One of a few castles of New Zealand, Larnach Castle attracts tourists with its scandalous past, rich in family dramas, deaths and ghost stories. The interior contains a lot of antique furniture, hidden doors, and spiral staircases.

Among the vibrant metropolitan centers of New Zealand on the South Island, is hidden the cozy town of Dunedin. Small colored houses, narrow streets, many tiny shops with gimmicks and antique items. Dunedin has the charm of a hidden city, where the time stopped. This feeling increases in the Larnach Castle standing above the city on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. 

At the end of the 19th century, William Larnach, a wealthy merchant, banker, and politician decided to build a castle for his first wife. More than 200 people took part in the construction of a facade. European craftsmen spent 12 years to finish the interior of the manor. Larnach easily spent money and did not spare it. Outside, as well as inside, the workers used stones and materials delivered from around the world.

But the owner enjoyed his new home, not for a long time. Financial troubles and rumors of a romance between his third wife and youngest son made Larnach insane. He committed suicide in the parliament building in 1898. After that, the family separated because of the legal arguments. Then, Larnach Castle got new owners and was destroyed. But in 1967, the Baker family bought it and made efforts in rebuilding the construction.

The garden, considered as a garden of international importance, according to the New Zealanders’ opinion, should be visited. In winter, snow hides the beauty. But in summer, spring and autumn that is a wonderland for nature lovers, from the entrance of the castle to the very edge of the ocean.

You can book tours online. In the estate, there are a lot of stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. If you want to come to the spire, be ready for a steep climb and a narrow stairwell. The views are spectacular, so it is worth it.