Larnach Castle Review

A unique folly with a fascinating back story, set in amazing gardens framing a view back to Dunedin. Stay the night and enjoy a memorable dinner in teh music room of the castle.

Grew up down hill from castle. Loved going up there. Fantastic restoration beautiful gardens

great. n historical. friendly staff n others tourists /visitors too

very nice breakfast. The castle is lovely, small but exquisite. very well presented audio guide. The garden is beautiful too.

Well worth a visit. Would have loved to stay for dinner.

Great place to visit. Friendly staff and great food at the Cafe

New Zealand only Castle, excellent history and great gardens good views over the otago peninsula

It's New Zealands only castle so it's probably worth a visit although it's not really a caslte. It's nothing like any castle you can see in Europe.

Because of the time of year and the maintenance work. It didn't look that good. Spring Summer is a better time to go.

Went to the castle on a ship's excursion. Not sure guided tour is usually part of admission but it is a MUST do. Seeing the castle is magnificent but understanding the origins and history of the castle and associated families is enlightening! Photo views from the tower are beautiful if you can make it up the 29 tiny spiral stairs.

This is a lovely place to go. However I think the entry price is a bit steep.

A little over priced. I probably wouldn't go again unless I'm going with someone that has never been. Beautiful gardens and views though. Pretty neat castle.

The area is small, the scenery is OK, not worth the fare

Unexpected and quaint, you become part of the family story.

Beautiful location. The work put into the estate is obvious but the price is a tad much. The app sucks, DO NOT download it

Beautiful place, great hosts and amazing setting. The castle dinner was sublime.

A chance to look into the real life castle and the lifestyle

Lovely place, reminds me of National trust places in the UK. Nice grounds and castle

A must visit a nice drive from Dunedin. Gardens are really nice and had activities on the grass for the kids to play with. Also had a really nice cafe.

Was amazing. Took friends with us, had lovely high tea, look through the castle, walked in the gardens. Just lovely , our friends very impressed

Last visit to the castle for around 35 years ago. Looking lovely. Shame we can't see the old kitchen area but wonderful all the same. Gardens are stunning. Such a change since last visit.

Lovely grounds and spectacular view.
This would be a gatehouse back in the

Great piece of New Zealand history in a stunning surrounding. Well worth the visit!

Fit for those who enjoys history...otherwise don't bother. It costs $31 for an adult ticket!

Beautiful Architecture, fun to wonder around and explore. The garden is beautiful and the view out back is a must to see. Ate lunch on the grounds and it was good.

In terms of accommodation, you can overlook the entire peninsula in the room, plus the inexpensive but delicious room service. The room rate also includes breakfast, entrance fee, castle visit, which can be considered (but the dining in the old castle is really too expensive) I vaguely remember that it is 70$ for one person. If you come to visit the garden, you really don't have to look at it. You don't have to arrange it.

There is a beautiful flower garden. The small castle displays the home layout of the owner at that time. It is well preserved and is a warm and elegant building.

Wonderful castle. But study the rooms before you book. The rooms do not have a private toilet and bathroom. It's shared among rooms.

Audio your was interesting. Gardens were not as big as expected. Worth a visit but don't plan on spending too long here.

Loved the stable stay and dinner, fabulous breakfast too.

A castle ! For real castles you must of course be in Europe.

Fantastic place. Imagine yourself being the Lady of the Manor.

Visit to Larnach Castle was amazing. Gardens were great. Tea rooms lovely.

This is a must visit castle in Dunedin. Note, there's a cost to enter.

Beautiful old building but could do with some more work. Worth seeing at least once.

Great Place. Food is too die for. Try the Seafood Chowder mmmmm

An amazing place to be seen, learn when the castle was built and all about Larnach and his family and his wives and the things that went on back in the 1800's, it's like stepping back In time. Also the magnificent views from the tower (roof of the castle - just spectacular) Larnach Castle is a must see. #MyFavouritePlaceInDunedin.

Larnach Castle is a stunning, sprawling manor with beautifully kept grounds and immaculately preserved rooms. Definitely well worth a trip to check out some of the great local history of the Dunedin area. The food at the cafe is also excellent!

