larnach castle tour

• Iconic Larnach Castle Tour
• Tours & Services
• Cruise Ship Tours

  Iconic Tours offer a unique and exciting guided tour experience visiting Larnach Castle & Gardens

*entry fees and guided tour inside the castle is included in the price. lunch is own cost..

Larnach Castle is located high up on the Otago Peninsula. The drive out there, about 30 minutes from the city, offers stunning views of Dunedin City, the harbour and rugged coastline. We stop at some of the best Otago Peninsula lookouts so get ready to be blown away by the views!

Once at the Castle our guide will offer a complimentary guided tour of the interior, providing a well rounded commentary on the Castle's heritage status in NZ as well telling the intriguing and sometimes scandalous sories of the Larnach Family who lived there over 150 years ago.

We book ahead with Larnach Castle Management to reserve a table for our group to have lunch together at the Castle's stunning Ballroom Cafe. We organise our tour to take place at the optimum times avoiding the large groups.

This tour also includes a brief sightseeing tour of Dunedin City's awesome highlights such as Baldwin Street (World's Steepest Street), Octagon and the Grand Railway Station plus much more. Book with us to get the most out of your visit to Dunedin and Larnach Castle.

6 Hour tour starts 10am from inside the Visitor Terminal on ship's wharf. We have you back to the ship at least 1 hour prior to your ship's departure. *We may start the tour early on some days if your cruise ship is departing early, this will be shown on the bookings calender when you book online. Click "Book Now" button above to see available dates and times

• Dunedin Tours *non-cruise ship
• Otago Peninsula
• Dunedin CIty Sights Tour
• Iconic Wildlife Tour
• Cancellation Policy (Cruise Ship Tours)
• Airport Transfers
• Multi Day Package Tours
• Mt Cook Line
• Iconic Farm Tour
• Oamaru Dunedin Airport Direct

Our Contacts

03 472 7776

027 278 5865

[email protected]

Otago Peninsula Larnach Castle

Full Entry ticket to the Castle and Garden worth $39 per adult is included in our tour price.

Nestled on the spectacular Otago Peninsula is New Zealand’s only Castle. You can discover its rich history that dates back to 1871 and explore the exquisite gardens, which have attained the rare and prestigious Garden of International Significance award from the New Zealand Gardens Trust.

Also a great place to stop for a meal in the cafe, situated in the 280 square metre ballroom.

William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, build the castle for his beloved first wife Eliza. He spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world.  It took more than 200 workmen 3 years to construct the Castle and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior consisting of 43 rooms.

Today, the castle is not only a top visitors destination, but also offers luxury accommodation, hosts various weddings and events and unique dining experiences. A fun fact, the building has been visited by paranormal investigators and featured on shows such as Ghost Hunt, Spookers, and American Ghost Hunters.

Make sure to visit the South Sea gardens to bath in breathtaking views overlooking the peninsula.

• Attractions

Visit Facebook

Visit Instagram

Larnach Castle

Error: Contact form not found.

My Dunedin Itinerary

Your current location is Dunedin

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• See & do
• Heritage tours

Larnach Castle

New Zealands only Castle offers an insight into a wealthy Victorian lifestyle, complete with scandal and suicide.

Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only Castle, offers an insight into Victorian Culture. Built from 1871, by William Larnach, Merchant Banker and Politician, Larnach Castle showcases master craftsmanship, New Zealand Antiques and the style of Victorian living.

Learn about Larnach's three wives, six children... and eventual scandalous suicide in Parliament Buildings.

Beautifully restored and interestingly interpreted by the Barker family who have owned and cared for the Castle since 1967.

Three accommodation options available

Luxury - Camp Estate

Unique - Larnach Lodge

Affordable - Castle Stable Stay

Its stunning gardens has recently selected as Garden of International Significance.

Contact us by

+64 3 476 1616 +64 3 476 1616 [email protected] www.larnachcastle.co.nz

Physical Address

Camp Road Otago Peninsula Dunedin Central New Zealand

Opening times

9am - 5pm, 7 days.

Facilities and Features

Proximity to airport.

