Experience the best of Port Chalmers

Port Chalmers is a small port town on the northern shore of Otago Harbour, on the South Island's east coast, a short drive from the centre of Dunedin. Streets of weatherboard and stone buildings climb steep hillsides above a harbour filled with container ships, fishing boats and, in season, cruise ships. Scottish settlers landed here in 1848 to found the Otago settlement.

The town has a maritime museum, a historic main street of pubs and cafés, and a lively community of artists. Across the harbour, the Otago Peninsula has albatross, penguins and fur seals, and beaches such as Aramoana are within a short drive. Dunedin, with its Victorian railway station and the Otago Museum, lies a short way along the harbour road, and Larnach Castle stands on the peninsula opposite.

Blue cod, fish and chips, Bluff oysters from the far south and craft beer from nearby brewers are local fare. The cool maritime climate brings changeable weather that can turn within the hour, with the warmest and calmest days in summer.