Rainbow Warrior welcomed into Dunedin

Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior has been welcomed into Otago Harbour today as part of its visit to the city this weekend.

Supporters on various water-going craft including kayaks and paddle-boards were on hand off Back Beach near Port Chalmers as the ship arrived.

The vessel has been touring the country to celebrate the Government's off-shore drilling ban and promote clean energy.

The Rainbow Warrior arrives for its Dunedin visit this weekend. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery

Its crew are looking at the activities of Austrian oil company OMV, which has requested an extension to its upcoming drill commitment in the Great South Basin.

The company wants another two years to look for oil in an area southeast of Dunedin.