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Larnach Castle Garden (Private)

Situated 25 minutes from Dunedin CBD

Over a century old, this large garden surrounding historic Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula is at an altitude of 300 metres. The scenery is spectacular and though the garden is subjected to wind and low rainfall it contains a unique collection of plants seldom seen elsewhere. Some remnants from the original plantings 120 years ago - Cupressus macrocarpa, planted extensively for shelter and a cedar to one side of the castle - give an air of maturity. The plantings reflect the owner's interest in New Zealand plants and in their southern hemisphere relations.

Behind the ballroom there are temperate rain forest plants with an avenue of mountain cabbage trees (Cordyline indivisa.) A rock garden features many rare and difficult New Zealand alpines as well as the Chatham Island olearias, both colour forms of Myosotidium hortensia , grass trees (Dracophyllum) and other genera not usually encountered in cultivation. A recent development has been a South Seas garden where relations of the pohutakawa (Metrosideros) diverse palms from the South Pacific and other distinctive flora are establishing. Elsewhere there is a small arboretum featuring southern beech, a formal garden and herbaceous borders and a laburnum tunnel with a stunning view south. Rhododendrons display in spring.

The garden is beautifully landscaped with a disciplined eye reflecting its association with the castle. The whimsical placement of features and characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland ensure it will be enjoyed by casual visitors and plants enthusiasts alike.

The Ballroom Café is situated in the historic Ballroom and is open daily - order from the menu, or choose something lighter from the cabinet. The Ballroom is also a popular location for wedding receptions and celebration dinners.

The Gift Shop at Larnach Castle has a reputation for selling locally sourced products of excellent quality including plants that are grown in the Castle plant nursery.

Larnach Castle offers three levels of accommodation:

Castle Stable Stay: the affordable option. Stay in the historic stables building.
Larnach Lodge: for a unique country house style stay. This four-star accommodation is situated in Larnach Castle and Garden.
Camp Estate: our five-star option, situated 500 metres from the Castle. Perfect for a whole of house rental or special get-together for family or friends. This venue is also a great option for an intimate wedding party or a corporate retreat.

Our accommodation options are packaged to include a cooked breakfast and entry to the Castle and Garden for two. Dinner is available in one of the Castle’s historic rooms, its is a four course ‘Trust the Chef’ meal.

Opening Hours and Tariffs

Gardens & Grounds open daily - 9am, last admission 7pm (Oct – March) and 5pm (April – September)
Castle open daily - 9am, last admission 5pm
Gift shop open daily - 9am to 5.30pm
Cafe open daily - 9.30pm to 4.30pm

Castle, Gardens & Grounds Access (self-guided)
Entry to the Castle includes the tower, ballroom cafe, gift shop, Castle gardens, grounds, historic stables and outbuildings. Informative brochure provided, in several languages, for self-guided tour of Castle, gardens and grounds. Pre-bookings not required.

Castle and Garden Entry:
Adult $37.00
Child (aged 0 - 14) FREE Family Pass (2 adults and up to 4 children) $80.00

Gardens & Grounds Only (self-guided)
Adult $18.50
Child (aged 0 - 14) FREE