Larnach Castle
A genuine castle overlooking the Otago Harbour.
Larnach Castle is large mansion located on the Otago Peninsula, a short distance from Dunedin City, in the Otago region of New Zealand.
Larnach Castle is New Zealand's only castle.
History of Larnach Castle
William Larnach—Minister of the Crown, banker, financier and merchant Baron—built the castle for his beloved first wife, Eliza Jane Guise.
Construction began in 1871 and 200 workmen laboured for five years before the family moved in.
Gifted European craftsmen worked for eleven more years to embellish the interiors with the finest materials from around the world.
The ornate interior carving, detailed stonework, woodcarving, plasterwork and glass are outstanding.
The castle consists of forty-three rooms and a large ballroom.
In 1967, Margaret and Barry Barker purchased the castle. Over the following years, Margaret and Barry worked to restore Larnach Castle to its original glory.
Margaret designed the beautiful gardens that surround Larnach Castle, to compliment the magnificent castle.
Larnach Castle Today
Today, Larnach Castle is one of Dunedin's main attractions and a premier landmark. Larnach Castle hosts guests from around the world and is open for viewing daily.
Larnach Castle is open to the public from 9am daily.
You can take a self-guided tour of Larnach Castle and gardens, information brochures are provided. Alternatively you can enjoy an exclusive one-hour guided tour of the castle and its history, or the the development and creation of the gardens.