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Larnach Castle History and Garden Views

Larnach Castle History and Gardens

August 26, 2019 By Jan Robinson 22 Comments

This post may contain compensated links. We may earn a small percentage if you book through a compensated link, but it won’t cost you any more by doing so. You can read our full disclaimer here.


Are there Castles in New Zealand?

Yes, Larnach Castle is the only castle in New Zealand and you will find it on New Zealand’s Otago Peninsula near Dunedin.

Larnarch Castle History is quite intriguing. Despite being located in the South Island of New Zealand, the castle was built and owned by an Australian of Scottish descent.

William Larnarch was that man and his story is a dramatic one. It was fresh in my mind as we explored the extensive Larnarch castle gardens.

Larnarch Castle Dunedin.

Larnach Castle History and Gardens is a fascinating story of Australian William Lanarch and his family

What You Will Find in This Post

  • Larnach Castle History
    • The William Larnach Story
      • Why did a bank manager from the Australian Goldfields build a castle in New Zealand?
      • William Larnach in New Zealand.
      • The Building of Larnach Castle
  • Is Larnach Castle Haunted?
  • Lanarch Castle Gardens
  • The Current Owners of Larnach Castle
  • Larnach Castle Prices
  • The Ballroom Cafe
    • Larnach Castle High Tea
  • Larnach Castle Opening Hours
  • Budget Travel Tips – Accommodation
    • Larnach Castle Accommodation
    • Camping Dunedin New Zealand
  • Otago Peninsula Attractions
    • Royal Albatross Centre
    • “Otago Peninsula and Taiaroa Head is a unique and very special place. It is a place that every visitor to Dunedin should see.” – David Attenborough, BBC
    • Little Blue Penguins
    • Yellow Eyed Penguins
    • More from my site

Larnach Castle History

The William Larnach Story

In 1833 William Larnach, was born in the Australian State of New South Wales, destined to later become a Gold Fields manager of a bank of the same name – the Bank of New South Wales. 

View from Larnach Castle.

View from Larnach Castle Otago Peninsula

Why did a bank manager from the Australian Goldfields build a castle in New Zealand?

The business world of Dunedin N.Z. had close ties with Victoria in Australia, where William worked. When gold was discovered in Otago N.Z. in the 1860’s he was offered a job as Manager of the Bank of Otago in Dunedin. It was a small branch and was experiencing difficulties.

Larnach Castle Garden Chickens and Hedges

Larnach Castle through the garden trellis

Pond Larnach Castle

William Larnach in New Zealand.

William was much more than a bank manager and for a long time he prospered with multiple business interests. He became a cabinet minister for 25 years in the New Zealand government in various portfolios.

Although he was positive he could turn the fortunes of his Bank of Otago branch around, it was not to be. He became insolvent, his first wife Eliza died in 1880 and he tried repeatedly thereafter to reinvent himself.

Larnach Castle Green

The Building of Larnach Castle

William’s wife Eliza was an Australian property heiress and he had lofty dreams of building a mansion for her on the Otago Peninsula.

He spared no expense building the 43 room family home in 1871 which he called simply The Camp. It was a local Newspaper that dubbed it The Castle. 

It took three years to construct and another twelve to fit out with marble, slate and glass from around the world as well as with local Rimu, Honeysuckle and Kauri timber. Only the best would do.

In a cynical twist, Eliza snubbed the grand Mansion Larnach built her, preferring to live in Dunedin.

William added a ballroom to the Castle for his favourite daughter Kate, but then was devastated when she died of typhoid. His business fortunes became tumultuous with scandals and money losses.

Williams personal life was also in turmoil. First wife Eliza died aged 38. He married her sister who also died aged 38 and there were rumours that his third wife was having an affair with his son.

William took his life in 1898 in a N.Z. Parliament building.

Legal battles ensued and the family sold his dream in 1907.

Larnach Castle History and Garden Views

Is Larnach Castle Haunted?

YES.

It is widely believed there is at least one Larnach Castle Ghost. The ghosts of daughter Kate and her mother (first wife) Eliza are favourite contenders.

The Premier of a play about Larnach called “Castle of Lies” was performed at the Castle. The play was controversial, not least because of the proceedings that night.

The most outstanding thing that Margaret Barker (the current owner) remembers about the night took place during the scene where Larnach shot himself.  A huge storm raged outside and at the precise moment of the shot the room was lit by a tremendous white flash.

The audience were impressed, presuming it was a special theatre effect, but it was a natural or as most now believe, a supernatural lightening effect.

Lanarch Castle Gardens

Larnach Castle Garden Statue

Rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance, Margaret Barker has been restoring and improving the gardens.

The original framework of paths, hedges and trees was first reclaimed and then improved upon. Like all good gardens there is always something of interest, regardless of the season.

