we'll do our best to accommodate them. Our crew is trained to assist passengers with mobility challenges, however there is a 20cm drop down on to the boat which limits wheelchair accessibility.

Yes we have restroom facilities and some boarding and embarking locations have public toilets nearby.

What others are saying

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Joann Baker profile picture
Joann Baker
17 May 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
This was fun! A water taxi to the other side where his wife met us. She took us to Larnach Castle, which was beautiful! Then a return trip back to the boat was just as beautiful!
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Chris Davey profile picture
Chris Davey
30 March 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Donna and I couldn't have asked for a better crew to show us around. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Certainly outdid what we were expecting. Rob and Holly really made sure we enjoyed our tour. Highly recommend them. The Albatross were awesome to see. Thank you for an amazing tour.
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Robert Sowerby profile picture
Robert Sowerby
28 March 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Amazing experience and excellent customer service the staff were top notch would highly recommend.
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Ron Berg profile picture
Ron Berg
22 March 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Rob & Holly were each great - and CLEAR - in getting us from Port Chalmers to the pickup for Larnach Castle, and Dunedin. Plus, great local insights!
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Angus Woodbury profile picture
Angus Woodbury
10 March 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Picked up the Water Taxi in Dunedin, learned some things about the harbor, bays and area.. a quick, fun, informative trip. Holly picked us up at McAndrew Bay, the road up to the castle had just been closed due to a public utility emergency. Holly figured out a different, longer.... more scenic route and got us there easily. After the castle, she picked us up and because we were a little concerned about time, took us all the way back to our ship. Above and beyond.. also fun and informative. Highly recommend!
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Susan Neufeld profile picture
Susan Neufeld
26 February 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Following a refreshing boat ride to Macandrew Bay we met Holly and drove up to the castle. I had wonder about the gardens and then an entertaining trip back to the octagon. A+ trip - especially if you love gardens.
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Maud van de Looy profile picture
Maud van de Looy
25 February 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We had an amazing experience, spotted a lot of different wildlife, all with great explanations. Highly recommended!
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Adrian Olsen profile picture
Adrian Olsen
22 February 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent operation, both Rob and Holly were so friendly and helpful. Getting our bikes on and off the boat was simple and quick. Highly recommend
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Mark Heeley profile picture
Mark Heeley
10 February 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Well organised trip from Port Chalmers to Larnach Castle and onto Dunedin by Rob and Holly. Did this trip on a cruise stop. Friendly and professional service and would recommend them for tours to other Cruisers or people in the area. Excellent tour! Thanks from the Heeleys
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Ian Ashcroft profile picture
Ian Ashcroft
3 January 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great service from Steamer Basin and across the bay to pick up our bus to Lanarch Castle and returned to Dunedin. Great price and knowledgeable staff for a mini tour of the area on our way back to town. Would recommend 👌

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