Olveston Historic Home
Olveston Historic Home
Olveston Historic Home
4.5
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
A 'must visit' for lovers of art, heritage and history, Olveston is lavishly furnished with exotic artefacts, prized artworks, antique furniture, ceramics and statues from around the world. The 35-room Edwardian mansion was designed for a one of Dunedin's most prominent businessmen, philanthropists and collectors during the early 1900s. The house was gifted to the people of Dunedin in 1966, fully furnished with the original contents, Olveston is a time capsule as little has changed inside the house since it was occupied as a family home. The house and its 'Garden of National Significance', within the city's Green Belt, can be experienced at 42 Royal Terrace, within walking distance of Dunedin's Octagon. Entry inside the house is by guided tour only (1 hour, max. 15 People per group). Tours commence daily at: 9.30am, 10.45am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.45pm and 4pm. Group bookings available at a time to suit the group - available on request. Tours are conducted in English. Mandarin, Cantonese, German, French, Japanese and Dutch speaking guides are available for groups on request. The gardens, listed as a New Zealand Gardens Trust 'Garden of National Significance' and the gift shop are open daily and free to the public.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
1,012 reviews
Excellent
792
Very good
181
Average
32
Poor
4
Terrible
3
rosie w
Dunedin, New Zealand1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
love love loved this event .
my high tea and tour here yesterday turned a cold Dn day into something special . our guide Jo shared wonderful stories and has inspired me to spend time increasing my interest on the house and the fabulous art collection they have. bday presents for friends next year sorted .
my high tea and tour here yesterday turned a cold Dn day into something special . our guide Jo shared wonderful stories and has inspired me to spend time increasing my interest on the house and the fabulous art collection they have. bday presents for friends next year sorted .
Written 3 December 2023
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.
Peter M
10 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Fascinating view into the lives of a very privileged family, however Dunedin has been fortunate to have been gifted this magnificent home so that we can enjoy its grandeur, gardens and marvel at the technology that was incorporated into the home. The private tour made the experience even more enjoyable as our guide was friendly, knowledgeable & unhurried. As a previous reviewer noted, Larnach Castle could charge that extra little bit and have guided tours to round out the experience. A must see and we rate it better then Larnach.
Written 30 October 2023
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.
Martin A
Dunedin, New Zealand69 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The Olveston trust have maintained this historic property to as high a standard as similar attractions overseas. The gardens are a credit to the property, especially during the rhododendron season. The guide was informative and knowledgable, and has passion. As a property, this presents better than Larnach Castle in terms of the quality and upkeep of interior features of its glorious Edwardian era; the vistas at Larnach are its secret, in addition to the landscaping.
Written 29 October 2023
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.
Scott G
Washington DC, DC408 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Very friendly staff, and the house tour is worthwhile. There is a lot to see, big rooms and little alcoves, etc. There is a gift shop.
Written 18 October 2023
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.
Manjot K
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Amazing and beautiful place with lots of interesting stories. Special mention to our wonderful tour guide Chris.
Written 15 September 2023
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.
NZtourier
Dunedin, New Zealand35 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Jan Davies and her fantastic team gave us all a wonderful dining experience as part of their contribution to the Ronald McDonald Supper Club appeal. The setting, meal (thanks Karl), and help from the staff were fabulous. I didn't realise the venue could be hired!
Written 10 August 2023
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.
ManagerOlveston
Thank you NZtourier, We ar so pleased you enjoyed your evening.
Written 20 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellis P
Boynton Beach, FL96 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
I found the management very inflexible. This is a tour of a house owned by a Jewish Family in the earl 1900s. History is recorded to explain facts not to distort and be revisionist.
Written 9 May 2023
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.
ManagerOlveston
As discussed, previously Mr Polin in depth, the local Jewish CONGREGATION do not hold your views. We tell the story of the Theomin family and Olveston Historic Home with true accuracy according to recorded documentation left to the city by the Theomin's, family links and other reputable sources.
