Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay

We loved staying right in the property, just a few minutes’ walk through the gorgeous gardens to access the castle. Our room had amazing views from the balcony out over Dunedin Harbour. It was well appointed and comfortable. The property is on the exceptionally scenic Otago Peninsula and quite close to the Royal Albatross Centre and the beach where the blue penguins nest, which is also a bonus.

We all loved staying at Larnach Castle, the breakfast was amazing and the fine dining experience was memorable. For our kids, it was their worst meal on our entire trip, but that was because it was very late for them - no food came until after 8pm, and they did not get their dessert as we left early, before dessert was served. Us adults enjoyed the fine dining but it was challenging to be there with children with no activities available for them to do, and the room is quite echoey. Overall, we loved our few days at the castle!

Staying in The Stables is an experience! It was similar to an old Aussie pub stay, where the room is clean, warm, and comfortable, with a sink in the corner, and a kettle and tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and sugar, and milk in the communal fridge. The shared toilets were clean, and the shower was good and hot, though limited in space. Included in the tariff is entry to Larnach Castle and an incredible breakfast served downstairs that was plentiful and varied, with cereals (including 2 gluten free options), toppings, fruits, toast, English muffins, croissants, butter, jam, marmalade, peanut butter, Vegemite, cheese, cold meats, juices, tea (black and herbal), coffee and hot chocolate...and THEN we could choose a hot meal as well! I'd definitely stay again, as it was comfortable, good value, and the staff were really lovely.

There was no place in the 'In' so we stayed in the 'Stables'! What an experience! This was one of our most quirky accommodation options during our travels in New Zealand and it definitely delivered! Lanarch Castle is the only castle in New Zealand - and we jumped on the opportunity to stay at the castle when it showed availability when in Dunedin. The castle is small, but stunningly situated on a peninsula outside Dunedin. It is set in truly beautiful gardens, with spectacular views. Our room for 3 people was in the Stables, and it was quite a unique experience first checking in - with tourists all around us as we took our luggage in - and thereafter, with the dinner at the castle itself and breakfast just downstairs, in the stables. The room was not massive and with awkward beams (so watch out for your heads), but the beds were extremely comfortable and offered a great sleep until 700 am when the stables come alive - through the usage of the shared bathroom facilities and through music from 730 am when the breakfast service commences. My husband said that the bed was the most comfortable of all throughout NZ! The castle dinner experience was excellent, unique and offered an opportunity to meet with other guests. It was a great menu (also adapted for me, with dietary restrictions) and included a complementary tour at the end. The breakfast was comprehensive, and included both hot and cold dishes. We did not need lunch that day! The overall stay was a highlight across our travels in New Zealand and strongly recommended!

This was a special place. The historic castle and gardens were beautiful. The lodge accommodation was a separate building. Our room had stunning views over the bay and had everything we needed including a heated bathroom floor. At an additional cost we had dinner in the castle dining room with other guests which included a private tour. Casual dress was all that was needed to dine in grand surrounds. We loved it and wished we had more than our 1 night stay.