Local History, Wildlife and Maritime Museum

Make a trip to the Otago Peninsula Museum and discover this unique museum that was started by locals in 1974, with a small room in the Portobello Coronation Hall used to display photographs and historical items. In 1986 the museum opened on its present site. The main office building and display room were built and an original settler's cottage from Portobello was donated. A replica barn was built to house farm machinery and equipment collected from locals and the surrounding countryside.

The museum also collects local family histories and genealogies as well as photographs relating to the Otago Peninsula and its families. In 2012 the staff at the museum wrote a book "Portobello - A Brief History" and this was reprinted in 2013. This is a fascinating account of the history of the Portobello community and its early beginnings as a settlement in 1840. With a range of historic photographs of places, houses and people this local history is a must for genealogists and those interested in this historic area.

The picturesque scenery of Portobello has long captured the imagination of many visitors to the township and remains a popular place for visitors today. The Otago Peninsula Museum is run by local volunteers who along with a hardworking committee manage the exhibits, grounds, and buildings.

Make your way next to the Portobello Village located beside the Otago Harbour halfway along the Otago Peninsula. It lies at the foot of a small peninsula between Portobello Bay and Latham Bay. Like scores of Dunedin features, it was named after a locality in Edinburgh, Scotland, also called Portobello.

Here you can watch demonstrations at some of the local shops where products are made and sold. Some of the souvenirs that can be purchased here include the iconic and authentic Maori greenstone carvings and Happy Hens ceramic souvenirs.

See the very best of some of New Zealand's wildlife during your harbor cruise conducted onboard a custom-made vessel with an experienced local guide who is ready to show you the area's wildlife such as albatross, penguins, seals and much more.

Travel the length of the shipping channel from Port Chalmers to the Taiaroa Head nature reserve. This area is home to albatross, seals, sea and harbor birds, shags and cormorants. Typically, you may also see penguins and sometimes sea lions and dolphins.

There are many other animals too that will occasionally make an appearance. This tour will allow you to view between 10-20 different species of animals. Receive a wildlife sheet to take home with the animals you have seen to help you remember this very special day on the water.

Passing the main port, you may also see different ships, tugboats, fishing vessels, and sometimes pilot boats and other workboats. You may also pass the quarantine stations on Quarantine Island, viewing the shipwrecks that reside there as your boat skipper guide will point out navigational markers and other interesting things.

Please Note: Tours are rarely canceled due to bad weather. The boat has a comfortable, heated cabin with large windows, so the cold, rain, or wind is never a problem. We heat the cabin to between 18-25(C) degrees and there is a modern and heated toilet/bathroom onboard. The skipper will never take the vessel out if they are in doubt as to the safety of the passengers or vessel due to the weather conditions.