Otago Peninsula's Hidden Gems: A Self Guided Driving Tour

4.0 (one review) 3 hours – 3 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

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4.0

Otago Peninsula's Hidden Gems: A Self Guided Driving Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Otago Peninsula's Hidden Gems: A Self Guided Driving Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

The Otago Peninsula stretches like a finger from the city of Dunedin into the Pacific Ocean, creating a unique landscape where harbor meets high cliffs, rolling farmland and rugged coastlines. On this self-guided driving tour, you'll experience the peninsula's diverse ecosystems, discover hidden beaches, encounter remarkable wildlife, and explore historical sites that tell the story of early Māori and European settlement in New Zealand's southeast corner.

You'll start at the Portobello Road Information Stop, before driving along the winding harbor road. You'll have opportunities to visit the award-winning Glenfalloch Gardens, explore the beaches at Macandrew Bay and Broad Bay, and stop at the historic Fletcher House. The journey continues over the peninsula to the wild Pacific side where secluded beaches, volcanic formations like The Pyramids, and abundant marine wildlife await your discovery.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours – 3 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing by

Glenfalloch is a historic woodland garden featuring colourful flowers, native ferns, and tranquil streams. Visitors experience the grounds by following the gentle walking paths at their own pace.
Fletcher House

Passing by

Fletcher House is a meticulously restored Edwardian villa, offering a glimpse into domestic life in 1909. You will experience the home's authentic period furnishings and architecture during a guided tour.
Stop 3

Passing by

Port to Port is a harbour ferry and cruise operator providing transport and wildlife tours. Your route passes their departure point, offering views of the vessels and harbour activity.
Otago Peninsula Museum and Historical Society

Passing by

The Portobello Museum is housed in a former Priory and details the peninsula's local history. You will experience this stop by browsing the collected photographs, artefacts, and displays inside.
Stop 5

Passing by

Monarch Wildlife Cruises is a boat tour operator departing from Wellers Rock for wildlife viewing. Your route stops at their departure point, where you can observe the boats and harbour.
The Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance

Passing by

OPERA is a conservation alliance dedicated to restoring native biodiversity on the peninsula. Visitors experience the project's impact by observing the extensive predator-proof fence and the protected landscapes.
The Royal Albatross Centre

Passing by

The Royal Albatross Centre is the world's only mainland breeding colony for Northern Royal Albatross. You will experience this landmark by viewing the birds from a protected observatory and visiting the educational displays.
Allans Beach

Passing by

Allan's Beach is a broad, sandy coastline known for its dunes and populations of sea lions and seals. You will experience this area by walking along the shore, observing the wildlife from a respectful distance.
Sandfly Bay Track

Passing by

Sandfly Bay is a remote, windswept bay featuring a massive sand dune and dramatic coastal cliffs. Visitors experience the site by walking down the steep dune to the beach, a common location for spotting sea lions and penguins.
Larnach Castle & Gardens

Passing by

Larnach Castle is New Zealand's only castle, notable for its Victorian architecture and restored interiors. Visitors experience the landmark by touring the opulent rooms and exploring the extensive, themed gardens.
Stop 11

Passing by

The Soldiers Monument is a memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers, located at one of the peninsula's highest points. You will experience this stop by observing the 360-degree panoramic views over the harbour and surrounding landscape.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour starts at the Portobello Road Information Stop on Portsmouth Drive. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading."

End point

The tour ends at Tuppence Cafe.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]