“Characterful accommodation in 35 acres of grounds surrounding New Zealand's only castle. The Lodge offers a truly traditional stay, while the affordable Stables are more contemporary. Savour four-course dinners in the castle's atmospheric dining room. A grand rural escape. Great for weddings.”
“Characterful accommodation in 35 acres of grounds surrounding New Zealand's only castle. The Lodge offers a truly traditional stay, while the affordable Stables are more contemporary. Savour four-course dinners in the castle's atmospheric dining room. A grand rural escape. Great for weddings.”
Hotel Review
If you are a traveller who enjoys a bit of Olde Worlde charm then Larnach Castle is for you: a traditional Scots baronial mansion plonked in spectacular countryside above the rather austere town of Dunedin. The gardens, like the location, are stunning, commanding distant views of islands and inlets and the house is open to the public. Rooms are tucked away to the side of the house out of sight of the odd bus load of tourists who visit the castle daily in season. Stay in the the Lodge (Qualmark 4 stars) which are a tad old fashioned in appearance but well equipped with modern comforts - comfy beds, spacious bathrooms, good water pressure etc. Or the Stables (budget) which are a bit more basic and some with shared bathrooms. A reasonable breakfast is served downstairs in the Stables, and good coffee is to be had at the castle cafe which spills out onto the front lawn. In addition Larnach also offers the Camp Estate which is more luxurious but a 10 minute walk from the castle. Three-course dinners are held within the candlelit dining room of the castle itself and are a real highlight. Dishes are crafted using local produce - a real showcase of New Zealand's cuisine.
You will need a car to fully enjoy the area as it will allow you to go in search of Albatrosses at the nearby sanctuary or seals on the surrounding beaches below, or just to have a picnic at one of the many viewpoints nearby. A unique base to explore the surrounding countryside from.
Written by Stretch Graham
Recommended For
- Hotel Entertainment
- Guided tours of NZ's only castle and its magical gardens are a highlight - and they're included in your room rate
- Back to Nature
- The area is renowned for its yellow-eyed penguins and albatross, a great base for wildlife enthusiasts
- Great walks
- Take long walks along the Otago Peninsula Headland, looking out for native birdlife
- Country Escape
- A unique experience to stay in lodges within the grounds of a family-owned castle
- Museums
- Venture into Otago to see the Dunedin Public Art Gallery
- Other Activities
- Charter a helicopter and explore the area from the skies
- Trekking
- Sailing
- Fishing
- Cycling
- Golf
- Wildlife Area
- Birdwatching
- Conference facilities
- Camp Estate has two dedicated function rooms, whilst the Castle's Ballrom can seat 200 guests
- Landmark
- New Zealand's only castle, a historic landmark set within a 35-acre estate
- Outstanding location
- Offering spectacular views of the Otago Peninsula
- Gourmet
- Owner managed
- Lively
- Family Suites
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Organic food
- Views
- Colonial
- Sit-out Terrace
- Full of character
- Restaurant
- Artworks
- Sea Views
- Boutique
- Historic
- Antiques
- Child friendly
- Retro/Vintage
- Secluded setting
- Business Hotel
- Disabled access
- Traditional
- Charming
- Four poster beds
- Romantic
- Grand Hotel
Facilities
- Communal Dining
- Book in advance to dine in an opulent room at the castle, savouring a four-course tasting menu from the chef
- Garden
- 35 acres of grounds, rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance
- Conference facilities
- Camp Estate has two dedicated function rooms, whilst the Castle's Ballrom can seat 200 guests
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Fireplace
- Outdoor dining
- Meeting Room
- Family Suites
- Parking
- No pets
- Library
- Sit-out Terrace
- Laundry
- Sitting Room
- Restaurant
- Child friendly
- Disabled access
- Suites
- Four poster beds
- Wifi
- Views
Activities
- Hotel Entertainment
- Guided tours of NZ's only castle and its magical gardens are a highlight - and they're included in your room rate
- Great walks
- Take long walks along the Otago Peninsula Headland, looking out for native birdlife
- Other Activities
- Charter a helicopter and explore the area from the skies
- Museums
- Venture into Otago to see the Dunedin Public Art Gallery
- Sailing
- Trekking
- Fishing
- Cycling
- Golf
- Wildlife Area
- Birdwatching
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
Larnach Castle
Staying at this family-owned castle in New Zealand is like stepping back in time. Located in a little-known part of the South Island on the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle has a range of accommodation options, while the compelling family story attached to the property means it is steeped in atmosphere and intrigue.
Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
