Larnach Castle and Gardens

Larnach Castle crowns a hill on the Otago Peninsula, looking down over Otago Harbour and out to the Pacific, and it is the building most visitors think of first when they picture Dunedin’s Victorian past. William Larnach, a banker and politician who became one of the colony’s richest men, built it in the 1870s as a showpiece and filled it with fine craftsmanship from around the world. The house has a ballroom, a grand staircase, carved ceilings and rooms furnished to reflect the period, and a tower that you can climb for wonderful views. The story behind it is dramatic, with tales of ambition, family heartbreak and even rumours of ghosts, which the guides and displays tell with relish. The grounds are as big an attraction as the house, with gardens that include native plants, rare trees and lawns that stretch to the edge of the ridge. There is also accommodation on the estate and a cafe, so many visitors spend a half day here. The admission ticket covers entry to the castle and gardens. It is a good wet-weather option too, since the interiors are rich enough to fill a couple of hours.

Seasonal events such as garden tours and storytelling evenings are sometimes held, so ask what is available. The cafe serves afternoon tea in a historic room, a pleasant way to rest after climbing the tower. Children can burn off energy on the lawns, and there are plenty of quiet corners where you can sit and take in the view over the harbour.