Written 14 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alli Barty
2 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Beautiful afternoon tea including a toast to the King. Very professional and informative guided tour. Would recommend for visitors and locals
Written 7 May 2023
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.
ManagerOlveston
Hello there, we are so pleased you enjoyed your afternoon tea, and thank you for your recommendation!
Written 14 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom1021
The Villages, FL141 contributions
Apr 2023
I have had the opportunity to visit a number of "old" houses but this one was exceptional! Olveston was built by David Theomin, a businessman who had moved to Dunedin to seek his fortune and where he found success!
The house was left to the city of Dunedin when the last surviving member of the family (Dorothy) passed away. One of the things that makes this house exceptional is that the house is in exactly the same condition, and with the same furniture and fixtures, as when the Dorothy Theomin passed away! The city of Dunedin has painstakingly and lovingly maintained in house exactly as it was bequeathed to them!
It is a beautiful house full of extraordinary art work! The Theomins collected art from around the world and displayed it in their home! In addition to collecting art, the Theomin family also collected other priceless things such as elegant china. They are all on display.
An interesting but tragic backstory is the history of the family. You will have to visit the house to learn it!
Our guide was excellent! She had an encyclopedic knowledge of the house and family. It was clear that she loved her work.
When you are in Dunedin, the Olveston House is a MUST SEE!
The house was left to the city of Dunedin when the last surviving member of the family (Dorothy) passed away. One of the things that makes this house exceptional is that the house is in exactly the same condition, and with the same furniture and fixtures, as when the Dorothy Theomin passed away! The city of Dunedin has painstakingly and lovingly maintained in house exactly as it was bequeathed to them!
It is a beautiful house full of extraordinary art work! The Theomins collected art from around the world and displayed it in their home! In addition to collecting art, the Theomin family also collected other priceless things such as elegant china. They are all on display.
An interesting but tragic backstory is the history of the family. You will have to visit the house to learn it!
Our guide was excellent! She had an encyclopedic knowledge of the house and family. It was clear that she loved her work.
When you are in Dunedin, the Olveston House is a MUST SEE!
Written 4 May 2023
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.
ManagerOlveston
Thank you, Tom for your lovely review. I will pass your kind words onto the team, they pride themselves on their knowledge of the Home and the Theomin family.
Written 14 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GGG12342017
Singapore, Singapore208 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Excellent! A really interesting find in this historic town. It is rare to find such an old home with most of the original items still intact. It is also obvious that much effort was made in restoration works especially on the Fiat out in the back. Recommended!
Written 12 March 2023
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.
ManagerOlveston
Thank you GGG123 for your five star review., so glad the FIAT did not go unnoticed.
Written 14 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Spiderspoon
Dapto, Australia9 contributions
Can you walk to lovers ton house from the cruise terminal?
Is it in the botanical gardens?
Jeremy S
Dunedin, New Zealand3 contributions
Hi Spiderspoon,
Thanks for your message.
Olveston is not a walk from the Cruise Terminal, rather located near the centre of Dunedin (the Octagon) on the hill behind the city. We are a 15-20min walk from the centre and about the same from the Botanical Gardens.
We have information on our website for visitors on the Olveston website.
When you arrive at Port Otago (Port Chalmers, the Dunedin port), we suggest guests wanting to visit Olveston either join one of the ship excusions, or take the shuttle into the city and either walk, taxi or take one of the local tourism operator options from the iSite/Octagon again which includes Olveston in the itinerary.
You will find more information about Olveston and what to do in the city on our website with links to various transport options.
Shore excursion information available off the ship will be available from your cruise company website.
Thank you for your enquiry and we look forward to seeing you when you visit Dunedin.
In the meantime, best wishes,
Jeremy Smith | Manager | Olveston Historic Home
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Claim your listingOLVESTON HISTORIC HOME: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Olveston Historic Home
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