Larnach Castle Garden (Private)
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.
Having grown up reading the stories of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland the garden presents characters and features of the book throughout the garden adding a new dimension to the garden experience.
Larnach Castle garden has a special historic ambience - it is beautifully landscaped with a disciplined eye reflecting appropriately its association with the castle and is to be enjoyed by the casual visitor and plants person alike. The café is licensed. Visitors can also enjoy viewing the castle and extend their stay booking accommodation at the castle.
Opening Hours and Tariffs
Castle open 9am daily,last admission 5pm
Gardens & Grounds open 9am daily, last admission 7pm (Oct – March) and 5pm (April – September)
Castle, Gardens & Grounds Access (self-guided)
Entry to the Castle including 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.
Adult $31.00
Child (aged 5 - 14) $10.00
Child (aged 0 - 4) FREE
Family Pass (2 adults and up to 4 children) $72.00
Gardens & Grounds Only (self-guided)
Entry to the Castle's gardens and grounds, ballroom cafe, historic stables and outbuildings. Informative garden and native plant trail brochures and maps provided to assist with exploring the gardens and grounds. Pre-bookings not required.
Adult $15.50
Child (aged 5 - 14) $5
Child (aged 0 - 4) FREE
Garden Pass - Valid one year from date of purchase.
$25.00 Adult
$15.00 Child (aged 5 - 14)
$65.00 Family
This pass offers the opportunity of exploring the garden year round. It entitles entry to the Garden and the Ballroom Café and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Pass holders are offered 10% off from the Ballroom plant stand.
Contact Details and Location
Physical Address: 145 Camp Road, Pukehiki
Phone: 03 476 1616/0800 527 6224
Email: info@larnachcastle.co.nz
Website: http://larnachcastle.co.nz
Facilities and Amenities
Accommodation available
Children Welcome
The Garden at Larnach Castle written by Margaret Barker
Available through the Larnach Castle website
