We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Dunedin
Log in Join
  • My Trips
  • Bookings
  • Rental Inbox

    • Browse

    Larnach Castle & Gardens

    1,957 Reviews
    #8 of 110 things to do in Dunedin
    Castles, Historic Sites, Sights & Landmarks
    145 Camp Rd | Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand
    +64 3-476 1616
    Website
    Save
    All photos (1,116)
    Full view
    Travellers' Choice award winner
    Book In Advance
    More Info
    US$23.13*
    and up
    Admission Ticket to New Zealand's only Castle: Larnach Castle
    More Info
    US$144.03*
    and up
    Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour
    More Info
    US$115.67*
    and up
    Full-Day Dunedin Tour with Larnach Castle & Gardens, Speight's Brewery
    See More Tours & Experiences
    Map
    Satellite
    Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info.
    Reset zoom
    Overview
    More
    Discover New Zealand’s only Castle, built 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world.The Castle is still privately owned and cared for by the Barker family who purchased it as their home in 1967. Decades have been spent on the Castle's restoration, with the family having restored empty buildings from ruin and assembled a large collection of original New Zealand period furniture and antiques. Open to the public throughout, this conservation project has been funded through admission fees. The family has always been committed to opening their home and sharing this significant period of Dunedin and New Zealand's history.Scandalous and tragic stories, spectacular tower views and a Garden of International Significance complete this enjoyable award-winning experience. Boutique Lodge accommodation is available in the Castle gardens. Weddings, Balls, Conferences and Celebrations are held in the beautiful 3000 square foot Ballroom. High Tea is also now served daily in the Ballroom at 3pm

    About Larnach Castle & Gardens

    Discover New Zealand’s only Castle, built 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world.The Castle is still privately owned and cared for by the Barker family who purchased it as their home in 1967. Decades have been spent on the Castle's restoration, with the family having restored empty buildings from ruin and assembled a large collection of original New Zealand period furniture and antiques. Open to the public throughout, this conservation project has been funded through admission fees. The family has always been committed to opening their home and sharing this significant period of Dunedin and New Zealand's history.Scandalous and tragic stories, spectacular tower views and a Garden of International Significance complete this enjoyable award-winning experience. Boutique Lodge accommodation is available in the Castle gardens. Weddings, Balls, Conferences and Celebrations are held in the beautiful 3000 square foot Ballroom. High Tea is also now served daily in the Ballroom at 3pm
    4.5
    1,957 reviews
    • Excellent53%
    • Very good33%
    • Average11%
    • Poor2%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “larnach castle” (280 reviews)
    “high tea” (58 reviews)
    “barker family” (39 reviews)
    Open Now
    All hours
    Hours Today: 09:00 - 17:00
    LOCATION
    145 Camp Rd | Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand
    CONTACT
    Website
    +64 3-476 1616
    Improve This Listing
    Write a Review
    Reviews (1,957)
    Traveller rating
    Traveller type
    Time of year
    Language
    • More languages

    1 - 10 of 1,858 reviews

    Reviewed 5 days ago
    Oooh, beautiful luxury home

    I'm not an architecture buff--but this building and gardens were definitely worth visiting. The formal English gardens and local plant area were lovely. The house is really beautiful with AMAZING views of the sea. You can go up on the walkway on the roof and...More

    Thank redeetogo
    Reviewed 6 days ago
    Great castle and grounds

    The tour is self guided with audio device a d typical of most castles. The grounds are wonderful and many flowers were in bloom. Worth seeing

    Thank Punksedona
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    Well worth a visit.

    My second time here the first being 40 years ago. I'm just as impressed second time around as the family have continued to improve and develop in an appropriate way. This is a good destination for gardners, history fans or just those who are crurious...More

    Thank nikki954
    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    Nice garden walk and castle tour!

    We had a nice walk despite the cold many great pics and videos to take. Inside the castle we learnt abt the history of the Lanarch family and the castle rich in heritage. Overall the combined tour took us abt 2 hrs ,per pax abt...More

    Thank edmundp0h
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
    not scary just beautiful

    not scary just beautiful. we were there a lot longer than we thought as we enjoyed it so much. definitely would recommend going and checking it out. the castle tells you a sad but interesting story

    Thank tammyridley
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
    Just Beautiful

    Great day with beautiful weather. Just a stunning example that is getting the love it deserves. They also do accomodation as well for a special weekend away!

    Thank Aaron D
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
    Weekend Getaways

    Perfect weekend getaway from Christchurch. Beautiful surroundings and attentive staff. Breakfast excellent to start the day before exploring Dunedin. Various room options to suite everyone's pocket.

    Thank Keven K
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago
    A pleasure to know the stories behind the Larnach Castle

    You can tell that the Barkers are trying to maintain this castle really well. When I was there, there were some workers doing some minor renovations in front of the castle. It only simply shows that they are trying their best to preserve it and...More

    Thank jcbnavarra
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago
    Stunning!

    What a wonderful place! Not really a castle by UK standards but a lovely old country mansion set in spectacular gardens with wonderful views. Even the tea room was excellent. Well worth a visit.More

    Thank Lindsay L
    MarketingSupport, assistant at Larnach Castle & Gardens, responded to this reviewResponded 2 weeks ago

    Dear Lindsay, Thank you for leaving a review of your recent visit to Larnach Castle. We are pleased to see you rated it a 5 star experience, and took the time to enjoy some refreshments in our Ballroom Cafe. Best wishes from New Zealand. Reid...More

    Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile
    WOW

    Beautiful, stunning. So pleased the owners have and continue to restore this beautiful castle. So much history revealed during the visit. Even during winter you can see the beauty.More

    Thank stem53
    MarketingSupport, assistant at Larnach Castle & Gardens, responded to this reviewResponded 2 weeks ago

    Dear visitor, Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback regarding your recent visit to Larnach Castle. We are thrilled to hear you loved your visit and were able to enjoy the restoration and preservation of this New Zealand landmark. This piece of New...More

    Nearby
    Nearby Restaurants
    1908 Cafe Restaurant
    406 reviews
    3.13 km away
    The Portsider
    68 reviews
    5.10 km away
    The Galley Cafe and Bar
    23 reviews
    5.10 km away
    The Port Royale
    27 reviews
    5.17 km away
    Nearby Attractions
    Happy Hens
    43 reviews
    2.95 km away
    Port Chalmers' Seafaring Museum
    15 reviews
    4.81 km away
    Port Chalmers Golf Club
    5 reviews
    6.22 km away
    Iona Church
    8 reviews
    5.21 km away
    Ask a question
    Questions & Answers
    Michelle R
    12 July 2017|
    AnswerShow all 5 answers
    Response from leoniehastings | Reviewed this property |
    It depends on the time you have available. You could go round it quickly in an hour or 2 but longer if you want to spend time looking more closely at the views and different rooms and furniture etc in them
    2
    Votes
    rmsydney
    13 October 2016|
    AnswerShow all 5 answers
    Response from Cheryl Burton | Reviewed this property |
    Taxi would be the best bet
    1
    Vote