The entrance to Otago Harbour is situated in the bay between Heyward Point and Taiaroa Head.  The pilot boarding position is 1 mile north of the Fairway Beacon.  Safe anchorage is available in close proximity, with Taiaroa Head lighthouse bearing 160° (T) and Heyward light tower bearing 220° (T).

Detailed information on the port can be obtained in the New Zealand Pilot.

Within the entrance, the harbour extends 9.6 kilometres to Port Chalmers and then carries on a further 12 kilometres to the port and city of Dunedin.

The harbour is dredged to accommodate vessels with a draught of 12.5 metres, from Taiaroa Head to Port Chalmers, where the container facilities are located.  This draught enables the largest containers ships in the New Zealand trade to make Port Chalmers their final port of call in New Zealand.  From Port Chalmers to Dunedin the channel is dredged to handle vessels with a draught of 8.0 metres.