45 minutes from Dunedin CBD

Proximity to coach

20 Minutes to the Dunedin Railway Station

Proximity to town

20 minutes drive from the Dunedin CBD

Full array of metadata

• TNZ.pricing_has_highlow = 0
• TNZ.listing_description = Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only Castle, offers an insight into Victorian Culture. Built from 1871, by William Larnach, Merchant Banker and Politician, Larnach Castle showcases master craftsmanship, New Zealand Antiques and the style of Victorian living. Learn about Larnach's three wives, six children... and eventual scandalous suicide in Parliament Buildings. Beautifully restored and interestingly interpreted by the Barker family who have owned and cared for the Castle since 1967. Three accommodation options available Luxury - Camp Estate Unique - Larnach Lodge Affordable - Castle Stable Stay Its stunning gardens has recently selected as Garden of International Significance.
• TNZ.mailing_suburb = Otago Peninsula
• TNZ.latitude = -45.8645204
• TNZ.low_period_end = 2013-12-01 00:00:00.000
• TNZ.booking_link = http://www.larnachcastle.co.nz/Book-Online.aspx
• TNZ.is_kiwi_specialist = 0
• TNZ.market_label = International English
• TNZ.logo_image_asset_o_id = 3689242
• TNZ.fax_ispublic = 1
• TNZ.business_type = Activity
• TNZ.minimum_age = 0
• TNZ.mailing_cityname = Dunedin Central
• TNZ.max_capacity =
• TNZ.proximity_to_coach = 20 Minutes to the Dunedin Railway Station
• TNZ.booking_phone = +64 3 476 1616
• TNZ.mailing_postcode =
• TNZ.od_account_o_id = 3078666
• TNZ.rooms =
• TNZ.mailing_lu_country_o_id = 2932062
• TNZ.ref_id_int =
• TNZ.mailing_stateprovince =
• TNZ.market = en
• TNZ.phone = +64 3 476 1616
• TNZ.profile_image_o_id = 4365652
• TNZ.child_rate_age = 0
• TNZ.operational_hours = 9am - 5pm, 7 days.
• TNZ.conditions = We offer FIT self guided visits, Groups tours and meals. FOCs for drivers and escorts when certain numbers met.
• TNZ.mailing_countryname = New Zealand
• TNZ.phone_ispublic = 1
• TNZ.email = [email protected]
• TNZ.cityname = Dunedin Central
• TNZ.proximity_to_town = 20 minutes drive from the Dunedin CBD
• TNZ.website_link_ispublic = 1
• TNZ.freephone_ispublic = 1
• TNZ.od_listing_market_o_id = 3112679
• TNZ.mailing_ispublic = 1
• TNZ.use_physical_address = 1
• TNZ.mailing_lu_region_o_id = 2963984
• TNZ.unique_id = 3112678
• TNZ.freephone =
• TNZ.languages_spoken = ['Chinese (Simplified)']
• TNZ.high_period_end = 2022-09-30 00:00:00.000
• TNZ.high_period_start = 2021-10-08 00:00:00.000
• TNZ.longitude = 170.627678
• TNZ.adult_rate_low_period_low_price =
• TNZ.adult_rate_low_period_high_price =
• TNZ.lu_region_o_id = 2963984
• TNZ.weather_considerations = All weather product
• TNZ.listing_summary = New Zealands only Castle offers an insight into a wealthy Victorian lifestyle, complete with scandal and suicide.
• TNZ.child_rate_low_period_low_price =
• TNZ.mailing_regionname = Dunedin
• TNZ.adult_rate_high_period_high_price = 37
• TNZ.website_link = http://www.larnachcastle.co.nz
• TNZ.mailing_city = Dunedin Central
• TNZ.other_charges = Children currently free.
• TNZ.od_listing_o_id = 3112679
• TNZ.deals = []
• TNZ.awards = []
• TNZ.is_isite = 0
• TNZ.mailing_lu_city_o_id = 2932187
• TNZ.nameoflisting = Larnach Castle
• TNZ.city = Dunedin Central
• TNZ.doc_concession_id =
• TNZ.lu_country_o_id = 2932062
• TNZ.suburb = Otago Peninsula
• TNZ.child_rate_high_period_high_price =
• TNZ.postcode =
• TNZ.is_tour = 0
• TNZ.street = Camp Road
• TNZ.countryname = New Zealand
• TNZ.od_businesstype_o_id = 2932799
• TNZ.tags = ['Dunedin Central', 'Dunedin', 'New Zealand', 'Activity', 'Gardens', 'Arts, Culture and Heritage', 'Heritage attractions']
• TNZ.amenities = []
• TNZ.adult_rate_high_period_low_price = 37
• TNZ.listing_types = ['Gardens', 'Arts, Culture and Heritage', 'Heritage attractions']
• TNZ.low_period_start = 2013-05-01 00:00:00.000
• TNZ.listing_name_key = larnach-castle
• TNZ.cancellation_policy =
• TNZ.booking_email = [email protected]
• TNZ.stateprovince =
• TNZ.activity_duration = 1-2 hours.
• TNZ.proximity_to_airport = 45 minutes from Dunedin CBD
• TNZ.regionname = Dunedin
• TNZ.operating_months = 111111111111
• TNZ.email_ispublic = 1
• TNZ.child_rate_high_period_low_price =
• TNZ.mailing_street = Camp Road
• TNZ.mobile =
• TNZ.parking = Free of charge
• TNZ.languages_written = ['Chinese (Simplified)', 'French', 'German', 'Indonesian', 'Italian', 'Japanese', 'Korean', 'Spanish', 'Thai']
• TNZ.lu_city_o_id = 2932187
• TNZ.child_rate_low_period_high_price =
• TNZ.qualmark_ratings = {"qualmarkresponsibletourism": ""}
