Larnach Castle

The Basics

Larnach Castle is actually a mock castle, as it was a home rather than a fortified battlement. No expense was spared during its construction and the Barker family who have owned it since the 1960s have restored it beautifully, adding antiques and period furniture. Enjoy touring the interior, have tea or lunch in the beautiful Ballroom Cafe, visit the plant nursery, and stroll the 35-acre grounds. You can even stay overnight on the grounds.

Tour independently with prebooked admission tickets or take part in a small-group guided tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula that also visits the castle. Additionally, some tours combine a visit to Larnach Castle with a wildlife excursion or a visit to Speight’s brewery.

Things to Know Before You Go

• High tea is served daily in the Ballroom Cafe; bookings should be made in advance.

• The castle gardens have been rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance, so don’t fail to check them out.

• The castle itself is a private residence, but visitors can stay at accommodations on the grounds, from 4-star Larnach Lodge to more budget options at the Stable Stay.

How to Get There

Larnach Castle is located about 20 minutes from Dunedin city by car, on the Otago Peninsula. It’s not very convenient to get there by bus, so it’s better to go on a private or group tour from Dunedin or Port Chalmers (for cruise ship passengers).

When to Get There

While you can join a Larnach Castle tour year-round (it's open daily 365 days a year), Dunedin and its surrounding areas are best visited in the summer (December–February). The temperatures are pleasant, the daylight hours are long, and the greenery and flowers add to the natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula and the castle grounds.

Events at Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year, suited to a range of interests. These include winter evening dinners, ghost story nights, an annual winter ball, and a teddy bears’ picnic during school holidays. Check their calendar before planning a visit.

Ways to explore

No expense was spared during Larnach Castle’s construction, and the Barker family, who have owned it since the 1960s, have restored it beautifully, adding antiques and period furniture. Enjoy touring the interior, have tea or lunch in the beautiful Ballroom Café, visit the plant nursery, and stroll the 35-acre (14-hectare) grounds. You can even stay overnight in various accommodations, although not in the castle itself. Tour independently or join a guided tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula that visits the castle. Some tours combine a visit to Larnach Castle with a wildlife excursion or a visit to Speight’s Brewery.

Accessibility

The castle is partially accessible—the gardens, grounds, and café are wheelchair accessible, but the castle contains stairs. Wheelchairs are available to borrow.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Warm clothing (Dunedin’s climate is generally cool-to-cold), umbrella, camera

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, sun hat

Not allowed

Keep your camera’s flash switched off inside the castle to protect the furnishings and antiquities.

Amenities

Café, gift shop, information brochures

Address

Larnach Castle is on the Otago Peninsula, about 8.5 miles (13.5 kilometers) from central Dunedin. You can get there by private car or on a tour.

Driving

Drive south from Dunedin city via Portsmouth Drive beside the harbor. Head toward the Otago Peninsula, but instead of taking the coast road, drive along the inland road via Somerville Street and Highcliff Road before turning off to Camp Road, which leads to the castle. The drive from central Dunedin takes around 25 minutes.

Public transportation

You can’t reach Larnach Castle by public transport. Buses travel between Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, but don’t venture into the hills.

Best times to visit

The castle is open from morning until early evening. Visit around lunch time to enjoy a meal at the Ballroom Café, in the afternoon for a Victorian High Tea (reservations required), or in early evening for a 4-course dinner after the castle has closed for the day (reservations required).

Best days to visit

The castle is open every day of the year, but it tends to be busier on weekends.

Best months to visit

While you can visit the castle year-round, the weather in Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula is most pleasant between October and March.

Special events

Larnach Castle hosts special balls a few times a year—check the website for an up-to-date calendar of events.