Guided Tours
Christmas in Dunedin 2026 - NEW TOUR
22-27 December 2026
JOIN YOUR TRANZIT FAMILY FOR ANOTHER FESTIVE CHRISTMAS
You won’t be disappointed as you join another of our relaxing festive tours, a stay put in lovely Dunedin. Where we see New Zealand's largest collection of Edwardian buildings and other heritage architecture, gallery and sea life. This grand old city and its surrounds are a unique mix of natural wonders, rare wildlife and stunning heritage attractions. The iconic Taieri Gorge train journey promises to be a special highlight.
Day 1
Tuesday 22 December - We Fly to Dunedin
We are transferred to Wellington Airport today to join a mid-afternoon Air New Zealand flight to Dunedin. Our tour driver awaits us at Dunedin Airport to transfer us into the city to settle into our accommodation. This evening we take you out for an enchanting evening of history, grandeur and culinary delights at Larnach Castle. Dining in the castle’s elegant ballroom, this will be an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Dunedin Leisure Lodge – 5 nights
Meals included: dinner at Larnach Castle
Accommodation: Dunedin Leisure Lodge – 5 nights
Meals included: dinner at Larnach Castle
Day 2
Wednesday 23 December - Nature and History
We wake up today in the gracious southern city of Dunedin. This morning we visit Olveston House, an authentic and original historic home that was gifted to Dunedin City by its last surviving owner in 1966. We will enjoy a guided tour, with an opportunity to stroll in the gardens. We’ll do a little sightseeing as we make our way into the Octagon, including the grand historic homes of Royal Terrace, St Paul’s Cathedral and the statue of Robert Burns. After lunch in town (own cost) we head out to Wellers Rock Wharf on the Otago Peninsula where we join Monarch Wildlife Cruises for a harbour cruise. We’ll enjoy the stunning rugged coastline with a full commentary about the history, geology and wildlife of the harbour and peninsula. Keep an eye out for sea lions, Northern Royal Albatross, penguins and other seabirds. Returning to our hotel, this evening we enjoy a special Dunedin Haggis Ceremony – a lively authentic performance presented by the Piping Hot Haggis entertainers. After this light-hearted history lesson, we adjourn for dinner to the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 3
Thursday 24 December - All Aboard the Taieri Gorge Rail Excursion
Today we make our way to the historic Dunedin Railway Station, a marvel of Edwardian architecture. Here we board the iconic Taieri Gorge Train for a scenic rail journey which traces the path of the Taieri River and its gorge, crossing century-old viaducts and travelling deep into ancient landscapes shaped by time. We’ll take a picnic lunch to enjoy on our five hour journey, which can be supplemented with hot or cold drinks purchased on board. When we return this afternoon, we’ll discover the beauty of Glenfalloch, a charming 12-hectare historic woodland garden tucked away at McAndrew Bay. Cared for by the Otago Peninsula Trust, Glenfalloch is a peaceful haven where native and
exotic plantings combine to create an enchanting setting. The Garden Manager will take us on a leisurely tour of the gardens to discover seasonal delights, wildlife friendly spaces and garden sculptures. Returning to our hotel, we enjoy dinner in house again this evening.
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
exotic plantings combine to create an enchanting setting. The Garden Manager will take us on a leisurely tour of the gardens to discover seasonal delights, wildlife friendly spaces and garden sculptures. Returning to our hotel, we enjoy dinner in house again this evening.
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 4
Friday 25 December - Otago Beach Delights
We discover Dunedin’s coastal diversity today, equipped with a Christmas flavoured picnic on board. First, we’ll drive to Sir Leonard Wright Lookout for views of the long sweep of St Kilda and St Clair Beaches, before making our way down to St Clair Beach for a drive along the Esplanade. We then depart for Tunnel Beach where you can enjoy a wild coastal walk to a secluded beach accessed by a historic tunnel. If you’re after a shorter amble, walk just to the first viewpoint where you will be rewarded with views of the spectacular wave battered headland, sea-carved arches and dramatic rock stacks. Continuing south, we follow the coast to Brighton Beach which will be our lunch stop today at a small, sheltered cove – home to the Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club. After lunch we visit Taieri Mouth, a small fishing village at the mouth of the Taieri River, before turning inland to Lake Waihola. A walk along the lakeside boardwalk is sure to reward, before we finally travel back to our hotel. We’ll have time to relax and put our feet up before gathering together in the hotel restaurant to enjoy the festivities of Christmas with our fellow travellers.
