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    Larnach Castle & Gardens

    2,001 Reviews
    #8 of 112 things to do in Dunedin
    Castles, Historic Sites, Sights & Landmarks
    145 Camp Rd | Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand
    +64 3-476 1616
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    US$22.66*
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    Admission Ticket to New Zealand's only Castle: Larnach Castle
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    US$57.74*
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    Larnach Castle & Gardens Tour from Dunedin
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    Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour
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    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
    2,001 reviews
    • Excellent53%
    • Very good33%
    • Average11%
    • Poor2%
    • Terrible1%
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    “high tea” (60 reviews)
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    Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    LOCATION
    145 Camp Rd | Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand
    CONTACT
    Website
    +64 3-476 1616
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    Reviews (2,001)
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    1 - 10 of 1,899 reviews

    Reviewed 4 days ago
    honeymoon

    Larnach Castle was amazing. The accommodation was superb. Dinning in the ballroom was wonderful and the breakfast in the stables was also a delight. The staff were all so attentive. If you have a special someone you would like to totally spoil,well Larnach Castle is...More

    Thank Yvonne S
    Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile
    Don’t have high hopes like me

    The garden is decent but the castle is not. It’s basically the creation of a troubled politician and his family and the castle main building is small and nothing of spectacular that u expected from a real castle. More like larnarch mansion

    Thank Yao Min W
    Reviewed 5 days ago
    Awesomeness

    well organised tour with very knowledgeable guide. photos were allowed unlike some places. The cafe in the great hall was very good with amazing scones. The restrooms were very clean. Worth the visit and would go again.

    Thank Judy R
    Reviewed 6 days ago
    What a treat!

    Enjoyed visiting Larnach Castle, the history is great and the owners are doing a wonderful job at refurbishing the mansion. Enjoyed the gardens and the stunning views. Had afternoon tea in the Ballroom cafe which was good too.

    Thank Tess M
    Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
    Fantastic place to visit

    We spent three hours wandering around Larnach Castle and Gardens this week whilst visiting from Australia. We had read several negative reviews before our visit but afterwards couldn't believe why anyone would complain. We have visited many castles and stately homes across Europe and the...More

    Thank Moira M
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    Underwhelmed

    I am sorry to say this was a disappointment very nice gardens but upgraded to a castle visit not much of a castle. Maybe I have been spoilt in the past. It was a rather expensive visit.

    1  Thank Susan H
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    Nice day out

    Enjoyed the house and gardens, always find the early history of these estates very interesting. Take a picnic and enjoy the beautiful views and gardens.

    Thank Paul20012001
    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    Visited on tour with tourworks.

    Our tour picked us up from where we stayed and gave us the choice of audio tour and gardens i choose both to do. Learnt lots and had an amazing time. I fully recommend both see it all.

    Thank Rachzpage
    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    Spectacular!!

    We went up on a beautiful day...however at the height of the castle, we ended up in some cloud...after a lovely meal in the cafe, the cloud had dispersed to leave breathtaking views!! Amazing restoration of a gorgeous castle, surrounded by spectacular gardens. Recommend that...More

    Thank SpaceCadets03
    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    A bit of NZ history

    The Castle and gardens are beautiful with stunning views of the coastline and surrounding Otago Peninsula. The older "man at the gate" - the booth where you pay your entry fee was rude and condescending. Not nice! Our friend is a Larnach Castle host and...More

    Thank Denny4033
    larnach2017, Public Relations Manager at Larnach Castle & Gardens, responded to this reviewResponded 2 days ago

    Hi Denny4033 Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I am pleased you enjoyed your visit. With regard to our gate keeper, I do need to point out that he was following company policy. Your review has brought to our attention...More

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    Ask a question
    Questions & Answers
    sunshine16037
    8 October 2017|
    Answer
    Response from larnach2017 | Property representative |
    Hi Sunshine1 Thank you for your inquiry, yes our Cafe is open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm on Christmas day. Its potentially going to be very busy so we have decided not serve High tea's that day. We will have Christmas themed... More
    0
    Votes
    Michelle R
    12 July 2017|
    AnswerShow all 6 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
    3
    Votes
    rmsydney
    13 October 2016|
    AnswerShow all 6 answers
    Response from Cheryl Burton | Reviewed this property |
    Taxi would be the best bet
    1
    Vote