Larnarch Castle

On the way back to Dunedin it is well worth making the short detour off Highcliff Road to see Lanarch Castle. New Zealand’s only ‘castle’ was built by William Lanarch, a wealthy financier and politician, for what was then the immense sum of £125,000. Construction began in 1871, but in spite of the fact that 200 labourers were working on the house, it took five years before the family could move in. The entire building was constructed using only the very best materials available and Lanarch did not even shy from the expense of importing European craftsmen to do some of the interior work. Outstanding features of the house include the hanging staircase with a handrail carved from solid kauri, the beautifully carved foyer ceiling and the huge ballroom.