Larnach Castle
A 19th-century mansion castle on the ridge of the Otago Peninsula, with gardens that hold a Garden of National Significance rating from the New Zealand Gardens Trust
Larnach Castle was begun in 1871 by banker and politician William Larnach and took more than a decade to complete. Materials were brought from around the world, including Italian marble, English tiles and Venetian glass, and the interior, with its cantilevered staircase and carved ceilings, is extravagantly luxurious. After family misfortunes, Larnach took his own life in the parliament building, and the castle has since acquired a number of ghost stories. The castle sits on a ridge on the peninsula about 300 metres above sea level. From the top of the tower you can see 360 degrees over Otago Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. The roughly 14-hectare garden around the castle is a major highlight, known for its southern coastal plants, sculptures inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (including the Cheshire Cat) and its many rose beds. You can have afternoon tea in a café converted from the old stables, or stay at the guesthouse next to the castle. Admission comes in two options, 'castle and gardens' or 'gardens only'. Adult prices are about NZ$40 to 50, so check the official website for current prices. The drive from the city centre takes about 25 minutes, and the final stretch is a narrow, steep mountain road.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00 (gardens extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Otago Peninsula
- Sandfly Bay
- Glenfalloch Woodland Garden
- Port Chalmers
- Allans Beach
- Signal Hill Lookout
- Mount Cargill & Organ Pipes
- Baldwin Street