Do I need to book in advance?

We always recommend booking ahead if you can. It’s the best way to secure your spot and avoid waiting on the wharf, especially on sunny weekends, public holidays, or during peak cycling season.

Where exactly do we board?

You can board at Back Beach in Port Chalmers or Portobello Wharf, just a short walk from the township. Look for our signs and floating pontoons. If unsure, feel free to contact us for directions.

Can you take e-bikes?

Yes. Our Bike Ferry is custom-built to be e-bike friendly and can safely accommodate standard bikes, heavier tourers, and modern e-bikes.

How long is the crossing?

The crossing usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. It’s a short and scenic trip across the harbour.

What happens in bad weather?

We operate in most conditions, but safety is our top priority. If harbour conditions become unsafe, crossings may be delayed or cancelled.

Can I bring an e-bike or a heavier touring bike?

Absolutely. Our ferry is designed to handle the extra weight of e-bikes, touring bikes, and mountain bikes.

Is there space for my group?

We enjoy hosting groups, but space is limited for a more personal experience. Booking early is recommended to secure spots together.

Can I book on the day?

Same-day bookings are possible if space is available. However, booking online in advance is the best way to guarantee your spot.

Dunedin Bike Ferry Across Otago Harbour

Enjoy exploring Otago Harbour by bike, without the hassle of backtracking or busy roads.
Our Dunedin Bike Ferry offers a fast and scenic way to cross Otago Harbour with your bike or e-bike, linking Port Chalmers and Portobello. It’s the perfect way to complete one of Dunedin’s favourite cycling loops.
We’ve designed this service especially for cyclists, families, touring riders, and e-bike users who want a safe and enjoyable way to cross the harbour.

How the Dunedin Bike Ferry Works

Our Bike Ferry gives you a quick and easy way to cross the harbour, so you can:

Avoid busy or indirect road routes.
Complete the Otago Harbour cycle loop efficiently.
Enjoy a scenic on-water experience with harbour and wildlife views.

The crossing takes just 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the day, and we run regular scheduled services with extra sailings during busy times.

Book Your Bike Ferry Now!

Choose your Bike Ferry Transfer?

Bike Ferry Routes & Departure Points

You can catch the Dunedin Bike Ferry between:

Port Chalmers – Connecting cruise terminal, cafés, heritage sites, and cycle routes.
Portobello – Gateway to the Otago Peninsula, beaches, and peninsula cycleways
Wellers Rock - Further down the harbour towards Taiaroa Head and the Albatross colony. For those cyclists who want to ride a little further.

This crossing connects the western and eastern sides of Otago Harbour, making it a popular choice for cyclists riding the full or partial harbour loop.

You’ll find clear signage at our boarding points, and our friendly crew are always there to help you load your bike.

choose pick up point

Pick Up Points

Dunedin Steamer Basin

Your departure point if you are a cruise ship passenger returning from Dunedin city. Other pick-ups from Dunedin are by arrangement.

We depart from the floating jetty adjacent to the shiny 'Ray White' building at the southern end of the wharf.

Back Beach, Port Chalmers

This is your departure point if you're joining the tour or water taxi from Port Chalmers.

You will find us at back beach, a short 5 - 10 minute walk from Port Chalmers' main street and cruise terminal.

Quarantine Island

You can add Quarantine Island as your stop off from both Portobello and Port Chalmers.

There is a designated jetty which leads you up to the island for day trips or overnight stays.

Portobello

The Portobello Wharf is about a 5 minute walk from the Portobello township.

Lookout for the car park, Ferry Boatshed and floating pontoon.

Timetable & Bookings

We run scheduled departures every day during the season.
Additional sailings may be available during busy periods.
We recommend booking ahead, especially if you’re coming with a group or bringing an e-bike, to make sure you get your spot.

You can book online to secure your place on your preferred crossing.

Bike Ferry Pricing

Our fares are per person, and they always include your bike.

We welcome standard bikes, touring bikes, and e-bikes on board.

If you’re planning a group trip or want a private charter, just let us know.

You can check live pricing and availability any time through our online booking system.

choose pick up point

E-Bikes & Touring Bikes Welcome

Our boats are specially set up to safely carry:

Standard bicycles
Touring and loaded bikes
Electric bikes (e-bikes)

Our crew are always happy to help you board and secure your bike for the short trip across the harbour.

Why Cyclists Choose the Dunedin Bike Ferry

safe

A safe alternative to road cycling around the harbour

FAST

A faster, more direct harbour crossing

VIEW

Stunning views of Otago Harbour and the surrounding hills

EXPERIENCE

A unique on-water experience as part of a cycling journey

It’s not just a way to get across the harbour; it’s part of the adventure.

Scenic Harbour Experience

During the crossing, passengers often spot:

Seabirds and marine life

Working harbour activity

Peninsula landscapes and historic shoreline

The Bike Ferry is a favourite with locals and visitors alike who want to experience Otago Harbour from the water.

Bike Ferry FAQs

We always recommend booking ahead if you can! It’s the best way to secure your spot and make sure you’re not left waiting on the wharf, especially on those beautiful sunny weekends, public holidays, or during the height of the cycling season when the harbour loop is buzzing.

You can find us at the Back Beach in Port Chalmers or the Portobello Wharf (just a short stroll from the township). Keep an eye out for our signs and the floating pontoons at each spot. If you’re ever unsure, just give Rob a call, and he’ll point you in the right direction!

You bet. We’ve custom-built our Bike Ferry to be e-bike friendly, so we’re more than happy to take the extra weight. Whether you’re on a standard bike or a heavy tourer, we’ll get you and your gear across the water safely.

It’s a quick and scenic hop! The trip usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It’s just enough time to rest the legs, snap a few photos of the peninsula, and enjoy the fresh harbour air before you head off on your next adventure.

We’re pretty hardy and run in most conditions, but your safety is our top priority. If the harbour gets a bit too rough, we might have to delay or cancel a crossing. If the clouds are looking a bit grey, it’s always a good idea to check the conditions with us or book ahead so we can keep you posted on any changes!

Absolutely! We know e-bikes are a game-changer for the Otago Harbour loop, so our Bike Ferry is custom-built to handle the extra weight. Whether you're on a standard mountain bike, a heavy tourer, or a modern e-bike, there’s plenty of room on board for your gear.

We’d love to have you. We enjoy hosting groups, but because our vessels are designed for a more personal experience, space can fill up fast. To make sure your whole crew gets a spot together, it’s best to give us a heads-up and book early.

You’re welcome to try your luck! If we have a spare seat when you arrive, we’ll happily get you on board. However, our crossings are popular (especially on sunny days!), so booking online is the best way to guarantee you won't be left standing on the jetty.

Operated by Otago Water Taxis & Tours

The Dunedin Bike Ferry is proudly run by Otago Water Taxis & Tours, a local, family-owned business with years of experience on Otago Harbour.

We also offer:

Book Your Dunedin Bike Ferry Crossing

Skip the long ride around the harbour.

Enjoy a fast, scenic crossing instead.

Book online now to secure your seat.

Spaces are limited per trip.