Dunedin City Sights & Distillery Tour with Rams Bottom Tours

Distillery · Dunedin

City Sights Tour with Distillery and Lunch

Discover Dunedin’s historic landmarks, taste artisanal spirits, and enjoy stunning coastal views on a six-hour guided tour with Rams Bottom Tours.

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Duration6 hours
LocationDunedin, Otago Region
OperatorRams Bottom Tours
Price shownCheck dates

Adventure brief

City Sights Tour with Distillery and Lunch

Discover Dunedin’s historic landmarks, taste artisanal spirits, and enjoy stunning coastal views on a six-hour guided tour with Rams Bottom Tours.

Dunedin, located on New Zealand’s Otago coast, is a city marked by vibrant culture, striking gothic architecture, and dramatic coastal landscapes. Rams Bottom Tours brings this unique setting to life with their City Sights Tour with Distillery and Lunch, a six-hour immersive journey that balances scenic spotlights with local flavors. This tour stands apart thanks to its blend of outdoor highlights and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Guests traverse historic streets, starting with the iconic Dunedin Railway Station—one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings known for its intricate Edwardian Baroque style. The route winds past notable landmarks such as the Gothic towers of First Church and Dunedin’s oldest university, Otago. Perhaps the most striking urban feature is Baldwin Street, acknowledged worldwide as the steepest street, offering a memorable photo stop.

Beyond the cityscape, the tour ventures into native bushland for a visit to Saddle Hill Brewery & Distillery. Here, small-group tastings introduce visitors to craft beers and gins, made with local botanicals, offering an authentic taste of Dunedin’s evolving artisanal scene. Lunch follows at The Black Sheep Restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients highlight Otago’s rich culinary identity.

Scenic lookouts are peppered throughout the itinerary, including Signal Hill and Three Mile Hill, providing sweeping views over the city’s coastline and hillsides. The tour also includes distant views of Cargill’s Castle, an intriguing ruin perched on rugged cliffs, capturing the region’s historic and natural blend. Rams Bottom Tours excels in delivering an accessible, engaging experience that reveals both iconic and lesser-known facets of Dunedin.

Their combination of local insight, comfortable transport, and inclusive tastings make this tour a distinctive offering for travelers seeking a genuine encounter with Otago’s outdoor and cultural landscape.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    Wear Comfortable Shoes

    The tour involves light walking on varied terrain including steep streets and urban settings.

    essential
  2. 02
    Bring a Water Bottle

    Stay hydrated as the tour covers multiple stops over several hours.

    essential
  3. 03
    Dress in Layers

    Weather can change quickly in Dunedin, so prepare for coastal winds and sun exposure.

    info
  4. 04
    Legal Drinking Age Applies

    Guests under 18 may join the tour but cannot participate in distillery tastings.

    warning
DifficultyEasy
Duration6 hours
FitnessSuitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks and standing periods but no strenuous hiking.
Technical skillsNone

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

Comfortable walking shoes

Needed for walking on city streets and slight inclines like Baldwin Street.

Essential
02

Layered clothing

Allows adaptation to variable Dunedin weather including wind and sun.

Essential
03

Water bottle

Stay hydrated during the extended tour and tastings.

Essential
04

Camera or smartphone

Capture scenic vistas and architectural highlights throughout the tour.

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Signal Hill Lookout for sweeping city and harbor views, Three Mile Hill, a favorite local vantage point offering panoramic coastal sights

Wildlife

Local fauna

Little blue penguins on nearby beaches, Seabirds such as tui and oystercatchers frequenting coastal areas

History

Historic heritage

Dunedin was founded by Scottish settlers in the mid-19th century and retains strong Victorian and Edwardian architectural influences.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

Rams Bottom Tours emphasizes sustainable travel practices by supporting local businesses like Saddle Hill Brewery and minimizing environmental impact through fuel-efficient transport.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
Baldwin Street for street shots and perspectives, Signal Hill Lookout for cityscape panoramas, Cargill’s Castle from a distance for dramatic coastal ruins
Subjects
Historic buildings, Coastal landscapes, Artisan distillery and brewery interiors
Best times
Golden hour, Late morning, Overcast days for even lighting

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

Is transportation included in the tour?

Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your Dunedin central accommodation, with modern air-conditioned transport.

Can children participate in the distillery tastings?

Guests under 18 are welcome on the tour but cannot partake in alcohol tastings due to New Zealand’s legal drinking age.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated during lunch?

Please notify Rams Bottom Tours in advance to accommodate any dietary needs at The Black Sheep Restaurant.

How much walking is involved?

The tour involves light walking, mostly short strolls at stops, suitable for guests comfortable with standing and walking on uneven pavement.

What weather should I prepare for?

Dunedin weather can change rapidly; layered clothing is recommended to stay comfortable through wind, sun, or rain.

Are all entry fees included in the tour price?

Yes, all entry fees and tastings included with no additional charges, except for optional gratuity.

Rams Bottom Tours

Dunedin City Sights & Distillery Tour with Rams Bottom Tours