Royal Princess
43% offbalcony
South PacificSouth Pacific - Australia
Port Chalmers Cruise Port
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
Port Chalmers is a small port town located in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island.
Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#109
of 318 ports in the South Pacific
Today · high / low
67° / 38°
October normals
South Pacific - Australia
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
// Port Chalmers cruise port overview
The cruise port in Port Chalmers,
explained
Lat: 45.9°SLong: 170.5°ETimezone: Pacific/AucklandINTN code: PCM
Port Chalmers is a small port town located in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island. It is situated on the Otago Harbour, just 8 kilometres from the city of Dunedin.
The town is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of galleries, cafes, and restaurants. It is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the old Customs House and the Port Chalmers Museum.
The town is a popular destination for tourists, with a range of activities and attractions to explore. There are plenty of walking and cycling trails, as well as a number of beaches and parks.
The town is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Port Chalmers Seafood Festival and the Port Chalmers Arts Festival. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, Port Chalmers is a great place to visit and explore.
Ships visiting
12 lines
18 ships call at Port Chalmers
Peak passenger day
6,070
cruise passengers ashore
Excursions from
$17
per person · 37 tours
Most ships dock at
7:00 AM
arrival for 57% of calls
Average port time
10h
alongside, typical call
Excursions in Port Chalmers start at $17.
Browse Port Chalmers excursions// Port Chalmers Cruise Deals
Price drops on cruises to Port Chalmers
184 cruises stop here in Port Chalmers during the next 12 months. The cruise price drops below represent the largest decrease in price against each Port Chalmers cruise's 90-day average.
Prices refreshed daily
Royal Princess
42% offoceanview
Royal Princess
39% offoceanview
Royal Princess
38% offoceanview
Celebrity Edge
35% offsuite
Royal Princess
34% offinside
Royal Princess
34% offoceanview
Azamara Pursuit
33% offsuite
// Port Chalmers Cruise Port location
Where is Port Chalmers Cruise Port?
Port Chalmers is located in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, approximately 8 km northeast of the city of Dunedin. It is situated at the head of Otago Harbour, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean. The port is surrounded by hills and is close to the city centre, making it a popular destination for cruise ships. The port is well-equipped with modern facilities, including a passenger terminal, cargo handling facilities, and a range of services for cruise ships.
- General location
- South Pacific
- Category
- South Pacific - Australia
- Coordinates
- 45.88°S, 170.52°E
- Time zone
- Pacific/Auckland
Cruise port · 45.88°S, 170.52°E
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Port Chalmers cruise port guide
What to do in Port Chalmers
A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.
Your day ashore
You'll have about 10 hours in Port Chalmers. Most ships dock around 7:00 AM.
Median across 58 scheduled calls
Ways to spend the day
3 themesTheme 1
Cycling
Cycling is a great way to explore the area around Port Chalmers. There are a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. You can explore the Otago Peninsula, where you can spot wildlife such as penguins, seals, and albatrosses. You can also take a leisurely ride along the waterfront, taking in the sights and sounds of the harbor.
Theme 2
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Port Chalmers. There are a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. From the summit of Flagstaff Hill, you can enjoy stunning views of the harbor and the city. You can also explore the Otago Peninsula, where you can spot wildlife such as penguins, seals, and albatrosses.
Theme 3
Shopping
Shopping is a great way to explore the city of Port Chalmers. There are a variety of shops to choose from, ranging from souvenir shops to boutiques. You can find unique items such as handmade jewelry, local art, and New Zealand-made products. There are also a variety of cafes and restaurants to explore, where you can sample the local cuisine.
Port Chalmers cruise port beaches
3 in our guideS
St. Clair Beach
St. Clair Beach is a popular beach located near Port Chalmers in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is a long, sandy beach with a wide range of activities available, including swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball. The beach is also home to a number of cafes and restaurants, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the views of the Otago Harbour.
T
Tunnel Beach
Tunnel Beach is a stunning beach located near Port Chalmers in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is a secluded beach with a unique feature - a tunnel carved into the cliff face that leads down to the beach. The beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and offers stunning views of the Otago Harbour. It is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and exploring the unique rock formations.
T
Tomahawk Beach
Tomahawk Beach is a beautiful beach located near Port Chalmers in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is a long, sandy beach with a wide range of activities available, including swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball. The beach is also home to a number of cafes and restaurants, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the views of the Otago Harbour. It is also a popular spot for fishing, with a number of rock pools and reefs to explore.