• TNZ.assets_main = {"label": "Tourism Duendin", "o_id": 4365652, "type_o_id": 2543991, "credit": "Tourism Duendin", "height": 0, "instances": [{"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg", "format": "original", "height": 1200, "width": 2560, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/business_logo/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=oLnrtK51", "format": "business_logo", "height": null, "width": 299, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_1280/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=9b27q_ug", "format": "carousel_1280", "height": 440, "width": 1280, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumb/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=QCLtKjJF", "format": "carousel_thumb", "height": 34, "width": 100, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/embed_300xany/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=XNCht2E7", "format": "embed_300xany", "height": null, "width": 300, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/embed_620xany/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=d2YZ0pyF", "format": "embed_620xany", "height": null, "width": 620, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_wide/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=gZ03ZT_v", "format": "gallery_wide", "height": 720, "width": 1280, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/height_529/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=ycobPrw1", "format": "height_529", "height": 529, "width": 940, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/icon/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=2_h_URhi", "format": "icon", "height": 20, "width": 20, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/icon_large/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=o-FXdSFT", "format": "icon_large", "height": 50, "width": 50, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=C9qVxTwZ", "format": "large", "height": 1024, "width": 1024, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/logo/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg.png?itok=nQSrngVN", "format": "logo", "height": 118, "width": 177, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/main/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=z_yM56gP", "format": "main", "height": null, "width": 520, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=KD7o4RbH", "format": "medium", "height": null, "width": 540, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_image_preview/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=GZlfQTPT", "format": "product_image_preview", "height": 220, "width": 220, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=9Yx5iQ3W", "format": "profile", "height": 177, "width": 177, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/small/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=Jk_htVh4", "format": "small", "height": 166, "width": 298, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=7fOkea4I", "format": "thumbnail", "height": 100, "width": 100, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}], "asset_type": "image", "unique_id": 4365652, "width": 520, "url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/main/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=z_yM56gP", "market": "en", "latitude": "", "longitude": "", "exists": "true", "description": "Tourism Duendin", "caption": "Morning"}
• TNZ.assets_logo = {"label": "Larnach Castle | Logo", "o_id": 3689242, "type_o_id": 2543991, "credit": "Logo of Larnach Castle", "height": 0, "asset_type": "image", "unique_id": 3689242, "width": 520, "url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/main/public/product_images/p-5A647286-A49C-4147-04BE7D0CA7529432-2544003.jpg?itok=aiZZoaSW", "market": "en", "latitude": 0, "longitude": 0, "exists": "true", "description": "Logo of Larnach Castle", "caption": "Larnach Castle | Logo"}
• TNZ.online_profiles = [{'profile_data': 'LARNAR', 'profile_type': 'bookit'}, {'profile_data': 'http://www.facebook.com/larnachcastle', 'profile_type': 'facebook'}, {'profile_data': 'http://www.twitter.com/larnachcastle', 'profile_type': 'twitter'}]
• TNZ.assets_gallery = {"label": "Tourism Duendin", "o_id": 4365652, "type_o_id": 2543991, "credit": "Tourism Duendin", "height": 0, "order": 1, "instances": [{"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg", "format": "original", "height": 1200, "width": 2560, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/business_logo/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=oLnrtK51", "format": "business_logo", "height": null, "width": 299, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_1280/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=9b27q_ug", "format": "carousel_1280", "height": 440, "width": 1280, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumb/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=QCLtKjJF", "format": "carousel_thumb", "height": 34, "width": 100, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/embed_300xany/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=XNCht2E7", "format": "embed_300xany", "height": null, "width": 300, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/embed_620xany/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=d2YZ0pyF", "format": "embed_620xany", "height": null, "width": 620, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_wide/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=gZ03ZT_v", "format": "gallery_wide", "height": 720, "width": 1280, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/height_529/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=ycobPrw1", "format": "height_529", "height": 529, "width": 940, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/icon/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=2_h_URhi", "format": "icon", "height": 20, "width": 20, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/icon_large/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=o-FXdSFT", "format": "icon_large", "height": 50, "width": 50, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=C9qVxTwZ", "format": "large", "height": 1024, "width": 1024, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/logo/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg.png?itok=nQSrngVN", "format": "logo", "height": 118, "width": 177, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/main/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=z_yM56gP", "format": "main", "height": null, "width": 520, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=KD7o4RbH", "format": "medium", "height": null, "width": 540, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_image_preview/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=GZlfQTPT", "format": "product_image_preview", "height": 220, "width": 220, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=9Yx5iQ3W", "format": "profile", "height": 177, "width": 177, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/small/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=Jk_htVh4", "format": "small", "height": 166, "width": 298, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=7fOkea4I", "format": "thumbnail", "height": 100, "width": 100, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}], "asset_type": "image", "unique_id": 4365652, "width": 520, "url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/main/public/product_images/p-CB7C2627-09F0-8BE0-DB016ACAF52F8902-2544003.jpg?itok=z_yM56gP", "market": "en", "latitude": "", "longitude": "", "exists": "true", "description": "Tourism Duendin", "caption": "Morning"}; {"label": "Tourism Duendin", "o_id": 4035035, "type_o_id": 2543991, "credit": "Tourism Duendin", "height": 0, "order": 2, "instances": [{"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png", "format": "original", "height": 797, "width": 1200, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/business_logo/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png?itok=gMVRas8_", "format": "business_logo", "height": null, "width": 299, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_1280/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png.jpg?itok=QEC1frN5", "format": "carousel_1280", "height": 440, "width": 1280, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumb/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png.jpg?itok=24j3_zp9", "format": "carousel_thumb", "height": 34, "width": 100, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/embed_300xany/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png.jpg?itok=C0nPT1x0", "format": "embed_300xany", "height": null, "width": 300, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/embed_620xany/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png.jpg?itok=xiI6ytlT", "format": "embed_620xany", "height": null, "width": 620, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_wide/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png.jpg?itok=pn9SfBR6", "format": "gallery_wide", "height": 720, "width": 1280, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/height_529/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png.jpg?itok=Tut6Wg02", "format": "height_529", "height": 529, "width": 940, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/icon/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png?itok=FVqT15jh", "format": "icon", "height": 20, "width": 20, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/icon_large/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png?itok=hFXkFVKH", "format": "icon_large", "height": 50, "width": 50, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png.jpg?itok=ffqTu430", "format": "large", "height": 1024, "width": 1024, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/logo/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png?itok=Ru6nTg5y", "format": "logo", "height": 118, "width": 177, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/main/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png?itok=w8_YjKjw", "format": "main", "height": null, "width": 520, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png.jpg?itok=fdgeUKG0", "format": "medium", "height": null, "width": 540, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_image_preview/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png?itok=4ENPVfMG", "format": "product_image_preview", "height": 220, "width": 220, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png?itok=WGVQhA50", "format": "profile", "height": 177, "width": 177, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/small/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png.jpg?itok=8q8TC7Rw", "format": "small", "height": 166, "width": 298, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}, {"url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png.jpg?itok=QozJASmt", "format": "thumbnail", "height": 100, "width": 100, "provider_label": "Catalyst Cloud"}], "asset_type": "image", "unique_id": 4035035, "width": 520, "url": "https://register.newzealand.com/sites/default/files/styles/main/public/product_images/p-42EAEDA7-F20D-F1AC-5B7FD25F6E7A6E4D-2544003.png?itok=w8_YjKjw", "market": "en", "latitude": "", "longitude": "", "exists": "true", "description": "Tourism Duendin", "caption": "The Castle is famous for its scandalous history and has been restored for the last forty years by the Barker family. "}

