Monarch Wildlife Cruise And Tours
Larnach Castle Tour with Wildlife Cruise from Dunedin
Help code: 367D-3215
- Visit New Zealand's only castle built in 1871
- View the impressive architecture of Larnach Castle
- Admire the beautiful carved ceilings & antiques
- View the breathtaking and rugged coastline
- Comfortable and warm vessel
- Warm jackets are provided for cruise
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Built in 1871, it took two hundred workers roughly three years to build the exterior shell and a further twelve years for master European craftsmen to finish the interior. Over the years the castle and grounds fell in to ruin and disrepair. In 1967 the property was bought by the Barker family who have spent many years restoring it to its former grandeur. The rooms are once again filled with original artworks, clothing and furniture.
During the tour you’ll see the magnificent carved ceilings, antiques and painstakingly restored original features. Hear the scandalous and tragic history of the original owner, William Larnach who took his own life with a single shot to the head. Climb the spiral staircase to the rooftop tower for stunning 360° views of the Otago Peninsula. We highly recommend a short walk around the beautiful gardens, recognized to be of international significance.
Time is allowed to explore the grounds or take tea in the Ballroom Cafe. You’ll then meet your guide back at the bus and continue the tour along the Peninsula.
Join an invigorating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head, home to the world's only mainland nesting place of royal albatross. Watch as these huge birds glide in from the ocean and soar high above their hillside nests. You’ll cruise beneath a historic lighthouse, perched high above volcanic cliffs. Watch as NZ fur seals play and swim around the rocky outcrops below. Then it’s a short way out to sea to spot other species of albatross, cormorants, petrels and other rarely seen ocean birds. Occasionally we might spot blue penguins, dusky or hectors dolphins or sea lions.
Inclusions
- Otago Peninsula bus tour
- Entry in to Larnach Castle
- Guided tour of Larnach Castle
- Monarch Wildlife Cruise
- Multi-language info sheets
- Access to warm jackets and complimentary binoculars
Exclusions
- Food and drink not provided. Passengers can bring their own pre-packed lunch or purchase something light from the Ballroom Cafe.
Itinerary
Winter Tour Schedule
- 11:30am - 12:00pm Bus tour from Dunedin up the Otago Peninsula high road to Larnach Castle
- 12:15am - 1:15pm Personally guided tour through Larnach Castle
- 1:15pm - 1:45pm Time to explore the Castle gardens and/or visit the Ballroom Cafe
- 1:45pm - 2:20pm Bus to Wellers Rock Wharf
- 2:30pm - 3:30pm Wildlife Cruise - royal albatross, fur seals, lighthouse, volcanic cliffs, etc
- 3:30pm - 5:00pm Otago Harbour Cruise back to Fryatt St Wharf (Dunedin)
Summer Tour Schedule
- 10:30am - 11:00am Bus tour from Dunedin up the Otago Peninsula high road to Larnach Castle
- 11:15am - 12:15pm Personally guided tour through Larnach Castle
- 12:15pm - 12:45pm Time to explore the Castle gardens and/or visit the Ballroom Cafe
- 12:45pm - 1:20pm Bus to Wellers Rock Wharf
- 1:30pm - 2:30pm Wildlife Cruise - royal albatross, fur seals, lighthouse, volcanic cliffs, etc
- 2:45pm - 3:30pm Bus back to Dunedin, following the Harbour on the Otago Peninsula low road
Time
- Summer: 10:30am- 3.30pm
- Winter: 11:30am - 5.00pm
Location
- This tour departs from our office at 20 Fryatt Street, Dunedin. Please check in 15-minutes before the scheduled start time of your tour. All-day free carparks can be found around this location.
- Selected hotel pick up from central Dunedin hotels, motels, backpackers, holiday parks and the iSite Visitor Centre. Please follow instructions regarding hotel pickup below.
Hotel Pickup
If you have booked a hotel
Complimentary pickups & dropoffs are available upon request. We pickup from central Dunedin hotels, motels, backpacker hostels and the iSite Visitor Centre (no private residences or AirBnB's).
Prior to completing your purchase, enter your hotel name in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your hotel pick up time
If you have not yet booked a hotel
If you have not yet booked a hotel, enter the words 'hotel not known' in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your hotel pick up time
If you do not require a hotel pick up
If you do not require a hotel pick up and will be meeting the tour at the tour departure point, enter the words 'not required' in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your tour. Tour departure point is listed above and on your confirmation tour voucher.
What To Bring
- Please ensure to dress in accordance with the weather predication
- A warm coat and sun protection is recommend
- Lunch and drinks - you're also able to purchase food or a coffee from the cafe at Larnach Castle
Additional Information
- This tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Larnach Castle has multiple levels with several flights of stairs to climb and no handicap facilities.
Booking Information
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
“Don't be put off by cold, damp or windy days as the wildlife love it. More activity is seen in the cool southerly winds. Jackets are provided and the heated enclosed aft deck will keep you warm.”