World famous in New Zealand: Larnach Castle, Dunedin
Larnach Castle is on the Otago Peninsula, which is actually one side of a ridge of a long-extinct volcanic crater.
Larnach Castle, until recently New Zealand's only castle, is among Dunedin's most distinctive landmarks.
WHERE/WHAT IS IT?
The historic Larnach Castle is situated on the Otago Peninsula 20 minutes' drive from central Dunedin. Visiting for a special event, high tea or a picnic in its pristine grounds feels like a little holiday from modern life.
Larnach Castle was New Zealand's only castle until Riverstone Castle, near Oamaru, opened earlier this year. Today, the Barkers call Larnach 'New Zealand's castle'.
Wending your way towards the grand, circular driveway, you'll pass macrocarpas planted by William Larnach himself. Larnach, a banker and politician hailing from New South Wales built the castle for his first wife, Eliza in 1871. The exterior took 200 men three years to construct; the fitout and furnishing of the castle's 43 rooms took another 12.
READ MORE:
* The King and Queen of the castle: 50 years at Larnach Castle
* World famous in New Zealand: World of Whales, Kaikoura
* World famous in NZ: Haruru Falls, Bay of Islands
Norcombe Barker and his mother Margaret, executive and founding directors respectively of Larnach Castle.
A trip to the castle is pretty much mandatory for anyone living in or visiting Dunedin, even if you don't fancy yourself as a local history buff. It's a favourite destination for weddings and balls, but it's also well-worth exploring at your own volition.
Wandering through the rooms that have been painstakingly restored to their late 19-century glory, offers insight into the Larnachs' wealth and at times fraught family history (he had three wives and six children). It's also a chance to learn about the Barkers, who bought the castle in 1967 and have spent the decades since restoring it to its late 19-century glory. Margaret Barker, the co-founding director, and her son, Norcombe, the executive director, can often be spotted on-site.
There's also on-site accommodation at Camp Estate, a bluestone, five-bedroom manor house 500 metres from the castle entrance, or in the four-star Larnach Lodge rooms inside the castle itself. Guests are served a three-course dinner in the dining room around a shared table. Those keen on a wallet-friendly option can stay in the 140-year-old stables.
Larnach Castle's library.
ON THE WAY/NEARBY
The Otago Peninsula is home to the region's most attractive wildlife. The famous albatross colony up the road at Taiaroa Head, is the world's only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross and best enjoyed on one of the cruises operating on Dunedin Harbour (I recommend Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours), and there's a little blue penguin colony at Pilots Beach. There's also plenty of walking trails offering views of and access to stunning beaches on the peninsula's sea side. Often, sea lions can be spotted on the white gold sand.
HOW MUCH?
Larnach Castle's dining room, where guests staying in the castle's lodge accommodation share meals in the evenings.
For access to the castle, grounds, and gardens, it costs an adult $31 and children aged 5-14 $10 (free entry for children under 5). A family pass for two adults and two children costs $74. Enjoying the grounds and gardens on their own costs adults $15 and children $5 each. Guided tours cost an additional $125.
INSIDER TIP
Buy a garden pass and enjoy the castle grounds year-round as a picnic destination with family and friends. The passes, which cost $25 for adults, $15 for children, or $65 for a family, make great gifts for locals. The gardens are one of five in New Zealand to have been deemed "Gardens of International Significance".
Larnach Castle's drawing room.
BEST TIME TO GO
Any time – it's open 365 days a year – though winter's when major refurbishments tend to happen and best avoided if you want to languish outdoors for extended periods. High tea, served daily at 3pm, is the perfect way to end a visit – make sure to book 24 hours in advance. Some dates in November have discounted entry rates. See larnachcastle.co.nz for further information.
The writer was hosted for high tea by Larnach Castle.
Dunedin's Larnach Castle's 3000 square foot ballroom hosts weddings, balls, conferences, as well as high tea daily at 3pm. It was added onto the existing castle structure in 1885, and, after the Larnachs sold the castle following their patriarch's suicide in 1898, was used for a time as a sheep holding pen.
- Stuff
Comments