Larnach Castle & Gardens

Built by William Larnach in 1871, the Castle is now privately owned by the Barker Family. The Castle opens daily at 9am for public viewing.

Many people know of Larnach Castle, the historic (1870s) home atop Otago Peninsula. Many more people are falling for its garden. The Larnach Castle garden has been a labour of love for Margaret Barker, whose family purchased the then-neglected castle and 14 hectare property in 1967. Back then, enveloping second growth came right up to the Castle walls. Clearing and felling opened wonderful vistas, and Margaret’s ‘new’ garden continues to take shape within the original framework of paths, hedges and trees: ‘Within this framework of historic buildings and ancient trees we have created many different gardens. Each is a different celebration: of our native rainforest, the colours of the changing seasons, the story of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, and our place in the South Seas.

New Zealand’s only castle features magnificent architecture, superb craftsmanship, panoramic tower views and a tragic and scandalous history. The Castle showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques. The enchanting garden at Larnach Castle has recently been rated“Garden of International significance” by the New Zealand Garden Trust. The Castle & Gardens are situated twenty minutes from the city of Dunedin and a further twenty minutes to the Otago Peninsula wildlife attractions.