• Live & Work
• Itinerary Builder??
• An accessibility page
• d Copyright & Disclaimer??
• p Website Privacy??
• f Feedback??

• Far North, Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach
• Hokianga & the Kauri Coast.
• Bay of Islands
• Waiheke Island
• Hamilton – Waikato
• Tauranga & Whakatane
• Napier, Hawkes Bay
• Picton, Marlborough Sounds
• Havelock & Pelorus Sound
• Nelson Tasman
• Hanmer Springs
• Christchurch
• Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
• Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo & Omarama
• Lake Wanaka
• Te Anau & Manapouri
• Milford Sound
• Southland & The Catlins
• Stewart Island
• NZ Accommodation
• Hotel & Tourism Photography & Video Services

Explore Larnach Castle on a tour with The Castle Cruiser

Experience a fully guided tour to Larnach Castle & Gardens, New Zealand’s only Castle. Tours are 4 hours in duration and you will spend the longest time at Larnach Castle of the daily scheduled tours that go there. We also have the smallest group size with a maximum of 13 people which means we are the most personalised too.

This tour is a not to be missed Dunedin attraction and makes the Larnach Castle experience even more worthwhile given you get to know the full history, drama and tragedy that beset the castles original owner, William Larnach and his family. We also have Combo Tours that provide excellent value for money and will make your Dunedin experience one to both “save-or” and remember!

Larnach Castle – $90.00 per person

Departs 9.30am          returns 1.30pm.

Our tour is 4 hours duration, the longest and includes a comprehensive city sights tour before going to the castle itself.

Your tour includes:  

• Central City Accommodation Pick-up/Drop off
• Transfers to/from the Castle
• A Dunedin City Sights tour including stops at the Larnach Tomb/The World’s Steepest Street/Otago University and also on Otago Peninsula allowing for fantastic photographic opportunities.
• All entry fees to both the Castle and Gardens
• A Fully guided tour of the Castle with an expert guide who will show you things other tour groups will not see
• Enough time to wander the “Alice in Wonderland” themed gardens or to take in refreshments at the Ballroom Café following your tour of the Castle

On cruise ship days our morning tour is 4 hours and the afternoon tour is 3.5 hours long due to Cruise Ship departure times.

Our rates are valid 1 October – 30 September each year when they are subject to change which may be reflected in any forward bookings after that date for the following season.

Glow Worm Tour- $49.00 per person

Larnach Castle & Glow Worm Tour – $125.00 per person

Castle & Bike – $125.00 per person

Larnach Castle & Olveston House – $130.00 per person

Cruise Ship – Port Chalmers Pick-up AM – $110.00 per person

Cruise Ship – Dunedin City i-Site Pick-up AM – $90.00 per person

Booking for Explore Larnach Castle on a tour with The Castle Cruiser

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Larnach Castle, Peninsula and City Tour

• Feel the grandeur of Larnach Castle, a Gothic Revival masterpiece, on a comprehensive Dunedin tour
• Ascend the world's steepest street, Baldwin Street, and explore its charming boutique at the top
• Admire the historic University of Otago campus and ornate Grand Railway Station, home to the scenic Taieri Gorge Train
• Immerse yourself in Dunedin's trendy Octagon district, with time to enjoy local cuisine
• Bask in the natural beauty of St. Clair Beach and the scenic Otago Peninsula

A fulfilling day of iconic landmarks and scenic lookout begins with a visit to the world's steepest street, Baldwin Street, before strolling the vibrant University of Otago campus. Thereafter, you'll explore the breathtaking Dunedin Grand Railway Station to see the Taieri Gorge Train. After spending time in the Octagon section of town, you'll travel by St. Clair Beach for a great view. For the grand finale, you'll explore the brilliant Larnach Castle and its spectacular garden. Travelers wanting to make true memories in New Zealand will enjoy this comprehensive Dunedin tour.

A visit to Baldwin Street, noted by Guinness Book of World Records as the steepest street in the world, begins your guided adventure. You may walk up, or be driven to the top. The corner boutique at the top has interesting wares on display.

