Dunedin (Pt. Chalmers), New Zealand 

Down in the south-east corner of New Zealand’s South Island lies the beautiful, moody Otago Peninsula, created many millions of years ago by massive volcanic eruptions and tectonic upheavals.

Rich farmlands, vineyards, great tracts of wilderness, mountains and a magnificent shoreline draw travellers from around the world. To many, the area resembles parts of Scotland, with rugged, picturesque beauty melding with the ocean and charming, Victorian-era Dunedin, New Zealand’s fourth largest city and the South Island’s second biggest metropolis after Christchurch.

Your P&O ship docks in Port Chalmers, approximately 20 kilometres from the city of Dunedin.

Taxis are available pier-side and at designated taxi stands throughout the city. For a small charge shuttle buses will be available to transfer you to a designated drop-off location in the city. Shutle bus tickets can be purchased from the Shore Tours desk.

Shopping is available along George Street. The various boutiques and department stores sell everything from arts and crafts to clothing. Popular buys are natural woollen products, native woodwork, and items of Scottish Heritage.

As befits a sophisticated university city, Dunedin has a vibrant café and cuisine culture, with restaurants, bars and cafés ranging from edgy and funky to formal and international, and everything in between. You’ll find a host of cafés and restaurants around the Octagon (an octagonal series of streets in downtown Dunedin), Lower Stuart Street, Princes Street and George Street.

Dunedin’s climate is dry and mild, though summer temperatures can become quite hot. Mostly though, the maximum temperature on a summer’s day will be around the low 20s C (around 70 degrees F). The air is clear and free of smog and summer offers the joy of an extended twilight. Occasionally, Dunedin will experience ‘four seasons in a day’.

Tipping in New Zealand is optional. Tips are usually given only for exceptional service. Between five and ten percent of the bill would be reasonable in a good restaurant if the service has been excellent.

Major credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted. Automatic teller machines provide currency to foreign card holders.

Public telephones are available in Port Chalmers and throughout the city.2

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please ensure that you wear comfortable, flat soled shoes and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen and bottled water. It’s also a good idea to bring a warm, waterproof jacket – just in case the wind comes up or it rains.

There are a variety of tours available for you to enjoy during your time in Dunedin. Subject to availability tours may be booked onboard at the Shore Tours Desk.

Passengers will meet at a specific location for each shore tour departure. Please refer to the daily onboard newsletter for the correct place and time. Your friendly Shore Tour staff will be at that location to assist you.