Nelson

Port Chalmers

New Zealand

Explore the rugged beauty of the Otago Peninsula where yellow-eyed penguins and albatrosses thrive in their natural coastal habitat.

Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Language English, Te Reo Māori
Time Zone NZDT (UTC+13)
Best Time to Visit Nov–Mar
Typical Duration 14-25 nights
Price Range From $722 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to Dunedin and New Zealand's South Island, offering access to stunning natural landscapes, wildlife encounters, and Maori cultural experiences.

Cruises that visit Port Chalmers

Build Your Day in Port Chalmers

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Larnach Castle Victorian-era stately home & gardens Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 5k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Careys Bay Historic Hotel Excellent place to catch up with whanau good food and great beer on tap Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Vault 21 Central plaza with a Robert Burns statue Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Starfish Cafe & Bar Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery New Zealand · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
Signal Hill Lookout Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Emerson's Brewery Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Orokonui Ecosanctuary Wildlife refuge with walking tracks Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Flagstaff Lookout Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Glenfalloch Garden Café & Restaurant We had a fine meal, good food, service and atmosphere! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Allans Beach Lovely sandy beach with waves, although we didn’t go swimming Wildlife park · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Cafe Santosha Takeout: 9 AM–3 PM Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Tītī Restaurant Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Portsider Dine-in·No delivery Pub · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours Southern Ocean wildlife-spotting trips Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
The Duck Otepoti Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Augustines of Portobello Fantastic meals, pastries and preserves, friendly service, great atmosphere Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed
Union Co Cafe A seat in the sun and good food perfect Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Futomaki Port Chalmers Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Asian Fusion · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Four Square Port Chalmers Prepared foods·Credit cards Grocery store · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Fugue St Clair Amazing soup, great service, lovely atmosphere and overlooking the ocean :) Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Graze and Glow Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Moons Restaurant and Bar Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM Wed
Port Fish Supply No dine-in Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Tomahawk Beach Lovely sandy beach with views of a rugged coastline. Nature preserve · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Port Otago Port authority · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Lady Thorn Rhododendron Dell Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Port Chalmers Maritime Museum Maritime museum · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Macandrew Bay Beach Lots of afternoon swimmers at times. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal Cruise terminal · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Port to Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours Tour operator · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Waterloo Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Victory Beach Beautiful beach, with an easy trail from the parking area. Nature preserve · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Sushi Johnny Onsite services Japanese · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Second Beach Sharp cliff and strong waves, be careful when bringing children or pets. Nature preserve · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Tokyo Tokyo Asian Cuisine Dine-in·Takeout Asian · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Portside Takeaways Takeout·Delivery·No dine-in Chinese Takeout · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Centenary Lookout Scenic spot · ★ 4.6 · 0k
On the Spot Windsor In-store shopping Convenience store · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Broad Bay Beach Reserve And theres space for a picnic on the grass or tables. Nature preserve · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Watson Park Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Smaill's Beach I could observe some seals both on the beach and in the water. Nature preserve · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Chapman Store Delivery Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Boulder Beach Beach · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Port Chalmers Recreation Reserve Park · ★ 4.6 · 0k
2gypsies In-store shopping Store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
The Flying Whale - David Elliot Art and Gifts Delivery Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Wed
Falafel Brothers Dunedin Takeout Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Lady Thorn Dell Lookout Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Back Beach Park · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The “Nine Fathom Foul” Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Arcadia Books Onsite services Store · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Fossick Past&Present - antique store Store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Wed
Dunedin Sea Birds Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Shore Trips and Tours NZ Tour operator · ★ 3.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Crafty Banker, Hand-made Pottery & Gifts Store · ★ 3.3 · 0k
The Flying Whale (Mural) Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
PIECES Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Port Charmers Artisan Markets Market · ★ 3 · 0k
Careys Bay Beach Park · ★ 4 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Port Chalmers

About Port Chalmers

Port Chalmers serves as a scenic port of call on Australia and New Zealand cruises, welcoming four major cruise lines including Holland America Line, Silversea, Seabourn, and Carnival Cruise Line. With 42 upcoming sailings and a strong presence during the Southern Hemisphere summer months of November through March, this Otago port offers cruisers convenient access to some of the region's most sought-after destinations. Most voyages departing from or visiting Port Chalmers feature extended 14-night itineraries that explore the best of Australia and New Zealand, including stops in Sydney, Wellington, Auckland, Hobart, and Tauranga.

Passengers docking here discover a charming coastal town with easy access to the vibrant cultural attractions of nearby Dunedin, one of New Zealand's most distinctive cities. Whether you're exploring local galleries and museums or venturing into the stunning Otago Peninsula to encounter native wildlife, Port Chalmers provides an authentic Kiwi experience that complements any Southern Hemisphere cruise itinerary beautifully.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Dunedin's Victorian Heritage

Just 12 kilometers from Port Chalmers, Dunedin's stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture awaits exploration. Wander through the historic Octagon district, visit the impressive Dunedin Railway Station, and discover the city's gold-rush era charm. This walkable cultural hub offers museums, galleries, and heritage sites perfect for a port day adventure.

2

Fresh Seafood at the Waterfront

Port Chalmers' working harbor delivers exceptional fresh seafood experiences. Sample locally caught fish and chips, oysters, and mussels at waterfront eateries, or visit the fish market to see the daily catch. The casual harbor-side dining captures authentic New Zealand coastal culture with stunning bay views.

3

Otago Peninsula's Wildlife Wonders

Encounter native New Zealand wildlife on the scenic Otago Peninsula, accessible via short drive from port. Spot yellow-eyed penguins returning at dusk, fur seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat. This rugged, windswept landscape offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and dramatic coastal photography opportunities unique to this region.

4

Quirky Local Shops & Galleries

Port Chalmers' charming village center features independent boutiques, art galleries, and craft shops showcasing local artisans' work. Browse handmade jewelry, pottery, and Māori-inspired crafts while supporting community creators. The intimate shopping experience reflects authentic New Zealand character far removed from typical cruise port commercialism.

5

Brewery Tours & Local Craft Beer

Dunedin's thriving craft beer scene is just minutes away, with several breweries offering tastings and tours. Sample locally-brewed ales while learning about New Zealand's booming craft beverage culture. Friendly brewmasters share stories of the region's brewing heritage, making this a relaxed, social port experience.

Cruise Lines at Port Chalmers

Cruises Departing From Port Chalmers

Cruises Visiting Port Chalmers

Ship Schedule at Port Chalmers

Port Chalmers Location

Other Cruise Ports in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Port Chalmers?

Port Chalmers is an official port in New Zealand's Otago region.

Where is Port Chalmers located?

It is near Dunedin, Otago, at approximately -45.8167 latitude and 170.6 longitude.

What does NZPOE stand for?

NZPOE is the UN/LOCODE for Port Chalmers.

What is notable about Port Chalmers?

Historic gateway to Dunedin with wildlife such as Royal Albatross and yellow-eyed penguins in the region.