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, Christmas dinner
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, Christmas dinner
Day 5
Saturday 26 December - Moeraki Meander
Today we explore coastal communities north of the city. We will travel up the western side of Otago Harbour to Port Chalmers, passing through Blueskin Bay, Seacliff, Karitane and Shag Point on our way to the legendary Moeraki Boulders. Formed some 60 million years ago on the ocean floor, these curious spherical formations are a sight to behold. Lunch is at the Moeraki Boulders Café today, its absolute beachfront location allowing us to enjoy our meal to the soundtrack and invigorating aromas of the sea.
Returning to the city, this afternoon we visit the First Church of Otago. We enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful heritage church to discover its high arched wooden ceilings, detailed carvings and stained-glass windows, then take a wander in the tranquil grounds to appreciate its ornate Gothic Revival architecture. Built from creamy Oamaru stone and featuring a needle-like central tower that dominates the Dunedin skyline, this will be a memorable visit. Making our way back to our hotel we enjoy relaxed dining in house again this evening.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch at Moeraki Boulders Café, dinner
Returning to the city, this afternoon we visit the First Church of Otago. We enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful heritage church to discover its high arched wooden ceilings, detailed carvings and stained-glass windows, then take a wander in the tranquil grounds to appreciate its ornate Gothic Revival architecture. Built from creamy Oamaru stone and featuring a needle-like central tower that dominates the Dunedin skyline, this will be a memorable visit. Making our way back to our hotel we enjoy relaxed dining in house again this evening.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch at Moeraki Boulders Café, dinner
Day 6
Sunday 27 December - Homeward Bound
Our southern Christmas break has come to an end. This morning we are transferred to Dunedin Airport for our return flight to Wellington, where we will be met by transfer vehicles to take us home, as we farewell fellow travellers and reflect on a relaxing holiday
The cost of the tour includes
- All coach travel
- Wellington-Dunedin return Air New Zealand flights
- Accommodation
- All breakfasts – at hotel unless specified
- All dinners including Christmas dinner – at hotel except where specified
- Larnach Castle, VIP Dinner
- Piping Hot Haggis, Exclusive ceremony
- Olveston House, guided tour
- Monarch Wildlife Cruise
- Taieri Gorge Scenic Rail Excursion
- Picnic lunch on train excursion
- Glenfalloch Garden, guided tour
- Picnic lunch Christmas Day
- Moeraki Boulders Café, lunch
- First Church of Otago, guided tour
Departure Detail
Before you book a tour with Tranzit Tours, please take the time to read and understand these Terms and Conditions below.
Pricing Validity
All costs associated with each tour are outlined in full within each tour itinerary. All pricing quoted is valid for the dates of tour when booked.
Reservations and Payments
Bookings for all Tranzit Tours can be made through any Tranzit Coachlines Reservations Centre or an approved Travel Agent. Any person making a booking for others shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all individuals they are booking on a tour and it is the responsibility of the person making the booking to bring these Terms and conditions to the attention of those individuals booked.
A deposit as stated in the Tour Itinerary is payable to secure the booking.
The balance must be paid in full by the date stated in the Tour Itinerary.
Any reservation made within fourteen (14) days of the tour departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellations, Postponements and Alterations
Cancellations by the Customer
Cancellations 45+ days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of your deposit, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.
Cancellations 44 – 8 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.
Cancellations within 7 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 25% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc. No refunds will be made for cancellations made within one day of departure or once travel has commenced. Refunds will not be provided for unused portions of a tour, unless the Customer can provide genuine reason and documentary evidence that services were unable to be utilised (and a refund if applicable is available from the other provider) in which case the company will review each request and may provide a partial refund at the sole discretion of the company.
Cancellations of one half of a twin share booking will result in the Customer cancelling being charged the cost of a single booking, if the Company is unable to match the twin share booking with another Customer.
Alterations by the Customer
The Customer may transfer their booking to another person for the same tour and commencement date, but only if the other person satisfies all of Tranzit Tours requirements in relation to the tour and provides us a completed Booking Form. The Customer must notify Tranzit Tours in writing of the intended transfer at least 30 days prior to the commencement date of the tour. A $60 transfer fee per person/per transfer will apply (in addition to any supplier change fees).
Cancellations or Postponements by the Company
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or postpone a tour. With the exception of the Force Majeure section below, Tranzit Tours will: In the event of a tour being cancelled by the company prior to departure and not postponed – refund the total amount paid in respect of that tour or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a tour being postponed – rebook the Customer for the new departure date or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a Force Majeure event that occurs prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised, Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or shorten the tour and will be excused and released from its obligations without liability of any kind. Customers will receive a credit for postponed tours. For cancelled or shortened tours, refunds in these circumstances will be in full less any unrecoverable costs (i.e. expenses already incurred or fees charged by other providers).
