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Historic house · Dunedin, Otago
Larnach Castle
Neogothic mansion built from 1871 for William Larnach on the crest of the Otago Peninsula, about 13 km from Dunedin city centre, with a restored interior and gardens of international importance.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle was built from 1871 for William Larnach, a banker and politician, on the crest of the Otago Peninsula, overlooking Otago Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. The project, in neogothic style, was designed by architect R. A. Lawson. The main block was completed in 1874, and the ballroom and other parts were added up to 1887.
Materials for the build were sourced from many places: basalt from a nearby quarry, Oamaru stone, marble from Italy, slate from Cornwall, kauri timber from the North Island and about 20 tonnes of Venetian glass. The interior features carved ceilings, a cantilevered staircase and rooms furnished with period pieces.
The gardens, created after Larnach’s time, hold a Garden of International Significance classification from the national gardens trust, one of the few in the country. From the top of the tower you can see the harbour and the peninsula’s hills. The house is privately owned and operates as a museum, with a café in the former ballroom.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1½ to 2½ hours, including the gardens.
Best time
On clear days, for the view from the tower. In spring and summer the gardens are in bloom.
How to get there
It’s on Camp Road, on the crest of the Otago Peninsula, about 13 km from Dunedin city centre, roughly a 25‑minute drive on a narrow winding road.
Tip
Visiting is ticketed; there are tickets for the house and gardens or for the gardens only—check the price list. Climb the tower by the spiral staircase for the view.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Larnach Castle
Is Larnach Castle really a castle?
It is a neo-Gothic mansion built from 1871, with towers and battlements, known as a castle. It is one of the few houses of that scale in the country.
How long does a visit to Larnach Castle take?
About one and a half to two and a half hours, including the house, the tower, and the gardens.
Is Larnach Castle far from Dunedin?
About 13 km from the center, around a 25-minute drive, on the ridge of the Otago Peninsula.