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
RECENTLY VIEWED
No results found

Larnach Castle & Gardens

1,928 Reviews
#8 of 109 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 (1,071)
Full view
Travellers' Choice award winner
Book In Advance
More Info
US$23.07*
and up
Admission Ticket to New Zealand's only Castle: Larnach Castle
More Info
US$143.62*
and up
Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour
More Info
US$107.90*
and up
Full-Day Larnach Castle Tour
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
1,928 reviews
  • Excellent53%
  • Very good33%
  • Average11%
  • Poor2%
  • Terrible1%
Travellers talk about
“larnach castle” (275 reviews)
“high tea” (57 reviews)
“barker family” (38 reviews)
Closed 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 (1,928)
Traveller rating
Traveller type
Time of year
Language
  • More languages

1 - 10 of 1,928 reviews

Reviewed 2 days ago
Perhaps not in winter

The 'castle' was small, more like a bungalow. We paid for the gardens only, which we felt were not properly maintained and wondered how they could even charge for this. Cant say about the interior of the 'castle' as after seeing the garden, we decided...More

Thank Natalie K
Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile
Very scenic drive up to the castle!

The drive to the castle was spectacular. Views are jaw dropping. The castle itself was having renovations when we went and unfortunately the scaffolding ruined the view from the top and photo opportunities. They gave a free card of the castle to compensate for the...More

Thank BohemianBeauty
Reviewed 4 days ago
Eye candy!

The eyecandy that is Larnach Castle, is perched amidst 35 acres on a central ridge of the Otago Peninsula, opposite Dunedin. Although supposedly only a 20 minute drive from Dunedin, we foreigners needed a GPS unit to find the place. When we arrived at the...More

1  Thank Conanthelibrarian5
Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile
Worth a visit

Really beautiful grounds even in winter. Great views. Castle very interesting. Excellent information available. Loved the stories on the walls. Staff very friendly and helpful. Very welcoming cafe with greag food available.

Thank Linda E
Reviewed 6 days ago
Larnach

Great place to visit. A shame we visited when they were doing outside renovations but still worthwhile.

Thank vanessa2767
Reviewed 6 days ago
A surprising delight on the penninsula probably best viewed in summer

We arrive in mid-june and caught a good deal of rain and wind so didn't manage to get around all the gardens. On a good day you could spend a couple hours just walking around the estate. The self-guided tour was fast and easy to...More

Thank kiwieric
Reviewed 6 days ago
Larnic in the winter

Unfortunately we were short of time so didn't see as much of the gardens as we'd have liked to, but enjoyed what we did see, our tour guide was extreamlly knowledge & able to answer all our queries. The bathrooms were elegant & spotless. The...More

Thank marrekach
Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
Beautiful

So worth tje visit, the gardens are gorgeous and the views incredible. Loved it and would go back again. The kids loved it as well.

Thank MelindaWiegmann
Reviewed 1 week ago
Nice Castle and Gardens

We enjoyed the walk around the gardens before entering the house. I also liked some of the Art Deco elements of the Castle. It is a lovely drive to get here from Dunedin.

Thank JoanMarietta_GA
Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
Really nice but expensive

When i visited the castle there were works on the castle. On the outside there were scaffolds. The gardens and the castle itself are avery nice place to visit, but with 35 nzd for both a bit too expensive. I looked at bookme dot com...More

Thank Friedi F
Nearby
Nearby Restaurants
1908 Cafe Restaurant
403 reviews
3.13 km away
The Portsider
68 reviews
5.10 km away
The Galley Cafe and Bar
22 reviews
5.10 km away
The Port Royale
27 reviews
5.17 km away
Nearby Attractions
Happy Hens
40 reviews
2.95 km away
Port Chalmers' Seafaring Museum
15 reviews
4.81 km away
Port Chalmers Golf Club
5 reviews
6.28 km away
Exploring New Zealand
7 reviews
4.81 km away
Questions & AnswersAsk a question
rmsydney
Hi, we will have a cruise ship stop in Dunedin on 3 January . I would love to visit the Larnach Castle and Gardens, preferably on our own , not organised tour . please, suggest what is the best way from the port to castle ? Is the public transport or we need to take taxi? rental car ? Many thanks, Rosalia
13 October 2016|
Answer Show all 5 answers
Response from Cheryl Burton | Reviewed this property |
Taxi would be the best bet
1
Vote