Larnach Castle Garden
★★★★★★
Situated on the Otago Peninsula | 25 minutes drive from Dunedin CBD.
A large century and a half old garden surrounds historic Larnach Castle, high at 300 metres, on the Otago Peninsula. Larnach Castle Garden stands apart for its history, plant collections, vistas, clarity of design and seasonality. This garden is on the footprint established in 1870 and interrelates with the castle itself and a cluster of other buildings from the 1870s and 1880s.
Driveways, dry stone walls and a massive holly hedge survive from the past. Certain elderly trees survive from the nineteenth century: battered Monterey Cyperus, Cedar trees from the Himalayas, a New Zealand rimu, a northern rata and clusters of cordylines (cabbage trees). Seasonal displays begin in late winter with mass snowdrops and Rhododendrons follow. Herbaceous perennials flower through summer and autumn. Southern Hemisphere bulbs, plants and trees flower throughout the year. Eclectic plant collections include rhododendrons, snowdrops, aeoniums and Chilean plants.
Collections of New Zealand plants cover metrosideros (rata and Pohutukawa), golden kowhai, southern beech trees, New Zealand broom (Carmicheliaes), tree ferns and olearias. Clusters of cordyline, both from the past and recent plantings act as a leitmotif throughout the garden. Graceful native Rimus are a signature tree. Themed gardens include the Lost Rock Garden, Temperate Rainforest, and the South Seas Garden which links us to our place in the South Pacific Ocean.
The laburnum tunnel frames the castle one way and a vista the harbour, city and hills in the other turns golden in late November. Vistas from the South Seas garden are of the harbour, the heads and the ocean. Lawns and wide carriage-ways provide space and balance between dense plantings. Hedges define the strong design which integrates buildings, drives, plantings and vistas.
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 products including plants that are grown in the Castle plant nursery.
Larnach Castle offers three levels of accommodation:
• Stables Stay: Quaint and affordable stay on Castle grounds. The historic Stables are a 150-year-old Category 1 listed historic building, restored with a family style accommodation on the upper floor.
• Larnach Lodge: Individually decorated rooms with private bathrooms and panoramic views of the Otago harbour and the Otago Peninsula. This boutique Qualmark Gold, 4-Star property is also located on Castle grounds.
• Camp Estate: A luxurious country house positioned on Larnach Castle land (500 meters from the front gate). Offering total privacy and a luxurious stay in an exclusive suite, particular attention is paid to guest comfort. This Qualmark Gold, 5-Star accommodation doubles as a venue and is perfect for intimate weddings and corporate retreats.
All accommodation bookings include a delicious, cooked breakfast and entry into the Castle and Gardens. An expertly crafted 4-course dinner is available for accommodation guests at an additional cost.
Facilities and Amenities
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Accommodation available
Children Welcome
Book: The Garden at Larnach Castle written by Margaret Barker
Available through the Larnach Castle website
Dogs
Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash - we ask owners to clean up after their pets, poo bags available from the gift shop
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For full ticketing information and up to date opening hours please visit larnachcastle.co.nz
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From Dunedin
Larnach Castle is 25 minutes away from Dunedin CBD
Head south on SH1 toward St. Andrew Street for 1.9km.
Continue straight on to Andersons Bay Road/SH1 (signs for South Dunedin) for 1.3km.
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit on to Andersons Bar Road/Musselburgh Rise for 1.7km.
Continue on to Silverton Street for 1.7km.
Take the 2nd right exit at the roundabouton to Highcliff Road for 6.8km.
Turn left on to Camp Road for 1.5km Larnach Castle Ga
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Physical Address: 145 Camp Road, Pukehiki
Phone: 03 476 1616/0800 527 6224
Email: info@larnachcastle.co.nz
Website: http://larnachcastle.co.nz