// Port Chalmers fun facts
Port Chalmers' Arts Scene
Port Chalmers is home to a vibrant arts scene. The town is home to a number of galleries, including the Port Chalmers Gallery and the Port Chalmers Arts Centre. The town also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Port Chalmers Arts Festival, the Port Chalmers Jazz Festival, and the Port Chalmers Summer Festival. The town is also home to a number of musicians, writers, and other artists, making it a great place to explore the local culture.
Port Chalmers' Maritime History
Port Chalmers has a long and interesting maritime history. It was first settled in 1844 and quickly became a major port for the region. It was the first port in New Zealand to be connected to the mainland by a railway line, and it was also the first port to be connected to the national electricity grid. The port is still an important hub for the region, and it is home to a number of fishing boats, cargo ships, and cruise ships.
Port Chalmers' Historic Buildings
Port Chalmers is home to a number of historic buildings, including the former Bank of New Zealand building, the former Port Chalmers Post Office, and the former Port Chalmers Town Hall. The town hall was built in 1876 and is now a Category II Historic Place. It is a two-storey brick building with a gabled roof and a bell tower. The building is now used as a community centre and is a popular venue for weddings and other events.
Port Chalmers cruise port shopping
3 in our guideT
The Warehouse
The Warehouse is a great place to find souvenirs in Port Chalmers. The store offers a wide selection of items, from clothing to electronics. You can find a variety of souvenirs, from traditional Maori carvings to modern art prints. The store also offers a variety of clothing, so you can pick up a unique piece of clothing to remember your trip by. The Warehouse is open every day and is a great place to find a unique souvenir.
P
Port Chalmers Market
Port Chalmers Market is a great place to find unique souvenirs from Dunedin. Located in the heart of the city, the market offers a wide variety of locally made products, from handmade jewelry to art prints. You can also find a selection of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and seafood. The market is open every Saturday from 9am to 1pm, and is a great way to experience the local culture and find a unique souvenir to take home.
T
The Octagon
The Octagon is the heart of Dunedin and a great place to find souvenirs. The area is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and is a great place to explore. You can find a variety of souvenirs, from traditional Maori carvings to modern art prints. There are also plenty of clothing stores, so you can pick up a unique piece of clothing to remember your trip by. The Octagon is open every day and is a great place to explore and find a unique souvenir.
// Port Chalmers Cruise Port Terminals
Which Port Chalmers cruise terminal will your ship use?
Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.
2 piers in Port Chalmers
Pier 1 of 2
Dunedin Cruise Terminal
The Dunedin Cruise Terminal is located in the Port Chalmers suburb of Dunedin, New Zealand. It is the main port of call for cruise ships visiting the city and is equipped with modern facilities. The terminal offers a range of services to passengers, including check-in, baggage handling, and customs clearance. It also provides access to the city's attractions, including the Otago Museum, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and the Dunedin Botanic Garden.
Pier 2 of 2
Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal
Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal is the main cruise ship terminal in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is located in the Port Chalmers suburb of Dunedin and is the main port of call for cruise ships visiting the city. The terminal is equipped with modern facilities and offers a range of services to passengers, including check-in, baggage handling, and customs clearance.
Wi-Fi
The Port Chalmers Library offers free wifi access to visitors. Additionally, many of the local cafes and restaurants in the area offer free wifi access to customers.
Safety
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand is a very safe cruise port. The port is well-maintained and monitored by the Port of Otago, which is responsible for the safety and security of the port. The port also has a 24-hour security presence and CCTV cameras to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Additionally, the port is located in a low-crime area, making it a safe place to visit.
Port address
Port Chalmers, Dunedin 9053, New Zealand
Port Chalmers cruise port car rental
Avis Car RentalBudget Car RentalHertz Car RentalThrifty Car RentalEuropcar Car RentalGo Rentals
Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.
// Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand cruise port excursions
Most Popular Port Chalmers Cruise Port Tours
37 excursions · book direct with the operator
Independent shore excursions in Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand, booked directly with the operator who runs them. We flag the ones that guarantee you're back on board before the gangway lifts.
