Sample a selection of unique beers at the Speight’s Brewery and then delve into the history of the Otago region by browsing natural history exhibits in Dunedin’s museum.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive at Speight’s Brewery, which has been in the same location since opening in 1876. While touring this eight-floor Dunedin icon, you will discover that it is a rare gravity-fed brewery and one of only two in the world that uses a certain open vat that allows Speight’s to produce beers from the original recipes.

Later, you will sample several beers, some of which will capture those 19th-century flavors. The tastes also reflect the water from the natural spring under the brewery.

Continuing on, you will stop at a nearby alehouse for a hearty lunch that may include fresh cod fried in batter made with Speight’s beer. Afterwards, you will browse the Stories of the South exhibit in the Otago Museum. The displays show how the land in the Otago region has shaped the lives of New Zealanders from the Maori to the European immigrants.

You may also see the world’s largest collection of extinct moa skeletons, the remains of an extinct Haast’s giant eagle and the country’s largest fossil, a 23-foot-long aquatic plesiosaur. The stories behind these discoveries are just as intriguing as the exhibits.

Returning to the pier, you will pause for photos of the celebrated Dunedin railway station, which was built in 1906 with a Gothic spire and Italianate clock tower.

Step off the ship and on to one of Dunedin town’s classic Heritage buses enroute to the Iconic Dunedin Railway Station. Once you arrive, you will board one of the world’s most scenic railways as you journey through the spectacular Taieri River Gorge. Welcomed aboard by a friendly crew, settle into your carriage, and get ready for a breathtaking trip into a landscape only accessible by this train. First tracing Otago Harbor, then traversing suburban Dunedin and a fertile plain, you’ll soon be climbing into the sheer cliff faces and plunging ravines of the Taieri River Gorge. Much of the ride takes place high atop soaring stone-and-lattice viaducts that early engineers, masons, and railway gangs somehow managed to build through extremely challenging wild New Zealand terrain. The fact that they succeeded is a true marvel – which you get to experience firsthand today. As you relax and watch in awe, your carriage will pass one unspoiled panorama after another, winding its way through the gorge over dramatic bridges suspended high above the placid river below, and through no fewer than 10 tunnels carved out of solid bedrock. You’ll enjoy a morning tea and light picnic style boxed lunch while on board. Your journey concludes at Dunedin Railway Station, a suitably grand Victorian landmark.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Settle back and experience one of the world’s most breathtakingly scenic railway journeys.
• Travel over countless latticed-steel and stone bridges and through 10 tunnels as you traverse the rugged Taieri River Gorge.
• Take it all in from the civilized comfort of your carriage with morning tea and a light lunch served.
• Disembark at Dunedin’s landmark Victorian railway station, where you can opt to remain in town awhile or return straightaway to the port.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Dunedin is known for being home to some of the country's most adored Victorian structures, its streets are adorned with a collection of historic buildings, cathedrals and churches. A scenic drive past the charming towns of the shores of Otago Harbor brings you to Olveston. You’ll visit the Olveston Historic Home, the original home of a wealthy family that was built between 1904 and 1906. It offers a glimpse into the refined way of life in days past. Departing from Olveston, you’ll pass several historical landmarks including the Gothic revival-styled Otago University, the Law Courts, Otago Boys High School, First Church, and the Edwardian mansions of Royal Terrace and High Streets.

Visit the Dunedin Botanic Garden where the gardens cover some 69 acres and were the first public botanical gardens established in New Zealand. Free time will be provided for you to admire the well-manicured lawns, splashing fountains and statuary and an extensive collection of camellias, annuals and colorful roses. The Winter Garden Glasshouse has a great range of temperate species on display and there is also a substantial rock garden.

Enjoy a scenic drive past the charming towns along the shores of Otago Harbor and a brief orientation tour of Dunedin, including a drive past the botanical gardens and the historic University of Otago. Arrive at the Royal Albatross Center, get ready to experience the privilege of seeing the huge Albatrosses, with their incredible wing span of nearly 10 feet, glide smoothly and graceful from the viewing area. You’ll learn about their fascinating social and family life. In order to protect the birds’ natural habitat and from being overly disturbed, access is controlled.

Stop at Larnach Castle, an impressive stone mansion that was constructed between 1871 and 1885. Set in a park-like setting amidst trees and colorful gardens, the castle boasts many elaborate features, a result of the many English and Italian artisans and craftsmen who worked on the home. A curving hanging staircase, carved ceilings and an array of wonderful antiques on display showcase the castle's exceptional design. Enjoy lunch on the castle grounds and free time to stroll the beautiful property.

It's a short drive from the ship's side to the pontoon where your sightseeing vessel stands ready to take you on your cruise around beautiful Otago Harbor. You’ll see from a distance the picturesque townships of Carey's Bay, Deborah Bay and Acheron Head as you navigate to Taiaroa Head. Along the way, the Captain will provide commentary about this pristine environment.

From the deck of your boat, you'll have an excellent opportunity for a close-up view of the area’s wildlife, which include seals, cormorants, albatross and various other waders. You may even catch sight of penguins and playful dolphins. Alive with wildlife, Taiaroa Head boasts over 10 species of nesting birds amongst its inhabitants, including the Royal Albatross. This stretch of rugged shoreline is also home to a colony of breeding Southern Fur Seals. The evidence of past volcanic activity and early settlement makes for a spectacular and dramatic backdrop to your harbor cruise.

A scenic drive takes you past the charming towns of Sawyer's Bay, Roseneath and St. Leonard's, which all rest along the shores of beautiful Otago Harbor. Your drive then continues along the craggy coastline to Natures Wonders, located just beyond Taiaroa Head.

Arriving at the Center's Reception area, you'll board an 8-wheel drive vehicle (Argo), built specifically to take you places that are normally inaccessible, or a mini coach, to start your tour of the farm. You will swap vehicles half way through the tour.

The Otago Peninsula headland is arguably the most precious wildlife habitat in New Zealand and the farm owned by the Reid family is right on the forefront of this headland. Here, amidst truly spectacular scenery, the world's rarest penguins, the yellow-eyed Hoiho, the little blue penguins, the New Zealand fur seals, and the Spotted Shags all live in harmony.

Stop by the mythical Maui's Footprint location which offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Otago Peninsula. Descending from a height of 620 feet above sea level, you’ll stop at a breeding colony of Cormorants, also Spotted Shag, found nestled on a rugged cliff face that rises directly above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll find a breeding colony of New Zealand Fur seals. It's a definite treat to watch them in their natural habitat, basking on the rocks and swimming in the pools. A beachfront ride will then bring you to Penguin Beach, where you'll be able to view little blue penguins in their nests, and if you are lucky, perhaps spot some very rare and shy yellow-eyed penguins.

Your route also ascends from the beach to the highest point on the farm. At 659 feet above sea level, this spot affords an absolutely amazing 360-degree view of this awesome peninsula and its remarkable natural setting.

Back in Dunedin, you’ll have a brief tour of some of the city's highlights before returning to the pier.