The Customer will be advised of any increased tour costs as a result of the postponement. Credits will be equal to the value of the payment made and must be used within 12 months. Customers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance.
In the event of cancellation or postponement by the company, Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any consequential loss incurred by the Customer. Customers are again advised to take out travel insurance.
Alterations by the Company
Before Tour Commencement: If a major change to the tour needs to be made before departure, we will inform the Customer of the change as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease. Tranzit Tours reserves the right to alter a tour (including the itinerary) and substitute accommodation facilities should unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, the company reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. The company will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the tour provider’s discretion. Tranzit Tours will inform the customer as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.
Insurance
Tranzit Tours recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover against things like lost or damaged luggage, accident or sickness, loss or theft of personal belongings and documents, or the need to cancel or shorten your tour. Please note that special conditions will apply for pre-existing medical conditions with all travel insurance policies.
Health and Fitness
Tranzit Tours are generally able to accommodate most fitness abilities; however, some tours may require a certain level of physical fitness for full enjoyment of tour activities. The Customer must inform Tranzit Tours, at the time of booking, of any health or fitness restrictions that may limit participation of tour activities or put the Customer, tour staff or other customers at risk. The Customer acknowledges that their suitability for a tour, or any activity within a tour, is wholly the Customer’s responsibility.
Payment of a deposit by the Customer to secure a Tranzit Tour acts as a warranty that:
o the Customer is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour, and
o the Customer does not have a health, physical condition or disability that would create risk to themselves, tour staff or other customers, and
o the Customer indemnifies Tranzit Tours from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health or fitness.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to decline a booking on medical, health or fitness grounds at its sole discretion.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to remove a Customer from a tour, or quarantine a Customer on tour, if their health and/or fitness interferes with the tour or staff safety or other Customers safety or tour experience in any way. Any additional costs associated with a Customer’s removal from tour or placement into quarantine, shall be borne by the Customer. Refunds will be made in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
Authority on Tour
Tranzit Tours are operated by staff with decision making authority while on tour. By travelling with Tranzit Tours, you agree to accept the authority of the driver/guide and their decisions are final in all matters likely to affect the wellbeing, safety or experience of any customer or staff member on board. Failure to adhere to reasonable requests or any inappropriate behaviour that is degrading the experience of other customers, may result in the Customer being removed from the tour. If a Customer is asked to leave a tour, any costs associated with returning home will be borne by the Customer and any unused portion of the tour will not be refunded.
Responsibilities
Tranzit Tours include goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, attractions and transportation companies. Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions on which these services are supplied. Accordingly, Tranzit Tours will not be responsible and will be excluded from liability for any loss, damage, omission or acts being negligent or otherwise, committed by other goods and service providers used in connection with the tour.
Tranzit Tours is not liable for any loss, damage, delay, or injury caused to the traveller or their baggage whilst under the care or control of a third-party provider. A Customer’s baggage and personal effects shall be carried at the owner’s risk as provided for under the Carriage of Goods Act.
Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any losses or additional expenses to the Customer due to tours impacted by Force Majeure events that occur prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised.
Acceptance of Risk
The Customer acknowledges that all Tranzit Tours may be subject to risks and dangers beyond that which might be experienced by the Customer at home. Except as provided in law, the Customer acknowledges that they assume all risk and Tranzit Tours is not liable for misadventure, death, injury, delay or loss which occurs during the tour.
Seat Rotation
For the enjoyment of all travellers Tranzit Tours operates a seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking.
Photographs
Photographs used to market any Tranzit Tour depict typical scenes experienced, but the subject matter may not necessarily be seen or experienced whilst visiting a destination within a tour.
Whilst on tour, the Customer may be included in photographs and/or film taken by the guide or driver. These photographs may be used for future promotional advertising purposes and by booking on a Tranzit Tour the Customer authorises the use of any images they are captured in to be used without further consent or any payment of any kind. If the Customer does not authorise the use of their image for promotional purposes, they must make this known at the time of booking.
Privacy Policy
Any personal information that Tranzit Tours collects about the Customer may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a tour or to send the Customer marketing material in relation to Tranzit Tour products. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable Tranzit Tours to operate the tour. Tranzit Tours will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy (available on our website).
Applicable Law
The laws of New Zealand govern these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable.
"Thank you to the Tranzit Tours team! Mum has not stopped talking about her bucket list tour to the Chatham Islands" Jasmine