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Larnach Castle with its splendidly embellished interior is an architectural jewel and the only of its kind in New Zealand. It is the one and only castle of New Zealand that was built in 1871 by an affluent merchant, politician and baron named William Larnach for his darling first wife Eliza. It is said that William Larnach and his son set along the path of Otago Peninsula to look for a beautiful site for their home. It is now evident why this picturesque site with the fabulous panoramic vista of Dunedin, Otago Harbour and the Pacific Ocean was chosen by Mr. Larnach. This swish castle on which Larnach spent a fortune employed two hundred men who spent three years constructing the shell of the castle and finally twelve talented European craftsmen adorned the interior and the ceilings with intricate carvings. Finest material was brought from all over the world, including marble from Italy, tiles from England, slate from Wales, glass from France and Venice to beautify the Larnach Castle.
Besides native materials such as Kauri and Rimu woods were also used for the floors of the castle. In 1884 a 3000 square foot Ballroom was also added to the castle for the21st birthday of his beloved daughter Kate. Currently, the Larnach Castle is privately owned and cared for by the Barker family. They have spent over thirty years caring for and furbishing up the edifice by reviving the beauty of the 35 acres of gardens and grounds.
This marvelously crafted structure with ornamental carvings, relics and antiques of New Zealand and an exciting, scandalous and tragic past charms a visitor. The surrounding lush gardens, the bird's eye view of the landscape and the architectural beauty of the Larnach Castle have altogether made it a popular tourist attraction in New Zealand.
Larnach Castle won the 1992 Tourism Award! Admission Cost- $20.00 for an adult and $10.00 for a child (cost including the visit to the castle as well as the grounds).Children below the age of five years are not charged. Access- You can drive to the castle or hire a limousine. Or you can also ride a horse and trot through the land enjoying the picturesque landscape.
You can also choose from one of the many tours that visits the Castle.
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