Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket
Active
2h - 4h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit New Zealand’s only Castle, situated on the dramatic Otago Peninsula and only a 20 minute drive from Dunedin. Learn about the colonial history and stories of William Larnach - entrepreneur and politician, plus ongoing restoration by the Barker family. Experience the finest Victorian craftsmanship, the excellent collection of New Zealand antiques and unparalleled views of the Otago Peninsula. Walk in the gardens rated a garden of International significance by NZGT. Take refreshment in the historic Ballroom café serving the best local food and drink. This is for ticket admission only. Transportation, food, drinks, and other accommodations are not included.
Available options
Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket
What's included
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Written guides
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
After purchasing your tickets, you may arrive at Larnach Castle any time between 9am and 5pm. It is a 20 minute drive from the Dunedin City Centre, and is a perfect self drive destination. On arriving at the Castle your first stop will be at the Gatehouse, this is where you present your voucher, in return you will be given an entrance ticket to present at the Castle entrance. You will be provided with a map of the Garden and a New Zealand native plant trail map, to ensure you get the most of your walk around the garden before entering the Castle.
Allow at least one hour to look around the inside of the Castle. Many decide to spend more time than this. You may want to take time to visit the Ballroom Café, which opens daily at 9.30am and closes at 4.30pm.
The Castle is open 365 days of the year. Come enjoy this unique experience that is truly unforgettable.
What's not included
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks (available to purchase)
DVD (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
Available languages
Written guide
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CMN
JA
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Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.4
39 reviews
5★
24
4★
12
3★
1
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.4
226 reviews
5★
148
4★
49
3★
11
2★
8
1★
10
Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own caregiver. However, due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Important notes
Accessibility at the Castle is limited – due to the historic nature of the Castle, only the ground floor has level access (includes history and video rooms, Gift Shop and Ballroom Cafe, historic Stables and outbuildings); the rest of the Castle is accessed by stairs only.
The gardens and grounds have variable accessibility – the driveway area has fine gravel, there are areas of uneven ground, cobblestones, garden paths, lawn and steps.
About Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula
Dunedin and The Otago Peninsula offer a unique blend of Scottish heritage, stunning coastal landscapes, and abundant wildlife. This region is known for its dramatic cliffs, wildlife encounters, and historic architecture, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Top Attractions
Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle is a historic castle and garden that offers a glimpse into Dunedin's past. The castle is known for its Victorian architecture and beautiful gardens.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
Moderate
Royal Albatross Centre
The Royal Albatross Centre is the only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross in the world. Visitors can observe these magnificent birds up close.
Nature/Wildlife
1-2 hours
Moderate
Dunedin Botanic Gardens
Dunedin Botanic Gardens is one of the world's best botanical gardens, featuring a diverse collection of plants, a winter garden, and a Japanese garden.
Nature/Gardens
1-2 hours
Free
Dunedin Chinese Garden
The Dunedin Chinese Garden is a beautiful and serene garden that celebrates the city's Chinese heritage. It features traditional Chinese architecture, plants, and water features.
Cultural/Historical
1 hour
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Haggis
A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).
Dinner
Not vegetarian or vegan, contains meat and offal.
Whitebait Fritters
A New Zealand delicacy made from tiny whitebait fish mixed with egg and fried into a fritter.
Lunch
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Venison
New Zealand is famous for its game meats, and venison is a popular choice, often served with seasonal vegetables and sauces.
Dinner
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Surfing
Kayaking
Wildlife tours
Spa treatments
Picnicking
Beachcombing
Wine tasting
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is the best time for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
15-22°C
59-72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Dunedin is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Dunedin International Airport • 25 km from city center
By train
Dunedin Railway Station
By bus
Dunedin Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus service is affordable and convenient, with frequent departures and easy-to-use routes.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Octagon
St. Kilda
North East Valley
Day trips
Moeraki Boulders
100 km from Dunedin • Full day
The Moeraki Boulders are large, spherical boulders scattered along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. These unique geological formations are a must-see for nature lovers.
Catlins Coast
150 km from Dunedin • Full day or overnight
The Catlins Coast is a remote and rugged coastline known for its stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife, including seals, penguins, and dolphins.
Central Otago Wine Region
200 km from Dunedin • Full day or overnight
The Central Otago Wine Region is known for its award-winning Pinot Noir and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and scenic drives.
Festivals
Dunedin Arts Festival • May
Dunedin Fringe Festival • March
Dunedin Winter Arts Festival • July
Pro tips
- Visit the Royal Albatross Centre early in the morning for the best chance of seeing the albatross up close
- Book a guided tour of Larnach Castle to learn about its fascinating history and architecture
- Explore the Otago Peninsula by car or bike for a more immersive experience
- Visit the Dunedin Botanic Gardens in spring or summer for the best blooming flowers and scenic views
- Try local specialties like haggis, whitebait fritters, and venison for an authentic taste of Dunedin's cuisine
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
