Port Chalmers

Port Otago has two berthing facilities. Larger ships need to berth at Port Chalmers and smaller ships may berth at Port Dunedin which is closer to the city of Dunedin.

Port Chalmers is 13.1km (8.1 miles) to Dunedin. Check with your cruise ship for shuttle services from the pier into Dunedin city with drop off outside the Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Centre, near the Octagon, a local landmark.

On foot
Port Chalmers is a small township and is best explored on foot. Discover Port Chalmers’ interesting mix of galleries, design boutiques, cafes and antique stores of which most still reside in original historic buildings.

Once in Dunedin city, it is also easily explored on foot, with the city centred around the Octagon.

Public Buses
You will need to get transportation to get to Dunedin. If you wish to explore Dunedin city, you can take the local bus service from Port Chalmers to Dunedin City which will take around half an hour. Bus departs from the corner of Harrington, Fox and Meridian Streets. To return to Port Chalmers, go to Cumberland Street stand 4 (outside Countdown), and catch the Port Chalmers bus back. It should cost around NZD 5 each way.

Once in the city centre (Dunedin), you can use the local buses to see the city from around NZD 1.50. 

Taxis
Taxis are available in the maritime precinct.

In Dunedin, freephone 0800 789 789, www.corporatecabs.co.nz

Not all taxis accept credit cards - please ask your driver before boarding.

It is around 15 minutes of drive time from Port Chalmers to Dunedin city.


Car Rental
We recommend booking rental cars in advance. Visit Transport section for further details of rental car companies in the Dunedin region.

Recommended Shopping
Dunedin’s best shopping areas stretch from George Street to Princes Streets around the Octagon.

You can find a list of shopping options in Dunedin on DunedinNZ.com. Click on 'Food Fashion Coffee' to see detailed listings.

Recommended Restaurants, Cafes and Bars
You can find a list of restaurants, cafes and bars in Dunedin on DunedinNZ.com. Click on 'Food Fashion Coffee' to see detailed listings.

Nearest Post Shop
Golden Centre Paper Plus: 251 George Street, Dunedin, +64 3 477 4291

Dunedin Post Shop (Metro): 243 Princes Street, Dunedin, +64 3 477 3517

Visit the New Zealand Post website for more details.

Nearest Internet Café
Port Chalmers Public Library directly opposite the port entrance. 

There are various internet cafes in the central city (Dunedin).

Nearest Supermarket
New World: 63 George Street, Port Chalmers, +64 3 472 8746

Activities within 5km of the port

Visit the Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Centre to get some ideas on the outstanding range of scenic highlights, activities and attractions in the Dunedin region. There is an information kiosk on cruise ship days by the wharf.

Dunedin i-SITE: 48 The Octagon, +64 3 474 3300, www.dunedinnz.com

Your cruise ship will berth onto a working port, but Port Otago has put on basic passenger facilities to try and make your time in port a relatively comfortable experience. You should be greeted by friendly and helpful locals who can supply you with maps and information as well as important information such as where to find money changing facilities.

As Dunedin is one of New Zealand’s largest cities, you will be handy to shopping, dining and all sorts of urban comforts. If you need some local assistance, call into the Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Centre, located by the Octagon.