Spring brings flowers back to the rock garden to last through Summer and Autumn, showy rhodendrons are found randomly throughout and azaleas bloom outside the Ballroom.

In Summer large lillies fill the rainforest with a gorgeous January scent and the Serpentine walk becomes a riot of trellised rose flowers. It’s the time for garden weddings and photography excursions.

In Autumn the heathers bloom and trees turn to Autumn colours and in Winter the garden reveals is structures and waits for the first flowering Snowdrop.

The garden is actually a collection of different gardens. I fell in love with the Laburnum Arch, covered in a showy mass of yellow flowers during our November visit.

Some of the Alice (in Wonderland) sculptures i.e. the Duchess and Knave have been in the garden since 1930, predating the current owners by 37 years. Margaret embraced this quirk and added more including the pink Queen of Hearts throne in the rainforest.

There is an actual reference to New Zealand in the original “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” where they suppose if falling through a hole they might end up in New Zealand.

There is even a curious door in a tree trunk in the South Seas Garden.

Bronze Sculpture of Alice with Golden Hair added in November 2007.

Bronze Alice Sculpture Larnach Castle Garden

 

The Current Owners of Larnach Castle

Margaret and Barry Barker purchased the property in 1967, restoring the non-existent kitchen floor and fixing the plumbing and faulty electrical wiring.

Margaret took on the garden and created what we see today. For many years she conducted the garden tours herself.

The Larnach Castle gardens have exquisite views over the peninsula and ocean.

Otago Peninsula from Larnach Castle

We visited the Castle in part three of our New Zealand Road Trip.

Made for pinning.

New Zealand Larnach Castle History and Gardens

Larnach Castle Prices

  • Adults $34.00 NZD
  • Children $12.00 NZD Free under 4 y.o.
  • Family Pass 2 adults and up to 4 children $80 NZD
  • Visit the website for more pricing information.
  • Or Buy Your Ticket HERE.

The Ballroom Cafe

You can dine in the historic ballroom or outside in the garden cafe – Kate’s Ballroom. All food is made on site from local ingredients where possible.

Open 9.30 to 4.30 every day of the year.

Larnach Castle High Tea

Available from 2 pm to 3 pm each day, with pre-booking necessary 24 hours beforehand. High tea includes scones jam and cream, slices, cream cake, sandwiches and a pot of tea

High Tea, plus Castle and Garden Entry is $62 NZD per adult and $40 NZD per child.

High Tea, plus Garden Entry is $45 NZD per adult and $33 NZD per child.

 

Larnach Castle Opening Hours

  • Larnach Castle: 9 am opening with last admission time 5 pm – 365 days per year.
  • Garden and Grounds 1st April to 30th Sept: 9 am to 5 pm – 365 days per year.
  • Garden and Grounds 1st Oct to 31st March: 9 am to 7 pm – 365 days per year.
  • Lanarch Castle Ballroom Cafe: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm – 365 days per year.

Budget Travel Tips – Accommodation

Larnach Castle Accommodation

Stay on the grounds in Larnach Castle Lodge rooms or the budget option Larnach Castle Stable Stay. Both include breakfast and free entry to the castle and grounds.

CLICK ON THE PHOTO BELOW TO BOOK 


Camping Dunedin New Zealand

Dunedin Holiday Park, adjacent to St. Kilda beach is 12km or 17 minutes away from Lanarch Castle, with unpowered camper van, caravan or tent sites.

 

Otago Peninsula Attractions

The Otago Peninsula is well worth exploring. The ocean can be wild on it’s western side, but on the east the peninsula forms a quiet 20 km long harbour with the mainland.

Royal Albatross Centre

The castle is about half way along the peninsula but at the furthest tip, Taiaroa Head, is the Royal Albatross Centre. The centre is the only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross in the world. Here you can see Albatross with their 3 metre wide wings flying high or their cute fluffly babies inside the observatory.

Sir David Attenborough had these words to say about Taiaroa Head.

“Otago Peninsula and Taiaroa Head is a unique and very special place. It is a place that every visitor to Dunedin should see.” – David Attenborough, BBC

Get your Royal Albatross Tickets Here.

Little Blue Penguins

Kororā or little Blue Penguins are the smallest penguins in the world. They can be seen at dusk at Pilots Beach, near the Royal Albatross Centre when they return to feed their chicks.

Yellow Eyed Penguins

The Peninsula is also home to the endangered yellow eyed Penguins (Hoiho). There is a conservation centre, rehabilitation Centre and tours.

You can learn about them at Penguin Place. Their tours fully fund their conservation project. Get tickets here.

While in the neighbourhood visit Moeraki Boulders.

Read this related article.

