Reservations 877·97·CRAFT  (877·972·7238)

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

Overview


The bustling city of Dunedin has strong links to Scotland in terms of history and architecture -- so much so that its name means "Edinburgh" in Scottish Gaelic. Today, it is the oldest and the fourth-largest city in New Zealand. With a brilliant pairing of old and new, this city meshes together with grace and style. The compact city is built in a narrow valley around the end of Dunedin Bay and is easily walkable.


Ship Location


Cruise ships dock in Port Chalmers, a suburb of Dunedin in the mouth of Otago Harbour that's less than 10 miles from downtown. Port Chalmers is a relatively small community. When cruise ships dock, there is a temporary i-SITE information center at the port to help passengers.


Getting Around


A shuttle bus runs from the dock to The Octagon in the city center. To be on the safe side, allow 30 minutes for the journey. The road follows the bay side, so you'll get a short sightseeing trip as well. Dunedin is laid out in a way that makes exploration easy. The Octagon, an eight-sided plaza bisected by the city's main street, is the center of the city, and most streets surround it in an easy-to-navigate grid. Large parks and rolling hills add bucolic character.


Attractions


Otago Museum explores the region's rich cultural and natural past and present, and it's one of the most complete collections of Maori knowledge on the South Island. You wont leave Dunedin hungry, Plato Restaurant is a regular to Cuisine Magazine's best New Zealand eateries. Try standouts like the Indian seafood curry or grilled salmon on potato gnocchi. If you have time, check out Stuart St Potters Cooperative which houses locally designed handmade pottery and ceramic art from Dunedin and Otago locals. Or follow the seductive scent of rich chocolate to the massive Cadbury World. Factory tours, liquid chocolate waterfalls and chocolate tastings combine for an outing worthy of Willy Wonka.