Next, you'll head to University of Otago to see the old clock tower building, before your visit to the Grand Railway Station. Erected in 1906, the Flemish renaissance styled station resembles a giant, white gingerbread house. Inside, you may find the old Taieri Gorge train. This comfortable train still provides epic views as it crosses the Taieri plains to climb the Taieri Gorge.

You will have time to purchase lunch at one of the many restaurants in the trendy Octagon district of town before traveling to St. Clair Beach. Hugging the beach is a picturesque esplanade; at nearly two miles long, you'll have plenty of space for a lovely walk and possibly see a surfer.

For the grand finale, ride along the scenic Otago Peninsula high road to Larnach Castle. Built in the Gothic Revival style in 1875, Larnach Castle features five spectacular gardens. You will have a guided tour of the entire manor, from the gun room to the gardens. Reserve this lovely outing to create your Dunedin memories.

Larnach Castle & Gardens Tour from Dunedin

• Tour Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle
• Depart for the Otago Peninsula from central Dunedin
• Spend free time wandering the grounds and gardens
• Opt to extend your visit with additional guided attractions
• See itinerary
• Full commentary
• Transport to the castle
• Sightseeing tour in Dunedin (If Chosen)
• Free time to explore the Castle Garden or have a coffee or some lunch
• Entry/Admission - Larnach Castle & Gardens
• Entry/Admission - Headfirst Travel
• Guaranteed to skip the lines
• Food and drinks in the castle`s cafe
• Pick up from Port Chalmers
• Personal expenses
• Departure Point: I-Site Dunedin, Octagon. Centrally located accommodation pick ups available please contact us if you require accommodation pick up
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Covered in Shoes are required for the Speights Brewery Tour option
• A medium fitness level is required for the Elm Wildlife tour options
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Larnach Castle & Gardens