An InLinkz Link-up


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Filed Under: Budget Travel Tips, New Zealand / Pacific, Palaces and Castles

About Jan Robinson

Jan Robinson writes about travel on her Budget Travel Talk blog. A solo traveller in her teens, for the last 40 years Jan has travelled through Australia, Asia, Europe, Turkey and New Zealand with her husband. They specialise in road trips, caravanning and Independent travel without spending a fortune. Her favourite destination is Turkey and she is currently dreaming of Myanmar and Mexico.

Previous Post: «Port Douglas Rex Smeal Park Best Things to do in Port Douglas Australia
Next Post: We chose Lan Ha Bay over Halong Bay – Post 8 Relaxing in bean bags on top deck returning to Cat Ba island.»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jill

    October 6, 2017 at 11:09 am

    I would love to visit here. It looks beautiful and also interesting. What a stunning setting!

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 8, 2017 at 11:56 am

      It certainly is a stunning location Jill and such a beautiful area to visit with penguins and cliff top walks overlooking the ocean.

      Reply
  2. Esther

    October 6, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    Oh my this looks stunning!! The view over the mountains, I would never get tired of that!
    #TravelPhotoThursday

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 8, 2017 at 11:54 am

      It certainly is a stunning location Esther. Thanks for commenting.

      Reply
  3. Sharon Wagner

    October 7, 2017 at 1:03 am

    Supernatural lightning. Love it! Ghosts always improve a mansion tour.

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 8, 2017 at 11:54 am

      I would have liked to have been there for the play and supernatural lightning effects. Spooky!

      Reply
  4. Kathy Marris

    October 7, 2017 at 10:53 am

    Absolutely stunning! I can’t believe Larnach built this place for his wife and then she chose to live elsewhere. I never knew this castle existed in New Zealand and would love to see it on our next trip over that way. The views are incredible.

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 8, 2017 at 11:53 am

      Hi Kathy. Evidently she thought it was too remote and liked living in the city. Maybe he should have asked her first lol.

      Reply
  5. Rhonda Albom

    October 7, 2017 at 12:46 pm

    Great photos of the grounds around Larnach Castle. I like the flower-covered trellises.

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 8, 2017 at 11:52 am

      They were really beautiful but the parts of the gardens overlooking the water were special too.

      Reply
  6. Krista Bjorn

    October 8, 2017 at 1:13 pm

    What a gorgeous place – and spectacular views!!! I really like that little man statue in the garden. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 8, 2017 at 2:05 pm

      I love him too Krista. Could he be from Alice in Wonderland as the gardens have that theme.

      Reply
  7. Ruth | Tanama Tales

    October 8, 2017 at 1:26 pm

    Gosh! This guy really gave all he got towards the building of this home. it is beautiful! The views of the water are gorgeous. I am sure they rival the views he had in his native Scotland. Do you know if the area was home to many Scots? Dunedin means (or is another way of calling) Edinburgh. #TPThursday

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 8, 2017 at 2:05 pm

      He was born in Australia of scottish descent Ruth and you are correct – there are many scottish people living in New Zealand in particular around the Dunedin area.

      Reply
  8. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}

    October 8, 2017 at 1:44 pm

    This is exactly the type of place that appeals to me when I travel. The architecture, the gardens and the view are breathtaking. Calling it “the camp” is a bit of an understatement, though, isn’t it. Too bad that so much tragedy is associated with this place.

    Reply
  9. Nancie

    October 10, 2017 at 10:17 am

    This is gorgeous, Jan. I would love to stay on the property overnight. I’d be looking for the ghost. Actually, I’d probably be a wuss and hide under the bed! Thanks for co-hosting this week. #TPThursday

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 10, 2017 at 8:25 pm

      I would have loved to be there for the play and lightning display Nancie.

      Reply
  10. Janet Camilleri

    October 14, 2017 at 7:44 pm

    I really wanted to go to Larnach Castle when we visited Dunedin while on a cruise to NZ – alas budget didn’t really allow it. What a sad story William Larnach has!

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 14, 2017 at 8:31 pm

      Hi Janet, That is a pity Janet. Otago is a lovely peninsula and the castle is special. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Mary {The World Is A Book}

    October 25, 2017 at 4:03 pm

    What a beautiful castle! Those gardens and views are amazing. It’s such a sad history for Larnach. It’s always fascinating to see castles outside of Europe with no royal ties. Loved the idea of ghosts too.

    Reply
  12. Seana Smith

    September 10, 2019 at 10:43 am

    Hello, I can totally see why an Aussie of Scots descent would build a castle in NZ… it’s such a beaut spot. Noted and bookmarked for a NZ visit one day.

    Reply
    • Jan Robinson

      September 10, 2019 at 7:27 pm

      I think it’s a pretty amazing (and sad) tale.

      Reply

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