Do not visit in the winter months particularly if ...

Do not visit in the winter months particularly if you only want to look at the exteriors . The gardens were dead/dormant It was cold and miserable. In effect we payed $30 for parking and spent more time walking to and from the car park than at the "attraction". This was without a doubt the most expensive toilet stop of our trip.
Also the views on the drive in were superior to those at the site. Save your time and money and go to the Dunedin Botanical Gardens. They are free and much more spectacular than any thi g you will see at the "castle".