Larnach Castle & Gardens
Larnach Castle & Gardens
Larnach Castle & Gardens
4.4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
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
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4.4
3,089 reviews
Excellent
1,677
Very good
981
Average
309
Poor
83
Terrible
39
GusY
Chatswood, Australia47 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
A short drive from Dunedin City is Larnach Castle, sitting atop south west of the city centre. At the time of our visit, the left side of the castle was undergoing renovations and was inaccessible. Entry was reduced to $30 per adult, and children entered for free. Unfortunately, it was raining the day we went, so we didn’t get to explore the beautifully manicured gardens. The castle has a rich history, with lovely period furnishings dating back to the late nineteenth century. The owners did their best to restore the castle, and they did a magnificent job reviving it for tourism. Despite the weather, we had a pleasant time learning about the history of William Larnach and his family, all the way to the present owners. It’s worth a visit when in Dunedin.
Written 3 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Go15687789877
2 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Two nights in The Stables. It’s lovely. The room rate includes a very generous cooked breakfast, and all the continental stuff - muesli, fruit, pretty much anything you might expect.
It’s 20 minutes from the city, but we think it was really worth it. It’s great feeling like a guest at the manor!
It’s 20 minutes from the city, but we think it was really worth it. It’s great feeling like a guest at the manor!
Written 26 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D and J
Perth, Australia55 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
The drive to Larnach Castle provides spectacular vistas over Dunedin and surrounds as does the view from the turret tower of this magnificent building. A guided tour is a must to learn the tale of this edifice and the family who built it. After your tour, enjoy a sumptuous Hi-Tea in the Grand Ballroom with several varieties of tea and yummy food. Now wander the Garden of International Significance and marvel at the marble bath flower pot as you search the grounds for all the featured characters from Alice in Wonderland! An excellent day out and a beautifully restored and maintained building – long may she stand!
Written 22 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jodie J
Brisabane27 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We stayed at the castle for two nights. The staff were so helpful and friendly. Our room was perfect . A lovely layout with an amazing view . The breakfast was fresh , tasty and nice variety. We also did the dinner in the castle which was very enjoyable. The young lady who hosted the evening made it so entertaining. She was so funny, informative and made us all feel very relaxed . We had mixed age groups at dinner and everyone enjoyed it . The food was delicious. So well cooked . Nice portions . We were surprised by how much we enjoyed the evening.
Written 30 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fran H
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Couples
It was probably one of the best dining out experiences I have ever had due to the combination of a number of factors including the atmosphere, location, dinner host, wait staff, food quality and fellow guests.
Walking from the carpark to the castle, the lighting of the statues and castle creates a magical atmosphere and makes you feel like you are in for something special. Arriving at the castle door Jessica S greeted us so warmly and professionally, welcoming us in and taking coats. The bar set up with Matthew behind it naturally draws you further into the building then with drink in hand it was lovely to wander through the rooms before dinner. A round-the-circle group introduction of who we were and where we were from just before dinner created a more intimate situation so it did not feel so odd sitting at a long table with strangers, now we knew a bit about them. Through out the night Jessica shared stories and history of the people and place in short snippets so it didn’t feel like a history lesson, she is a gifted story teller.
The food came out in perfect spacing and portion sizes that were not overwhelming – it felt like true fine dining.
The short tour around the castle after the meal was a nice finishing touch, again enriched by Jessicas storytelling, and a warm and unrushed farewell at the end. All in all a very memorable and special experience.
Walking from the carpark to the castle, the lighting of the statues and castle creates a magical atmosphere and makes you feel like you are in for something special. Arriving at the castle door Jessica S greeted us so warmly and professionally, welcoming us in and taking coats. The bar set up with Matthew behind it naturally draws you further into the building then with drink in hand it was lovely to wander through the rooms before dinner. A round-the-circle group introduction of who we were and where we were from just before dinner created a more intimate situation so it did not feel so odd sitting at a long table with strangers, now we knew a bit about them. Through out the night Jessica shared stories and history of the people and place in short snippets so it didn’t feel like a history lesson, she is a gifted story teller.
The food came out in perfect spacing and portion sizes that were not overwhelming – it felt like true fine dining.
