CRUISE SHIP
SHORE EXCURSION

Larnach Castle Tour

+Wildlife Cruise

Tour Start & Finish: 10:00am - 3:30pm

Adult: $195.00
Child (5-14yrs): $115.00

Join us for a 5-6 hour tour that travels across the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour, followed with a Wildlife Cruise.

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  • This tour is only for passengers travelling aboard cruise ships visiting Dunedin.

    Join us for a wonderful journey back in time with a tour of New Zealand's Castle, followed by a special Wildlife Cruise experience.

    We’ll pick you up from the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal. You’ll be greeted by one of our friendly staff holding a sign with your name printed clearly on it. From there you’ll bus along the western side of the Otago Harbour to Dunedin.

    Your bus journey will take you up over the Otago Peninsula High Road to Larnach Castle. Along the way you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the rugged coastline and beautiful harbour.

    Your guide will then take you on a personalised tour of Larnach Castle. 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.

    The tour continues with a 30-minute drive to Wellers Rock Wharf, where you’ll board a 1-hour Wildlife Cruise. The tour travels around Taiaroa Head, home of 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 fur seals play and swim near their breeding colonies below. Then it’s a short way out to sea where we spot other species of albatross, cormorants, petrels and other rarely seen ocean birds. Occasionally we might spot blue penguins, dusky or hectors dolphins or a large sea lion.

    The Castle to Cruise Tour then concludes with a relaxed drive back to the cruise terminal, along the Otago Harbour Low Road.

  • We will arrange a full refund if your ship doesn’t arrive in Dunedin, or if it is late to berth and you miss the tour.

    Cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour start time will be given a full refund. Any cancellations within 24 hours will not be issued a refund.

    If we cancel the tour for any reason (e.g inclement weather) we will provide a full refund.

  • This tour’s pickup time is generally 10:00am. It will be confirmed via email from our staff once you’ve completed your booking.

    You will be collected by one of our staff holding a Monarch Wildlife Cruises sign. You’ll find them in the ‘Private Tours Area’ within the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal. It is located approximately 100-metres from where you disembark your ship.

    You will be dropped off at the same location at the end of the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We recommend booking early. These tours are limited space options. We often sell-out on cruise ship days.

  • Unfortunately not. At the castle you’ll be required to walk up several flights of stairs. You’ll also need to be able to step up and onto the boat for the Wildlife Cruise.

  • Some time is allowed at Larnach Castle to visit the Ballroom Cafe and purchase something light and quick.

  • We provide complimentary binoculars, warm jackets (if needed) and multi-language info sheets. Our staff will provide a commentary throughout the tour.

  • It is rare for us to cancel our trips, we are lucky to travel in fairly sheltered areas. The windy, cool “bad weather” days are often the best conditions for watching albatross soar. They love a cold southerly wind and don’t stop for rain!

    If we do cancel for unsafe weather conditions, you’ll be fully refunded.

  • Unfortunately not, the animals we see are wild and don’t operate to a schedule. No wildlife viewing is guaranteed.

    We are very likely to see albatross and fur seals but all other species come and go at their discretion.

    Bring your camera & turn off the flash!