Larnach Castle

Built between 1871 and 1886 for local businessman and politician William Larnach, this unique manor house could only be found in Dunedin. The house's Scottish Baronial style is juxtaposed with large ornate verandahs skirting its stone walls, a very colonial touch. Bought by the Barker family in 1967, the homestead and its surrounding gardens have been lovingly restored and opened to the public. Its striking peninsula location, beautiful architecture and famous gardens make Larnach Castle one of Dunedin's premiere attractions.

The Castle

Sometimes known as Larnach's Castle, construction began in 1871 and took three years and over 200 workmen to complete. The interior was crafted by masters from Europe, who spent 12 years carving and embellishing its 43 rooms with the finest materials from around the world; Italian marble, glass from Venice and France, Welsh slate for the roof, and floor tiles from England. The house was finished with richly coloured native New Zealand woods, and is today the house is decorated with a large collection of antique New Zealand furniture.

The Gardens

The gardens are the creation of owner Margaret Barker, a collection of eight theme gardens ranging from primitive native rainforest to period-style formal gardens that showcase both native and exotic plants. The South Seas Garden, planted with some of New Zealand's most unique fauna from its coasts and off-shore Islands, has spectacular views over the Otago Peninsula and across the Harbour; from Port Chalmers all the way out to Taiaroa Head. The various gardens come into their own in different seasons, so there's something new to discover all year round.

How to get to Larnach Castle

Many tours around the Otago Peninsula include a visit to Larnach Castle. Both guided and self-guided tours are also available, with admission on entry. Below are directions to get to Larnach Castle from Dunedin’s city centre, The Octagon:

Featured Larnach Castle Tours & Activities

PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSION: SHOWCASE OF DUNEDIN NZ Ports of Call Tour - Dunedin - Starting from $795.00 per person A SPECIAL SHOWCASE OF DUNEDIN HIGHLIGHTS IS CREATED FOR YOUR TIME ONSHORE Dunedin is famous for New Zealand’s finest heritage and cultural icons, spectacular breath-taking ocean and mountain views, beautiful gardens and city cafes. New Zealand’s amazing hot spots in Dunedin and surrounds provides you with a variety of options that can be made to a custom style day of memories. The itinerary for you is designed with plenty of allowance... More...

Full-Day Ships Shore Excursions from Dunedin Ports of Call Tour - Dunedin - Starting from $45.00 per person The full-day trip, conducted by a historic double-decker bus has a great range of stops including Otago Museum, Baldwin Street, Dunedin Botanic Gardens and much more. Discover New Zealand's only castle and learn more about this beautiful city. It can be combined with others tours such as Cadbury World or the Speight's Brewery Tour. The tour starts and ends at Port Chalmer and includes the ticket admission for special attractions as well as commentary on the bus and 15 people are required at... More...

7-Day South Island Photography Tour from Queenstown to Christchurch Photography Tour - Queenstown - Starting from $4495.00 per person Join Richard Young and Dave Buckton on a 7-day tour showcasing some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife and most distinctive coastal landscapes. New Zealand’s underrated East Coast is full of surprises that include fossilised forests, curious boulders, outstanding coastal scenery and a huge diversity of rare wildlife: penguins, sea lions, fur seals and albatross.  Starting in Queenstown, the tour the travels through the Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park, with opportunities to... More...

Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery Private Tour - Dunedin - Starting from $750.00 per person Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored just for your group of up to 6 passengers. A knowledgeable driver - guide will show you the best spots in Dunedin in a comfortable van. You will be very flexible and can spend any amount of time at all the stops. There is an option fo a bigger group too. Scenic drive through the city and on Otago Peninsula to view the most breathtaking views. You will enjoy a stop at Royal Albatross Centre (about 1 hour), the world's only mainland... More...

Full-Day Dunedin Tour with Larnach Castle & Gardens, Speight's Brewery Ports of Call Tour - Dunedin - Starting from $165.00 per person Enjoy a unique opportunity to experience the very best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer. This small group shore excursion offers sightseeing for both Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle and a visit to the famous Speights Brewery. On leaving port you will travel through Dunedin City and then out onto the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a fully guided tour of both the castle and its grounds. Early afternoon the tour returns to Dunedin for the completion of the... More...