The short tour around the castle after the meal was a nice finishing touch, again enriched by Jessicas storytelling, and a warm and unrushed farewell at the end. All in all a very memorable and special experience.
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen Y K S
Hong Kong, China86 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Larnach Castle, located in Dunedin on New Zealand's South Island, is the country's only castle, known for its Victorian and Gothic styles. Built by William Larnach in the 19th century, its surrounding gardens are internationally recognized as some of the most beautiful. The castle has a rich history, including family stories and various uses, such as a military fort. Visitors can join guided tours, enjoy dining services, and even stay overnight to experience the unique charm of this historic landmark.
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
janenevill
Heswall, UK151 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
As we drove up saw a sign saying invisible queue so we joined the end which ended up being 3 parked cars 🫨
Entrance was cheaper due to some works. It didn’t spoil the trip
We walked the gardens as per the map and we enjoyed them. We found the Cheshire cat but we did cheat 😈
The interior of the castle was good and only a few rooms off limit
We stopped at cafe for cup of tea and scone all very nice and staff super helpful
Definitely worth a visit
Entrance was cheaper due to some works. It didn’t spoil the trip
We walked the gardens as per the map and we enjoyed them. We found the Cheshire cat but we did cheat 😈
The interior of the castle was good and only a few rooms off limit
We stopped at cafe for cup of tea and scone all very nice and staff super helpful
Definitely worth a visit
Written 21 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa S
Tampa, Florida40 contributions
Feb 2025 • Friends
We found the castle very interesting. Although not furnished with items from the original owners, the history was very well presented and the current owners who rescued this house from decay and neglect have done an excellent job. The gardens were very nice too, although not extensive there were good views over the Otago Peninsula. A good way to spend a few hours. The coffee shop had good coffee and a nice selection of cakes.
Written 3 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Companion21297222615
29 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
We were very impressed by the restoration work being done at the castle today. It's so worth it! The wooden staircase, the sunny, airy verandah, the Ballroom (cafe) etc. A few of the bedrooms on the top floor were in the process of being restored, but there was plenty to see besides them. Also the gardens are gorgeous. We had beautiful weather and spent a couple of enjoyable hours viewing all of it.
Written 9 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IcyApple
Mosman, Australia183 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Stunning garden. Beautiful views. Even the drive up the hill to get to the location was stunning. The castle itself is interesting but if you don't have time you can skip it. I would like to stay on site one day. I didn't take any tours. I just drove there.
Written 22 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm visiting Dunedin for a week. I'm staying near the octagon and am on a bit of a budget so I'm preferring not to taxi. Are there any buses or affordable travel options that go from Dunedin city to Larnach Castle?
Written 24 November 2022
It depends on whether you enjoy exploring fantastic old buildings like the castle, and walking in lovely gardens. I'm in my 50s and loved our most recent experience, a high tea and garden tour, but I first visited Larnach Castle as a child, and have been there many times now. I probably enjoyed different things at different ages and stages of my life, but I've always enjoyed visiting. There are always people of all ages there!
Written 14 November 2022
Euh, 43 chambres ? C'est une erreur sans doute car il est bien petit, ce château.
Written 12 January 2020
Did you rent a car at the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal, and from which company? Did you buy the castle tickets ahead of time? Thank you for your help! Linda
Written 25 April 2019
Hi. Is the cafe open on Christmas Day . I see I cannot book for high tea as the online booking does not allow. we will be there on Christmas Day 2017.
Written 7 October 2017
larnach2017
Dunedin, New Zealand
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 options on the menu available through out the day. We wont be taking bookings but generally there is no problem getting a table.
Kind regards
Deborah Price
Written 8 October 2017
Hi I know this is probably an impossible question to answer but I was wondering how much time should I allow to visit the Castle and have a look at the Gardens, we only have 2 nights in Dunedin. TIA
Written 12 July 2017
45 minutes for the castle and the sane for the gardens would be ok but in my opinion nothing in Dunedin is better than this castle. Our best experience was to stay the night and have diner there.
Written 15 July 2017
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
Written 13 October 2016
Hello, Was the morning tea included in the tour price?
Best wishes, Gabriel
Written 24 January 2015
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