Quite special. Old mansion lovingly restored. Owners can be justifiably proud. Recommended.

Special castle in Otago. I book ticket from Bookme. And its really worth.
You can pay $5 to get Ipod that will tell you whole information about the castle.
After castle tour you can go garden to see lots of flower.
Finally you can go the Cafe' in castle to get some dining.

Fantastic place to stay. our third stay will go back again next time we are in Dunedin.

I visited with my wife and four children (under the age of ten). This is an ideal attraction to spend time with family, as the gardens provide an awesome opportunity to walk and talk.

Just viewed the gardens and ballroom, pretty scenery and views are fantastic!

Worth the visit if you are in Dunedin. Well preserved & maintained..!

Tourist trap. The only thing that I enjoyed was the view. We basically paid for parking and toilets. The gardens and grounds are not well maintained, some plants are dead or dry, some gardens are "under development" and have nothing at all. Waste of time and money. Seriously, with some more maintenance it would look amazing. If you want to enjoy a really nice garden go to the Botanic Garden, it's beautiful, has really nice settings and landscapes and it's free.

Awesome castle and beautiful grounds. Alot of history and facts available. Friendly helpful staff. Has a cafe with selections of cakes and slices. Was on the expensive side for a family half day out.

A wonderful example of an early colonial home. There is a lot of history associated with Larnarch Castle. Make the effort to climb to the top for fantastic views.

Admission is a bit expensive. We chose to visit the park. Tickets cost $ 17, while the cost of visiting the castle was $ 34.

Absolutely beautiful castle with elaborate woodwork, especially the staircase. Each room has a different style. Very unique for this country to have a castle like this. Building materials from all parts of the world were used in constructing this castle.

Very interesting history. Pleased to see all the restoration efforts!

It was amazing seeing NZ's only castle and it's beautiful gardens and cafe which was a ballroom. I applaud the Barker family, for taking the immense task of restoring the castle and grounds which NZ should be proud of. Lin and Steve

Magnificent gardens, beautiful views, well conducted and insiteful tours through the building and a tasty morning tea

Castles aren't something that New Zealand "does" and I do believe this is the only example. Much restoration work has obviously been done and the artifacts are thoughtfully displayed. The gardens are also well kept. Well worth the effort and price of admission (about $30 for adults).

Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand s premier visitor attractions. Lovingly restored by the Barker Family, the Castle and surrounding grounds are at the heart of the Dunedin visitor experience. A diverse business; Larnach Castle Limited offers the castle experience, beautiful gardens, luxury accommodation, event management and unique dining experiences.

Great location, views, historical significance. Very good coffee and meals and child friendly. World class gardens too for the green thumbs.

Just love this place. Gardens are lovely & the Castle (which is more of a stately home) is fascinating. Hand carved ceilings..beautiful rooms. Great views over the harbour.

Nice Gardens and Castle, but just far too expensive. There are no discount rates for students or locals and the child rate only goes until age 14. The cafe is good and reasonably priced, but there's no incentive to just come and visit as there is an exorbitant entry fee.
The gardens are well maintained, but a bit small and not much compared to other free gardens in Dunedin, such as Glenfalloch or the Botanic Gardens.
While we are at it, it's less of a castle and more of a mansion.
I would recommend Lanarch Castle if you're visiting Dunedin as it has an interesting history, is picturesque and offers good views, but for locals it is just to expensive to be an attractive option.

The gardens are very pretty. We could not enter the catillo because we arrived past 5:30 but we enjoyed the gardens despite the bad weather. Very good attention at the entrance.

A beautiful castle at a beautiful location with a beautiful architecture and decor. The cafe is stylish too. I had a delicious Kumara, apple and ginger soup.

Fabulous building, gardens and setting in an idyllic location - enjoyed a superb dinner in the castle meeting interesting people from Australasia and abroad like Gerard & Elizabeth from Wales.

Quite expensive. Garden in winter mode - no colour, lots of "sticks". Not worth the entry fee at this time of year.