Larnach Castle

Beautifully restored 19th century "castle " country home and gardens. We visited on a very rainy spring day, but the topiary and spring flowers were lovely. The interior contains period appropriate fixtures and decor, complete with 19th century bathrooms, family heirlooms and clothing. The woodwork and decorative details have been carefully restored. The narrow stairway to the tower was fun! This is an historic site, and private restoration of the Castle is ongoing. There are seperate accommodations on the grounds, but we didn't visit those.

Paid to visit the gardens $24. If you want to go in the castle as well it's $48. The gardens are lovely and the outside was just as nice. Coming from the UK it's not the I was expecting but it's lovely all the same from what we saw on the outside. You get pamphlets when you buy a tickets detailing the history and a map which was nice. The cafe/ballroom is something else entirely....so grand and very historic. The open fire places added a wonderful touch and you can sit outside in the marquee or even at the tables on the grass. We only got a drink so can't comment on the food but what we did see from other people it looked lovely. The afternoon tea we wished we'd done. It was a lovely visit.

I loved the venue, got a tad upset with all of the private tours they have going at the same time. Had a very sassy lady give me a filthy look as I was entering the room. Didn't feel they had more rights to be in the room than me. I paid my entry but didn't get a tour as I like to take my time. That particular lady needs to consider her body language and behavior and be mindful as I took offense to it.

I did not stay here. I just visited on an organized tour. It is really a house not a castle. The tour of the house was way too hurried, rushing us from room to room in order to let the next group into the area. The gardens were much more tranquil and interesting in my opinion.

What an interesting place to visit! We stayed in the stables accomodation. Considering the price which includes breakfast and the entry to the castle and gardens its pretty cheap. The breakfast was great and staff very helpful. Rooms were clean but we found it to be a little loud (mainly water pipes and large entry doors closing) up until midnight. Castle and history is pretty amazing

We so enjoyed our stay here. It was exceptional. We had the best time at the dinner and making new interesting friends there. The food was amazing. What really made the stay was the night manager’s kindness. We are sorry we can’t remember his name, but he was amazing. He was knowledgeable, passionate, and an expert multitasker. Whatever he’s being paid, triple it!

Our Larnach Castle (Lodge) overnight stay exceeded my expectations - absolutely loved it! The staff were fantastic, 10/10 for them! Lots of native birdlife around the property which was delightful. The castle itself is a marvel and you can go right up to the top of the tower to enjoy the view. It was great to be staying overnight to see the exterior of the castle all lit up. The garden would be prettier in summer when the plants are in flower but it is still nice to walk around especially the evergreen native pathways. Access to the castle and gardens was included in our room rate.

Larnach Castle is absolutely beautiful! So well looked after and full of fascinating stories to discover. The staff are incredible too, friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about the place. All around you, native birds through the gardens, which are stunning on their own and open up to breathtaking views. Inside, there are plenty of rooms to wander through, each with its own little surprises, and you can even climb up to the very top of the castle for a view that’s just wow. If you can, go in summer when the gardens are at their most majestic, but even in winter, the whole place feels magical, like stepping into another world.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Larnach Castle, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment I arrived, the stunning views of the Otago Peninsula took my breath away. The castle itself is full of rich history and charm, with beautifully restored rooms and fascinating stories that bring the place to life. Larnach Castle is a true gem, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Dunedin. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a beautiful spot to explore, this place has something special to offer. I'll definitely be returning! *It is quite pricey to get in though...

beautiful castle especially garden&view This is a good place for families. It's easy to walk and take some pictures.

A unique and fascinating venue to stay at during your time in New Zealand. From High Tea to Dinner to a tour of the castle to just walking the grounds, this is a don't-miss if you're in the area.

I would recommend visiting if you are going for high tea. Beautiful grounds and interesting residence to walk around. The high tea was lovely. No need to purchase extra grounds tickets etc if going for the high tea.