Similar experiences

• Start Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Larnach Castle & Gardens Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included 90 minutes in the Castle grounds including 45 minute guided tour with your driver/guide. Marvel at the spectacular garden Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• danne27 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour Experience We had an excellent tour. There were just the two of us. We had an informative tour of the city . The guide was knowledgeable and catered for our needs while showing us the sights. We had a tour of Larnarch Castle. Again our guide was knowledgeable. The stories he told enhanced our experience. These were things we would not have known wandering around by ourselves. Without this tour we would not have found out or seen as much of Dunedin as we did. I would highly recommend that you use this tour company when in Dunedin and make the most of your time in the city especially if like us it you have limited time. We made several unscheduled stops. From recommendations from our guide we knew what we wanted to see the next day and how to get there. Great day Thank you Read more Written 9 October 2020
• Southpaw5019 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Guided tours free daily We chanced upon a guide with no customers when offered a tour we accepted. We both reflected that we learnt so much more, and would possibly have missed the sculpture garden, without a guide. Read more Written 2 September 2020
• 779graemeb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Waitaki Valley Tour and Wine Tasting I contacted Ralph at Headfirst to put together a bus trip day out in North Otago for a group of friends. Ralph couldn’t have been more helpful and gave us plenty of good value options. We decided on our trip and on the day Alan was a great, friendly informative driver. The scenery was great and the two wineries we visited River T and Ostler had interesting stories to tell and delicious wines to taste. An excellent day out and I would highly recommend Ralph and his team. Read more Written 30 August 2020
• Go_away_covd19 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Hopscotch Hop on and hop off tour of Dunedin. After being a bit spoilt at the other stops, having took private and small group tours, we had to ‘rough’ it on a hop off bus. It was just ok. At one stage we all had to get off one bus and onto another which was most inconvenient as we had finally got a good seat. Then we lost our good seat and had to sit downstairs on the second bus. Read more Written 28 March 2020
• ggaiau 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent service Excellent trip, very knowledgeable, didn’t have to walk to far from bus stops, buses every 20 minutes which were nearly alway on time, would highly recommend this trip Read more Written 8 March 2020
• leaanneh2020 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Hop on Hop off tour It was interesting. Our bus stopped working as we sat at a stoplight and we had to wait to be transferred to a different bus, which happened rather quickly. The tour was just average. I don't fault the company for this - it's just that Dunedin is not a huge city with tons of things to see. I would recommend this if you want to spend the day touring at the different stops, but if you are hoping to see a lot of things (like you might in a large city), you may be disappointed. Read more Written 9 February 2020
• Robert E 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Long term planning a trip. Forget it Because of limited accommodation in areas I like to plan and secure bookings well before I go anywhere. As I was wanting to go to Stewart Island and the Catlins in January I naturally contacted Headfirst Travel Dunedin, as they showed a good tour for the Catlins on Google,mid July. I was told the summer itinerary had not been organised contact us in early Nov. This I did and was told not done yet so regularly I contacted them and got the same story. By early Dec still no answer and I was panicking until someone told me about a Invercargill company, "Catch-a-bus-South", who immediately set to and sorted out my trip which was then very successful, Read more Written 4 February 2020
• Anita-Arjun 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Day tour Hey guys well it was a cloudy and rainy day. So worth it to do the hop- on- off bus tour. The bus we were on had no voice intercom for driver to explain the highlights as driving back. So once we came back to the original spot, I informed the girl in charge that I was not happy and disappointed. She was feeling bad and very apologetic , in fact organised a private tour for my husband and I to cover the sights we wanted to see around Dunedin 🙂👍🏻. I was not expecting that but glad we did as it made the day trip worth it for the few hrs we had that day before boarding ship again. Thank you to our private tour guide that day he was great and super awesome!!! Read more Written 31 January 2020
• Debbie C 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Hop on hop off Shocking service. Bus 25 min late and slammed doors on us when seats were free. 2nd bus also 20 min late and only half of us fitted in. So another 40min wait!!! Read more Written 18 January 2020
• Fcpp229 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles The bus is a wonderful piece of classic british history but the drive up the hill isnt very special. This is an OK trip and the commentary is excellent but the destination hotel isn't very special. However on the plus side you can choose to be dropped off at the end of town and take a leisurely walk back to the boat. Read more Written 12 January 2020
• 505Detts 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Dunedin Hop-on Hop-off Bus A good overview of the town. Not the best option in “value for money”. A town walk to the Train Station and/or a taxi to the Castle or Gondola may be a better option. Read more Written 29 December 2019
• Susan R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Larnach Castle & Dunedin highlights - Excellent! The online booking process with Headfirst was fast and seamless. They were easy to find at the cruise terminal, and well organised. Staff were very knowledgable on the locations we toured and there was not a doubt we would be well taken care of! We toured Larnach Castle which was gorgeous and well worth a visit. We also used the 'Hop on, hop off' bus tour which took us to several local landmarks, giving us the option of spending how ever much time at each landmark as we wanted. The bus drivers were excellent tour directors were very informative. I wouldn't hesitate touring with Headfirst again. Highly recommended. Read more Written 28 November 2019
• dabblers2 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Dunedin Highlights The best way to see a city when time is limited. This tour is the way to go, giving a good commentary on the city. Recommended. Read more Written 10 November 2019
• anthonyjk1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A perfect day I organised this trip for my family whilst they were on a cruise (leaving me behind), Ralph and the team couldn't have been better to work with. Prompt, easy to get through to, and most importantly my family loved the day trip. They reported the guide was incredibly helpful and Lanarch Castle was the highlight of the whole NZ trip. Great value for money and great service. Thanks for helping my anxious travellers feel at ease. Read more Written 13 October 2019
• Departure15324854984 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Headfirst SO EASY Great easy people to deal with drivers was the best and fun also very helpful got lots of advice for other things to do on my holiday Read more Written 4 September 2019

More to explore in Dunedin

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

Larnach Castle & Gardens Tour from Dunedin provided by Headfirst Travel

+64 (0)27 4310989   [email protected]

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Experience & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

Otago Peninsula - Natures Wonders – Larnach Castle – City | 6 hrs

Home Cruise Ship Day Trips Port Chalmers Otago Peninsula Wildlife Experience & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

Shore tour to one of New Zealand’s most renowned eco-tourism areas and the country’s only castle

A 6-hour return trip shore tour, travelling the Otago Peninsula via the high road for the most picturesque scenery towards the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Otago harbour with Dunedin City on the other. Our first major stop is Larnach Castle – New Zealand’s only castle. Views from the top of the tower are spectacular and the beautiful gardens complete this enjoyable award-winning experience.

Includes entry, to both Larnach Castle and the Gardens – No hidden Costs.

