About a dozen protesters dressed as extinct animals, "red rebels" and the Grim Reaper made their way through the crowd of cruise visitors, handing out flyers on the environmental hazards of cruise ships.
Protest organiser Bruce Mahalski said the march was to signify the death of native species and the environment.
"But once they got close, they saw we were handing out information leaflets. So I think most of them understood that it was climate related."
Celebrity Edge visited Dunedin yesterday, marking the end of the cruise season, during which 93 ships visited the city.
Mr Mahalski said this was good news for the environment.
"So we know that part of that is because the cruise levies have gone up. There’s more compliance.
A police spokesman said they were called to Anzac Ave about noon where a small group of protesters had gathered.
"Police recognise the right to peaceful protest, but we also recognise that the wider public has a right to go about their lawful business.
"There were no further issues."
Mr Mahalski said it was not their intention to intimidate any of the visitors.
Mr Mahalski said the group’s focus was not on smaller cruise ships, but the larger vessels, which he wanted costed for their emissions.
Asked whether he was optimistic about change, Mr Mahalski said he was unsure.
"Because things are very scary on the environmental front," Mr Mahalski said.
Port Otago chief executive Kevin Winders declined to comment about the protests.
