Adventure Collective
Guided Castle & Peninsula Tour near Dunedin - Dunedin

Guided Castle & Peninsula Tour near Dunedin

Dunedineasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

6–7 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels, minimal walking required during the guided castle and garden tour

Overview

Journey through Otago Peninsula with a guided visit to Larnach Castle, stunning gardens, and sweeping city views. Discover history and nature just outside Dunedin.

Boat Tour
Dunedin, Otago

ICONIC LARNACH CASTLE TOUR with Peninsula & City Sights

CRUISE SHIP SELECT 10am | CITY PICKUP SELECT 10:30am | $175 per adult | $95 per child | 5 - 6 hours

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Adventure Photos

ICONIC LARNACH CASTLE TOUR with Peninsula & City Sights photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience a captivating full-day tour of Dunedin, featuring iconic landmarks and breathtaking views. Explore Baldwin Street, the University of Otago, and the Grand Railway Station before indulging in lunch at Larnach Castle. Enjoy a guided tour of this historic gem, complete with stunning gardens and fascinating stories from the past.

A full-day tour taking in many of Dunedin's iconic buildings, landmarks and scenic lookouts. Included is a fully guided tour of New Zealand's infamous Castle built over a century ago by William Larnach high up on the hills of the Otago Peninsula.

~ Cruise Ship passengers select 10:00am start time *pickup point is inside Visitor Building on ship's wharf

~ Dunedin City passengers select 10:30am start time *pickup point is Dunedin Railway Station front steps


Rates

Adult (Ages 17+): $ 175 Child (Ages 16 & Under): $ 95


Highlights

Begin with day with a city sights tour visiting Baldwin Street. Time to have a walk on this world record-breaking street and marvel at the houses and people who live on it's steep gradient.

Drive through the University of Otago with its neo-gothic clock tower and quirky student accommodations. We will visit Dunedin's Octagon (city center) for a look at the Robbie Burns statue with St Paul's Cathedral and Town Hall in the background. We visit Dunedin's Grand Railway Station for a look at the wonderfully restored Flemish renaissance interior. Then we are off to the Otago Peninsula for breath-taking views along the High road with photo stops as we travel on-route to Larnach Castle.

We arrive in time for lunch at the Castle's majestic Ballroom Cafe. *Lunch is own cost, choose from a la carte to cafe style menu along with a variety of wine and beer selections

After lunch our guide will escort you throughout the entire castle, from the gun room below to the views from the turret and all the marvels in between. Rest assured your tour of the castle will be memorable and informative with many original artifacts on show. Enjoy our personal attention to detail as we explore the Larnach family’s legacy and tell of their amazing story. The Castle's spectacular garden is one of national significance and there will be an opportunity to explore after the tour of the Castle. Our tours are personally guided with our Iconic tour guide throughout the entire day. This provides a more relaxing time frame with which to enjoy your time at Larnach Castle, one of New Zealand's most significant historic homes.


What to know

  • Includes entry fees to the Castle and grounds and our very own guided tour inside.
  • *Chilled NZ spring water provided for anyone who brings their own water bottle (we no longer provide bottled water to help reduce our waste footprint :+)
  • Meals & other refreshments: own cost.

Adventure Tips

Book in advance

This popular tour fills quickly, so reserve your spot ahead of time to secure your preferred date.

Wear sturdy shoes

The castle gardens include uneven paths; comfortable walking shoes will enhance your experience.

Bring a camera

Photo opportunities abound—from the castle’s architecture to panoramic peninsula views.

Weather readiness

Otago Peninsula weather can change fast; layering is advised to stay comfortable outdoors.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Yellow-eyed penguins nesting nearby
  • New Zealand fur seals on coastal rocks

History

Larnach Castle was constructed in 1871 and is New Zealand’s only true castle, symbolizing the country’s colonial era ambitions.

Conservation

Efforts are ongoing to preserve the historic castle and its gardens with sustainable gardening practices that protect the native ecosystem.

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Adventure Hotspots in Dunedin

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for walking through castle gardens and uneven terrain.

Layered clothing

Essential

Helps adjust to variable weather conditions on the peninsula.

Camera or smartphone

Essential

To capture scenic views and historic architecture.

Sun protection

Sunblock and hat keep you safe during sunny outdoor garden walks.

summer specific