Larnach Castle Tours and Activities

Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle which includes a castle and a park
Larnach Castle showing forest scenes and landscape views
Larnach Castle showing heritage architecture and interior views
Larnach Castle showing hiking or walking, a garden and forests

Discover tales of romance and tragedy, see rare Victorian furniture and take in stunning ocean vistas at New Zealand’s only castle. 

Explore the striking Larnach Castle and admire its elaborate woodcarvings and crystal chandeliers. Learn the tragic story of its original inhabitants and admire breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula from the well-tended grounds. 

The first and only castle to be constructed in New Zealand, Larnach Castle was built high on a hill above the Otago Peninsula in the 19th century. It was commissioned by William Larnach, an Australian born merchant who became a member of New Zealand’s parliament. Larnarch had the castle built, sparing no expense, for his first wife Eliza. Tragically, he committed suicide in 1898. The castle is no longer in the Larnach family but is still privately owned. 

Enter the castle through the foyer and you’ll soon see that the building is made almost entirely from wood. Admire the exquisite carvings that decorate the walls and the high-arched doorways and windows. Each room has been restored with period paintings and furnishings that allow you a glimpse into the lifestyle of high-class Victorians. One of the finest is the music room, which is decorated with beautiful oil paintings and a chandelier. You will also see an antique piano and other early 19th-century instruments throughout the room. 

Continue exploring the castle to enjoy its other highlights. These include a splendid master bedroom with views over the gardens and further out to the peninsula. 

Make your way outside to the expansive grounds, which have been listed by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance. Admire an array of local and exotic plants as you stroll around the estate. Younger visitors can enjoy searching for the dungeon and a stone Cheshire cat. 

After a walk around the garden, head back to the castle and treat yourself to afternoon tea in the grand ballroom. You can purchase postcards and other souvenirs from the on-site gift shop.

Larnach Castle is a 20-minute drive outside of Dunedin. A coach service runs between the city and the castle twice a day. There is an admission fee for all ages and the castle is open daily.

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Top Larnach Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Larnach Lodge

Larnach Lodge

4 out of 5
145 Camp Road, Dunedin
Larnach Lodge
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

4.5 out of 5
123 Princes Street, Dunedin
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

4.5 out of 5
118 High Street, Dunedin
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat

Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat

Dunedin City
Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat
Camp Estate

Camp Estate

5 out of 5
100 Camp Road, Dunedin
Camp Estate
Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

4.5 out of 5
6 Liverpool Street, Dunedin
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel

Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel

4 out of 5
30 Duke Street, North Dunedin, Dunedin
Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel
Quest Dunedin

Quest Dunedin

4 out of 5
333 Cumberland St, Dunedin
Quest Dunedin
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

3.5 out of 5
10 Smith Street, Dunedin
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
See all 260 properties in Larnach Castle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle offers a range of delightful activities for visitors, including scenic walks and guided tours to explore its rich history. You can enjoy unique recreational options and a lovely picnic area amidst stunning gardens. Additionally, keep an eye out for local sports events and the chance to experience a complimentary visit to the castle, making your trip a memorable one.

Shopping

For unique gifts, check out Seriously Twisted, located 9.7km from Larnach Castle, offering delightful local crafts. If you’re up for a drive, you can explore Dunedin’s shopping malls like the Meridian Mall and the Wall Street Mall, both around 19.3km away for a wider selection.

Recreation

Enjoy a visit to Forsyth Barr Stadium for an energetic atmosphere and sporting events just 8.0km from Larnach Castle. Alternatively, head to Chisholm Park Golf Club, 9.7km away, for a relaxing round of golf amidst beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Embark on the Pineapple Track, a scenic hiking trail located 11.3km from Larnach Castle, where you can soak in the beautiful outdoors. Alternatively, traverse the Bush Creek Trail, situated 9.7km away, for a thrilling adventure amidst stunning landscapes.

Nightlife

At Larnach Castle, the nearby Regent Theatre offers an enchanting experience with its vibrant performances and cultural vibes. Just 9.7km away, it's the perfect spot for families, couples, and anyone seeking a romantic night out in Dunedin's lively atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Larnach Castle

When visiting Larnach Castle in Dunedin, explore the stunning castle grounds and gardens, which offer a romantic and cultural experience. Don't miss the spectacular views from the castle, and take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens nearby. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the surrounding beaches and local streets provide plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Otago region.

  • Dunedin Botanic Garden: Nestled 8.0km from Larnach Castle, this stunning garden offers a romantic escape with lush landscapes, vibrant flowerbeds, and serene walking paths, perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
  • Baldwin Street: Located 6.4km away, Baldwin Street is renowned as the world's steepest street, providing a unique urban experience. Take a leisurely stroll or challenge yourself to walk its steep incline while soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere.
  • The Fletcher House: Just 1.3km from the castle, this historic home showcases rich cultural heritage, with beautifully restored interiors and captivating stories of Dunedin's past, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Larnach Castle

The best time to visit Larnach Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Larnach Castle falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Larnach Castle falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June46.0°F (7.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August45.9°F (7.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September47.5°F (8.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
November52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Larnach Castle

To save money on your trip to Larnach Castle, consider visiting during the off-peak months of June, August, and October when accommodation prices drop. Book your stay about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia, particularly for Monday stays, which are the cheapest. Use Expedia's tools to filter for budget-friendly and eco-certified hotels, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Always keep an eye out for special offers and updated prices to ensure the best value for your money.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Larnach Castle are June, August and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Larnach Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Larnach Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Larnach Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you’ll discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Larnach Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.