Larnach Castle Dunedin
Larnach Castle in Dunedin is no doubt Dunedin's most famous building, but is about 14 km out of the city center, on the Otago Peninsula.
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| The castle is now owned by the Barker family and available for hire for weddings and other functions |
History
Larnach Castle bears the name of the man who had it built, William Larnach (1833-98). The Australian-born Larnach was born into a wealthy family and was sent to New Zealand to manage the Bank of Otago. He added power to his wealth by getting into politics.
However, his shady dealings to enrich himself while a politician alienated him. Eventually, he faced financial ruin and ended up shooting himself inside the Parliament Building in Wellington.
His son sold the castle in 1906 which is now owned by the Barker family and is reputed to be haunted!
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| Larnach Castle in Dunedin |
Larnach Castle is Gothic Revival in its architectural style, which was a popular style when it was built, starting in 1871. It kept getting added to even after its completion and, by 1887, had 43 rooms, including a massive ballroom.
It was intricately and expensively built. For example, it used over 20 tonnes of Venetian glass (actually imported from Venice, Italy). Also, the ceiling of just one room, the main foyer, took over six years to carve.
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| The gardens are of national importance |
Gardens & Accommodation
The gardens are divided into nine areas and are of national importance. Statues from Alice in Wonderland are dotted here and there. There are guided tours of both the gardens and the house.
It is also possible to stay at the castle in a variety of accommodations.
The Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay has individually decorated rooms some of which are in the converted stables at a more budget level.
Camp Estate offers modern rooms in a Scottish-style manor house complete with crystal chandeliers and a grand marble staircase.
For an elegant lunch visit the Ballroom Cafe or have a four-course dinner in the Castle Dining Room.
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| The gardens at Larnach Castle in Dunedin along with Dunedin Botanic Garden and the Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Garden are the best in the area |
Access - Getting There
Larnach Castle, 145 Camp Road
Otago Peninsula, Dunedin 9077
Hours: The castle is open 365 days a year including public holidays. 8.30 am to 5 pm daily - from October 1 to March 31; 9 am to 5 pm daily April 1 to September 30.
The best way to get to Larnach Castle is to drive 14 km east from Dunedin by hire car.
Other places of interest in Dunedin include Dunedin Railway Station, the Chinese Garden and St. Paul's Cathedral, one of the finest cathedrals in New Zealand.
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| Larnach Castle, Dunedin |
Hotels in Dunedin
Some recommended places to stay in the city include the Victoria Hotel Dunedin, the Kingsgate Hotel, and the Law Courts Hotel.
Book a Hotel in Dunedin - Booking.com
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