Mmm this is more like an old homestead than a castle. The term 'castle' might be stretching it a little. For the price, it can be a miss. On-site there are gardens, the Larnach house, and barn lodging. The stables/barn has the option of apartment style lodging or you get the option of having a shared kitchen area. This place is supposed haunted, but I find that I get an eerie feeling in any old house I visit. Pro tip: you can go all the way to the tippy top of the Larnach Castle. Just follow a door and up a spiralling staircase and then you are on the roof balcony, it offers a great view of the surrounding land and even a glimpse of the bay. The Larnach family was pretty wealthy, and with this house, you can see how he brought England with him to New Zealand. In the homestead, there are a view rooms downstairs that tell of the history of the family. The next room has information of the family who bought it over and fully restored the venue to turn it into a castle everyone can visit. Larnach Castle is the only castle in New Zealand. The gardens are lovely, and the property sits on a hill offering a great vantage point of beautiful Dunedin and waterfront. Oh and the café is the ballroom.

We did not stay at their lodging nor dine at their restaurant, but came to visit the garden and had a glimpse of the beautiful dining hall. The ground was pretty with water view at some areas of the premises. Since it was not that big, can easily be covered within an hour's time. I imagine it would be very relaxing staying at their lodging.

The history of the castle is probably the most important factor contributing to the place's charm. The origins of the castle coupled with the lengthy restoration by a visionary has made this place worth visiting, not to mention the views you'd be rewarded with from the top. Although not as ornate as many castles, but it stems from the fact that it's more of a large home of a wealthy Presbyterian family.

When you book a stay keep in mind you do not stay in the castle, you stay in the lodge next to the castle. Rooms have amazing views of the Otago Harbour. The bath was excellent, with good hot water pressure and lovely products. Unfortunately that is where the niceties end. The bed was lumpy and uncomfortable even compared to our bed at the YHA hostel in lake tekapo. Beautiful evening meal setting but food was dry and bland. My dinner and dessert plate were taken before I was finished and without asking. At breakfast my order was taken but delivered without black pudding. When I inquired I was told they just run out but no alternative was offered. Clearly these folks are not hurting for business and are resting on their laurels. The grounds were beautiful with a fun Alice in wonderland theme which made up for the other negative aspects of our stay. We don't regret staying the night but if you are on the fence I recommend staying somewhere else and just visit the gardens on your own.

Originally coming from the UK, I would not call this a castle myself. It's more like a Country House. Still it is worth a visit, the grounds and gardens are certainly worth wandering around. It's a shame it rained on our visit, which cut the wandering short. There is a nod to Alice in Wonderland in several spots, if you notice them. It was nice walking round the house and reading about the family history and it's tragedies that occurred. Great views of the gardens and surrounding area once you climb the narrow twisting staircase to the top of the tower. We were disappointed that we did not encounter any of the haunting that happens here, not even an orb. The highlight for us was the wonderful High Tea, staff were friendly, and informative. Shame about the weather, good excuse to return.

Castle: old private castle built by a New Zealand Financier in the 1880s. Very nicely restored and open for tours. Guests of the lodge can dine in the Castle Dining Room together. Definitely a unique experience with well prepared gourmet meals. Lodge: polite and helpful staff. The parking can be bothersome but not terrible. The rooms are about what you'd expect on a castle estate. Rustic decor and drafty. The view however is AMAZING. 360 degree panoramic views of Dunedin & Otago Peninsula. The beds are queen style and very comfortable. We stayed in the Kauri room. (Private bathroom in room) Stable: close together rooms with a communal bathroom (dormitory style). Good if you're traveling with children. Grounds: beautiful. Manicured hedges & lawns, arched tunnels of trees and gardens full of flowers. Less color now as they are entering fall but breathtaking none the less. Compared to Newport or Biltmore- Lanarch Castle is about what I would expect as a European Equivalent. Not as ostentatious but still not a practical home; it was built more to show off than to house a family.

I have been to Larnach a few times. The gardens and views are amazing (can't blame Mother Nature!), but it is expensive. I once had high tea here during a "Wild Dunedin" event -- and it was terrible. There were no tables for any of the guests -- tea was served on banquet tables, you grabbed a plate, and sat in a chair. Except they didn't have enough chairs, and several of us wound up sitting on the floor. The food was passable, but not special. I've also been to a dinner event -- again, the food was passable, but not special. It's a beautiful spot, but there are many beautiful spots on the peninsula that are less expensive (or free) to access, and there are other restaurants with better hospitality.