Scenic ferry cruises between Portobello, Port Chalmers, Quarantine Island, Otago Harbour
Cross Otago Harbour in style and comfort with a ferry transfer on Port To Port Cruises & Wildlife Tours' boat MV Sootychaser.
Our popular Bike / Cycle Ferry service can carry up to 15 people and bikes at a time.
Or for larger groups, we can take up to 30 people and bikes, by prior arrangment, as we can also utilize our Bike Barge.
Visit cafes, picnic at Quarantine Island, visit local businesses or just to go for a Mini Harbour Cruise. Hopping onboard the Port To Port Ferry is not only the most exciting way to travel, its quick, safe and convieniant. We operate all year round on a timetable. Bookings are essential so you dont miss out!
The MV Sootychaser offers exceptional viewing opportunities where you can enjoy seeing wildlife on your ferry. The boat can quickly and safely transport people across the harbour, and is fully equipped with a heated, enclosed cabin, modern bathroom facilities and comfortable seating inside and out.
Youll be provided with a proffesioanl commentary along the way.
Owner/operator and skipper Rachel, has been working on the harbour on commercaisl vessel and wildlife guiding for 20+ years.
Her experience in skippering and guiding on Otago Harbour is unrivalled. Make the most of her experience by joining us onboard Sootychaser.
Bike Ferry & Water Taxi Service
Hop aboard our ferry in Portobello or Port Chalmers and get across the harbour with ease. Our boat can take you between the following locations:
- Portobello
- Port Chalmers
- Carey's Bay Historic Hotel
- Quarantine Island
The ferry between ports typically takes 10 minutes. Tickets prices below are one way. (We typically return again approx 2 hours later.)
Prices are as follows (each way):
- Pricing from $20 per adult and $10 per child.
- Bikes $15 each
Timetabled departures From:
Back Beach (Port Chalmers)
- 9:30am *November-May
- 11:50am * November-May
- 12:55pm All year round
- 3:00pm All year round
- 3:30pm *November-May
Portobello (Otago Peninsula)
- 9:55am *November-May
- 12:35pm *November- May
- 1:15pm All year round
- 3:15pm All year round
- 4:00pm* November -May
- 6:10pm *November -May
*Astrix times can be booked all year round on prior arrangement/enquiry.
We can stop to drop passengers off at Quaratine Island on any of these sailings.
Carey's Bay
- By prior arrangement
Quarantine Island Return Ferry Booking
- Book here for Quarantine Return Ferry
Click the Book Now button below to book or to view availability:
Cycle "The Loop" Otago Harbour
There are plenty of cycling tracks dotted around both sides of Otago Harbour, including the popular "Otago Harbour Cycle Loop" track. 32kms of mostly flat and fully paved trail. See www.dunedincycleway.co.nz.
There are scenic, easy cycles tracks for people wanting to sightsee, or more mountainous tracks great for experienced riders looking for a challenge.
We can take groups of cyclists, up to 15 bikes and their riders at a time aboard our ferry.
Or if you are part of a large group we can accommodate up to 30 people and bikes by prior arrangement by utilizing our Bike Barge.
You can plan your cycle trip to fit in with scheduled ferry trips on the ferry timetable or contact us for special transfer times.
On board, you can relax and enjoy the harbour scenery, be treated to a mid ride, short harbour tour on route to the other side, before continuing on your cycle journey. With Port To Port Cruises & Wildlife Tours you get a ferry and mini tour all in one.
Our boat is fitted out with custom made bike racks that can cater for electric bikes and mountain bikes. We load these for you, with care!
Bring your own or hire a bike from nearby locations, including Dunedin Ebike Hire and Dunedin Ibike Hire
Click BOOK NOW to see prices and to book or view availaibility.
What can I expect on the ferry between ports?
Your journey
You will meet your friendly skipper on board our modern, comfortable boat, that seats up to 20 people.
And can take up to 15 bikes at a time. The ferry between Portobello and Port Chalmers typically takes 10 minutes. During the trip you can informative commentary through our PA system, highlighting main points of interest. Its a busy and exciting 10 minutes! Youll be left stunned by the information and commentary provided-guarenteed!
Sightseeing
During the journey, we’ll cruise past various points on the harbour. From the boat, you’ll see Quarantine Island, the historic quarantine station, shipwrecks on the shore and any animals or birds that pop up along the way.
Timetable
Our ferry timetable differs dependent on the season. You can book a ferry transfer between ports or a sightseeing tour to Quarantine Island or Carey's Bay online. There are plenty of waterside cafes, restaurants and pubs for you to visit once arrived, as well as picnic areas, play grounds and gift shops. There are also many nearby bus stops at George Street-Port Chalmers, Carey's Bay and Portobello. See here for the full bus timetable.
Great experience
Our wildlife tour operators go out of our way to ensure you have an amazing experience with us. Check out Trip Advisor and Facebook for reviews from our happy customers. We hope you'll join us soon.
Bus Timetable
See this link for bus timetable to connect with ferry.
(Please book beforehand, to ensure the ferry is running).
Forsyth Barr Stadium Event Ferry
We offer transfers between Steamer Basin, Dunedin to get you to Forsyth Barr Stadium events, and back.
Drop off point is a few minutes of flat, easy walking to the stadium.
Parking is plentiful and free near Steamer Basin so you wont get stuck in the traffic jams.
If you're looking for a great place to have some refreshments before your ferry, there are restuarants right next to the departure point.
See here to book and view upcoming ferries and departure times.
Dunedin Bike Hire
See www.dunedincycleway.co.nz to find bike hire.
Or book our rental and ferry package here and let us sort it for you.
Go to the nearby village, harbourside headlands, wetlands to see wild birds or the hidden beaches on the Otago Peninsula. Places to cycle around the area are plentiful.
You can create a fun day trip by hoping on our Port To Port ferry between Port Chalmers to Portobello, and hiring a bike to explore the area on.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard and ferrying you across the harbour. For any questions about our ferry, please get in touch with us.
If you would like to know more about our other services, including fully commentated Albatross, Seals and Wildlife Tour, or private boat hire for groups or parties, please contact us.