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

Bus out from Dunedin over the High Road to Larnach Castle, which sits proudly in the centre of the Otago Peninsula. The castle was 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 along the Otago Peninsula to Wellers Rock Wharf, where you’ll board a one 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 city, along the Low Road. In the winter months you will cruise back to the city along the Otago Harbour.

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

Excluded:

• Food and drink not provided. Passengers can bring their own pre-packed lunch or purchase something light from the Ballroom Cafe.

You can also include a walking tour of the Penguin Place conservation reserve. Read more about the Castle to Cruise + Penguin Place tour by clicking here…

We ask that our guests check-in at our 20 Fryatt Street, Dunedin office 15-minutes before the scheduled start time of your tour. Free carparks are available around this location.

Accommodation pickups can be requested from central Dunedin hotels, motels, backpackers, holiday parks and the iSite Visitor Centre.

Sorry, we don’t pickup from Airbnb’s or private residences.