Welcome Cruise Visitors – Ōtepoti Dunedin
Kia ora and haere mai! Most ships dock at Port Chalmers, the gateway to Ōtepoti Dunedin. Smaller ships may dock at the Dunedin City Wharf.
Here’s how to get to the city, and how to explore once you’re here.
Distance from Port Chalmers: 14 km/15–20 minutes to the city by shuttle.[2][3]
Wi‑Fi: Free Wi‑Fi available at the Port Chalmers cruise terminal; library Wi‑Fi in the city.5]
Visitor Welcome: isite staff and volunteers greet you at the wharf with up‑to‑date tour info.
Getting from Port Chalmers to the City
Cruise Shuttle
Most cruise lines operate shuttles direct to central Dunedin - either to the Octagon or on large cruise ship days to the Toitu Settlers Museum. The journey is 15–20 minutes via scenic Highway 88. Availability and pricing vary by cruise line—please check onboard.
- Wayfinding - At the Toitu Settlers Museum Shuttle Stop wayfinding lines will guide to the pop isite Visitor Centre, the Dunedin Railway Station and direct to the city centre.
Public Bus (Orbus Route 14)
Route 14 connects Port Chalmers with Dunedin city; approx 30 minutes. Weekdays run every 20–30 minutes; weekends hourly. Expect around NZ$5 each way.
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis and Uber operate at the port. Typical fares are NZ$45–60 to the city centre, depending on traffic and demand.
Rental Cars
Ideal if you’re exploring the wider region (e.g Otago Peninsula). Rentals are available in the city; book ahead during cruise days.
Getting Around Dunedin
Walkable city
Dunedin is a “15‑minute city”—the Octagon, Railway Station, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, and shopping streets are all within easy walking distance.
Orbus
Frequent services across the city and suburbs.
E‑scooters & bikes
Handy for short hops across town.
Taxis/Uber
Door‑to‑door convenience for tight schedules.