World by City

Nature

Goat Island / Rakiriri

Open in Maps
Goat Island / Rakiriri

Goat Island / Rakiriri

Goat Island, known as Rakiriri, is the second-largest island in Dunedin's Otago Harbour. Located in the Otago Harbour between Port Chalmers and Portobello, it serves as a natural landmark for those navigating the waterway. Travellers visit the area primarily to observe the island's landscape and coastal scenery from the harbour.

Getting There

The island is accessed via the Otago Harbour. From Dunedin city centre, you can travel by car or boat toward the Port Chalmers or Portobello areas. The drive to the harbour's edge typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific departure point.

Time Allocation

Since the island is primarily viewed from the water or from nearby coastal vantage points, allow 1 to 2 hours to appreciate the scenery while travelling along the harbour.

When to Visit

The area is accessible year-round. Daylight hours are longest during the summer months, providing more visibility for harbour travel. It does not typically experience heavy crowds compared to the city's main tourist hubs.

Nearby Attractions

You can combine a visit to the harbour area with other local sites:

  • Quarantine Island / Kamau Taurua: 0.7km
  • Larnach Castle: 4.1km
  • Mount Cargill: 5.6km
  • Boulder Beach: 8.1km

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

GetYourGuide GetYourGuide 클룩 Klook Tiqets Tiqets KKday KKday WeGoTrip WeGoTrip

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Goat Island / Rakiriri

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Goat Island / Rakiriri Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Dunedin hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

View on Compare sites 부킹닷컴 View on Booking.com 호텔스닷컴 View on Hotels.com

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Dunedin 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Dunedin grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Dunedin 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Dunedin grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Quarantine Island / Kamau Taurua

Nature

Quarantine Island / Kamau Taurua

The largest island in Otago Harbour near Dunedin, it's a recreational nature reserve open to everyone. Island facilities are jointly managed by the local community and conservation authorities.

0.7 km away
Larnach Castle

Castles & palaces

Larnach Castle

A grand estate perched on a ridge of Dunedin's Otago Peninsula, built in a castle style rarely seen in New Zealand. Constructed by a businessman, it is now open to the public as a tourist attraction where visitors can explore the interior.

4.1 km away
Mount Cargill

Nature

Mount Cargill

A volcanic peak rising over Dunedin's northern skyline. It's a great place to head when you want to leave the city and experience the natural terrain up close.

5.6 km away
Boulder Beach

Nature

Boulder Beach

A pebble beach on the south coast of the Otago Peninsula, about a 15km drive from central Dunedin. Since yellow-eyed penguins nest here, access is restricted every year from November to February for their protection.

8.1 km away
Sandfly Bay

Nature

Sandfly Bay

A sandy beach on the southern side of the Otago Peninsula, about 15km east of central Dunedin, known for its large sand dunes. As a wildlife reserve, it's a great spot for a nature hike.

8.5 km away
Dunedin Botanic Garden

Zoos & aquariums

Dunedin Botanic Garden

A botanic garden located north of Dunedin's city center, near the University of Otago. It stretches across the lower slopes of Signal Hill and the flat land along the river, making it a pleasant place for a nature walk.

8.9 km away