Skipper Rachel talks through the Harbour Cycle Loop
It's great to see so many people out and about enjoying the outdoors and doing something good for their bodies and souls!
Families, singles, oldies, youngies and work groups :)
Its a low cost activity and you can make the experience last a whole day.
Have you cycled the new cycle path yet? One of the best things to do in Dunedin is Cycle The Loop around the Otago Harbour, seeing some of the finest scenery Dunedin has to offer.
This is probably one of the best routes to do with friends or family who are visiting, as you get to see so much of Dunedin and there are lots of great places to stop and eat (if that's your vibe). But the best thing about this route is the option to get the ferry (with your bikes) AND while seeing wildlife and getting a tour at the same time.
There is a new section of the cycle way that has just been added, from St Leonards to Port Chalmers we thought we’d get in touch with the Skipper of the ferry, Rachel, to give us her summary of the cycle loop (and new path) and what you can expect getting the ferry with her.
Don’t forget you can hire bikes with us, if you need more wheels!
Who are you, what is your job and how long have you been doing it for?
I am the Owner /Operator of Port To Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours and sole operator and skipper.
I Have been working on/skippering commercial boats on Otago Harbour for 18 years+. Then established Port To Port cruises in 2017, so i’ve been operating for approx 5 years now.
My job is to transport passengers between locations around the Otago Harbour, mostly Portobello/Port Chalmers and Quarantine Island. And I conduct wildlife cruises to look for albatross, seals, sea birds, penguins and much more.
Photo - Geoff Marks
Can you tell us a bit about the Harbour loop?
The harbour loop is approx 32 kms between Port Chalmers and Portobello by cycleway. Across the harbour its approx 2.6 kms by boat.
The cycleway is paved, flat and off the road in most places. (There is a short section in Port Chalmers township where you are on the road, as you go past the shops.)
It can’t be shortened, unless you go one way and catch a bus back the other! The public buses do take bikes, so its nice to have the option!
It can be lengthened, by going past ferry departure point at Portobello to visit Taiaroa Head, to the albatross colony. Or past Port Chalmers ferry departure point to go to Aramoana, to the beach.
Those parts are on road though and may include hills. Add another 20km+ to go to either location, then back to the ferry departure point, to cross the harbour.
Photo - NZ Transport Agency
Is it hard? Can anyone do it?
The route is flat and paved, so how much easier can it get! Except for the wind on the harbour! Those days can be harder! But thats what ebikes are for, right!?
Its approx 10 minutes across the harbour by ferry and when traveling with me you get a full, professional commentary and you see lots of things along the way such as birds, boats, shipwrecks, historic quarantine station, on the island, as we pass.
Lots of young children do the loop with their parents. Ive seen kids as young as six on their own cycling the loop! Though from my experience with kids, I’d say years 8 and up may be able to happily handle the minimum 2 hour cycle loop, with some ice cream stops along the way!
I can't accept cancellations on the ferry, within 36 hours of notice, just because it might be cloudy, rainy or windy! (Please check the forecast before booking to make sure you are happy with the expected weather.)
Plenty of people show up in the wind, rain and hail! And they are all still smiling!!
How can people book or get the ferry?
It's important to book, because I can sell out fast.
The quickest and easiest way to book is online at www.porttoport.co.nz.
Or alternatively call 020 416 24250
Typically we sail from:
Port Chalmers (Back Beach) to Portobello
9:30am, 11:50am, 12:55pm and 3pm.
And from Portobello to Port Chalmers
10:00am, 12:35pm, 1:15pm and 3:15pm.
Sometimes I'll add extra sailings, sometimes we dont do some of these, if it's really quiet.
You can buy a locals concession online to purchase 4 ferry tickets and get one free. (Only valid for the person mentioned on the card).
Catching the ferry is the only way to complete the Cycle Loop.
It's great to see so many people out and about enjoying the outdoors and doing something good for their bodies and souls!
Families, singles, oldies, youngies and work groups :)
Its a low cost activity and you can make the experience last a whole day (see www.dunedincycleway.co.nz for things to do on the way).
And don't forget to get in touch with us if you need to hire a bike for you or a friend.