Tour at Larnach Castle, Dunedin

Come and discover New Zealand's only castle, Larnach Castle, the historic labour of love built by politician and merchant, William Larnach, for his beloved first wife Eliza. The build began in 1871, taking 200 men three years to complete the exterior, before master craftsmen spent a following twelve years perfecting the interior embellishments. Eliza was clearly one special lady in the eyes of William, a man of great vision whose life makes a thrilling biography, from his three wives, to his career in politics, banking and business, and his eventual suicide shrouded in scandal. The Neo-Gothic Castle boasts a Colonial veranda, expansive views of Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula and harbour, as well as the Pacific Ocean and a tower to snap the perfect photo. The castle's interior is decorated with an array of New Zealand antiques, including a unique nine-piece Totara knot suite - not to be missed for any history buff. There is also an exquisite ballroom to behold and envision the grand goings-on of years passed that will have played out within it's walls. Your Castle Tour price includes entrance to the castle, its gardens and the Ballroom Café, as well as a detailed, multi-lingual, room-by-room brochure (English, French, German, Japanese, Chinese Mandarin, Korean, Italian, Spanish, Indonesian and Thai) to inform you of all the history and features of the castle. Open from 9:00 daily, the Castle is a must-see stop on any Otago itinerary.