Larnach Castle
Dunedin’s must-see visitor attraction
Larnach Castle is our nation’s oldest castle. Sited majestically on Otago Peninsula, this 43-room mansion has spectacular views, sumptuous architecture and a tumultuous past. Discover New Zealand’s only Castle, built 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior.
Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world. The current owners have used tourist admission fees to save the ill-fated castle from ruin and turn it into the premier tourist attraction it is today. They offer guided and self-guided tours, a range of accommodation, high tea and more.