We will then drive a bit further up the peninsula past the seaside settlement of Portobello onto Taiaroa Head where we will stop for lunch (your expense) at the Royal Albatross Centre (with the bonus of maybe seeing a Royal Albatross or two flying).

Then it’s on to the stunning Nature’s Wonders where we will take a one hour guided tour in a small coach over farmland to the wildlife viewing area. Or if you are feeling a little more adventurous upgrade to the exhilaration of a 8 wheel-drive off road all terrain Argo vehicle that takes you to the same wildlife area. See Ticket DND-T009 to purchase your upgrade.

Here amidst truly spectacular scenery, are the world’s rarest penguins , Hoiho the ‘Yellow Eyed’, the little Blue Penguins, the New Zealand Fur Seals and Cormorants (shags) all living in their natural environment.

We return to the city via the Low road for the most picturesque scenery harbor drive back to the City.

We visit Baldwin Street – the world’s steepest street and Dunedin Railway Station before returning to your ship by the required time .

You will see

• Larnach Castle & Gardens
• Baldwin Street
• Dunedin City Centre
• Dunedin Railway Station
• New Zealand Fur Seals
• Otago Peninsula
• Otakou Marae (photo stop)
• Yellow Eyed Penguins
• Little Blue Penguins

What's Included

• Collection from and drop back to Port by the required time.
• Comfortable air-conditioned Transport
• Experienced driver/guide
• Key City Sights – time permitting (depends on arrival/departure times of your ship)
• Free time in the City Centre (approximately 1hr) time permitting.
• Natures Wonders Tour
• Larnach Castle Tour

What to Bring

• Waterproof jacket
• A sunhat and sunscreen
• Your camera
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Money/Credit Card for lunch, gifts/souvenirs
• Your experienced local guide offering expert commentary

Additional Information

Not Included

• Meals are not included but there is time for you to buy lunch during the tour

Instructions

• The tour begins at 10.30am from the City Centre, but pick-up is from the cruise ship at Port Chalmers at 8.45am (ready for a 9am departure). You will have a little free time in the City Centre before the tour officially starts. This pick-up time may vary depending on your ships docking time and will be confirmed once a booking has been confirmed.
• There is some walking required, on well-made paths, inclines and steps. Good footwear recommended.

Restrictions

• Please note that this tour is not operating on Christmas Day, 25th December.
• There is limited Wheel Chair access at Larnach Castle & Natures Wonders is Not suitable for Wheel Chair access.

• +64 (0)27 4310989
• Natures Wonders Eco Wildlife Tour
• Larnach Castle and Otago Peninsula Tour
• Royal Albatross Colony & Otago Peninsula Tour
• Wildlife Harbour Cruise Tour
• Private custom made tours
• Cruise Ship Day Trips Port Chalmers
• South Island Tours
• How Awesome Tours Works
• Your Transport
• Booking Terms & Conditions
• Health & Safety Statement
• Attractions
• Testimonials

Larnach Castle & Gardens

• Camp Estate Accommodation & Venue Centre
• Online Shop

New Zealand's Castle - visit us in Dunedin

• Book Online
• Make an Enquiry

How to find Larnach Castle

• How to find us

Information about how to get to Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula...

• Portobello Road along the harbour, once you get to Company Bay turn right up Castlewood Road.
• Highcliff Road along the high road from Anderson's Bay. 

Visiting Dunedin, but don't have your own transport?

Headfirst travel.

• Find out more (external link)

Iconic Tours

Classic jaguar, back to nature tours.

• Prices and Concessions
• Opening Times
• Larnach Castle Tours
• Ballroom Cafe
• Victorian High Tea
• Dinner in the Castle
• How to Find Us
• Accessibility
• Book your visit online
• Specials offers for Larnach Castle
• View upcoming events at Larnach Castle
• Weddings at Larnach Castle
• Larnach News & Blog

Accommodation at Larnach Castle

Enjoy High Tea at our Ballroom Cafe

• Book Tickets
• Book Accommodation

New Zealand’s Only Castle

• Larnach Castle history
• About Larnach Castle Gardens
• Your wedding at Larnach Castle
• View our specials on Castle entry
• Employment Opportunities
• Gift Vouchers
• The Barker Family
• Environmental Policy
• Larnach Castle on Facebook
• Search the Larnach Castle website