Best Port Chalmers shore tours
Curated from 37 · not a search result
4.2(309)$167
Dunedin Shore Excursion: Taieri Gorge Railway & City Sightseeing
Worry-free4.6(286)$91
Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
5.0(230)$29
Dunedin WATER TAXI-Port To Port
4.8(206)$109
Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise
2hNature and Wildlife Tours
View Details for Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise (opens in a new tab)
Worry-free4.9(120)$149
Castle, Coast & City Tour - 8 pax max - Castle Entrance Included
Worry-free4.7(100)$87
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour
Worry-free4.8(89)$169
Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour
Worry-free4.8(86)$127
City Highlights, Larnach Castle Gardens Tour
// Weather
Port Chalmers Cruise Port Weather
South Pacific - Australia·30-year historical averages
Oct averages · Port Chalmers
50°
Avg · °F
Mild, occasional showers
- High
- 67°F
- Low
- 38°F
- Rain
- 2.3 in
// Year-round in Port Chalmers
Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.
Avg temp °FRainfall in
// Port Chalmers cruise ship schedule
Port Chalmers Cruise Port Traffic Today
No cruise ships are scheduled in Port Chalmers today, Monday, October 5, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.
Schedule updated
Planning around the crowds?
- Port Chalmers cruise port schedule 2026, day by day
- Slowest & busiest day analysis
- Complete cruise line & ship visitor list
// Keep exploring
Also on your cruise
97% of Port Chalmers cruises also call at one of these.
// Questions
Port Chalmers cruise port, answered
The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Port Chalmers.
Where is Port Chalmers cruise port located?
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand cruise port is located in South Pacific. Port Chalmers is located in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, approximately 8 km northeast of the city of Dunedin. It is situated at the head of Otago Harbour, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean. The port is surrounded by hills and is close to the city centre, making it a popular destination for cruise ships. The port is well-equipped with modern facilities, including a passenger terminal, cargo handling facilities, and a range of services for cruise ships.
Is Port Chalmers a good cruise port to visit?
Yes, Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand is a good cruise port. It is a popular port of call for cruise ships, offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. The port is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to explore the many attractions and activities in the area. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and other amenities in the area.
How safe is Port Chalmers cruise port for passengers?
Port Chalmers cruise port has a safety score of 8.5 out of 10, ranking #109 of 318 ports in South Pacific. Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand is a very safe cruise port. The port is well-maintained and monitored by the Port of Otago, which is responsible for the safety and security of the port. The port also has a 24-hour security presence and CCTV cameras to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Additionally, the port is located in a low-crime area, making it a safe place to visit.
What is the weather like at Port Chalmers cruise port in October?
In October, Port Chalmers cruise port has average high temperatures of 67°F (19°C) and average lows of 38°F (3°C).
How many excursions are available at Port Chalmers cruise port?
There are currently 37 excursions and tours available at Port Chalmers cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.
What are the top things to do at Port Chalmers cruise port?
Port Chalmers cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Cycling, Hiking, Shopping. Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. It is a great destination for those looking to explore the outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, penguins, and albatrosses. Visitors can also take in the stunning views of the harbor and the Otago Peninsula. There are also plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as galleries, museums, and historic sites. With its unique mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions, Port Chalmers (Dunedin) is a great destination for those looking for a unique and memorable experience.
Can I rent a car at Port Chalmers cruise port?
The closest car rental options near Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand cruise port are:1. Avis Car Rental: Located at the Dunedin Airport, Avis offers a wide range of vehicles from economy to luxury.2. Budget Car Rental: Located at the Dunedin Airport, Budget offers a wide range of vehicles from economy to luxury.3. Hertz Car Rental: Located at the Dunedin Airport, Hertz offers a wide range of vehicles from economy to luxury.4. Thrifty Car Rental: Located at the Dunedin Airport, Thrifty offers a wide range of vehicles from economy to luxury.5. Europcar Car Rental: Located at the Dunedin Airport, Europcar offers a wide range of vehicles from economy to luxury.6. Go Rentals: Located at the Dunedin Airport, Go Rentals offers a wide range of vehicles from economy to luxury.7. Jucy Rentals: Located at the Dunedin Airport, Jucy Rentals offers a wide range of vehicles from economy to luxury.
What is the WiFi situation at Port Chalmers cruise port?
The Port Chalmers Library offers free wifi access to visitors. Additionally, many of the local cafes and restaurants in the area offer free wifi access to customers.
Where is the cruise terminal at Port Chalmers cruise port?
The address of Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand cruise port is:Port Chalmers, Dunedin 9053, New Zealand
What is the Port Chalmers Cruise Port cruise schedule?
There are no cruise ships scheduled at Port Chalmers today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Port Chalmers on any past or future date.