Portobello is a maritime village: It faces the Otago Harbour around Latham Bay, Portobello Bay and Edwards Bay. Its people are water-people: Countless canoes, kayaks, tinnies, trailer sailors, powerboats and yachts call Portobello home. Historically, the harbour ferries brought visitors to the village by sea. The village's rural trade was conducted by water.

Today, Portobello is at the heart of the Otago Peninsula's tourist routes. Each year thousands of overseas visitors pass through the village on their way to view penguins, sealions and albatross. Many arrive by cruise ship at Port Chalmers, but must skirt the harbour by bus to access the wildlife attractions.

Portobello's maritime focus and heritage is not missing entirely, but the village's use of the harbour is extremely limited. This fine natural resource laps at its doorstep.

Harbour Access Precinct

Further information coming soon.