Discover New Zealand’s only Castle.

This superbly crafted building with magnificent architecture showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques, with an exciting, sometimes scandalous and tragic history.

With its magnificent carved ceilings, New Zealand antiques and breathtaking views, Larnach Castle offers you a vision of the past and present.

Today, the Castle is the home of the Barker family, who have spent over forty years lovingly restoring the building and recreating the beauty of the 14 hectares of gardens and grounds.

History

Larnach Castle was built 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza.

200 workmen spent three years building the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a furthur 12 years embellishing the interior.

Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world.

Larnach's first wife Eliza Guise, had six children - Donald, Douglas, Kate, Colleen, Alice and Gladys. Eliza died at the age of 38 when Gladys was still a baby.

Larnach then married Eliza's half sister Mary Alleyne. They were married for 5 years when sadly Mary also died at the age of 38. Larnach then married a much younger lady, Constance de Bathe Brandon.

Larnach was struck by tragedy when his favourite daughter Kate died in her 20s. The children were all sent to England for their education. This meant long sea voyages and a lot of time away from the Castle.

After Larnach's suicide in 1898 the family was torn apart by legal battles over Larnach's property as he died intestate. The family then sold the Castle in 1906.

Checkered History

The Castle has had many uses; as a lunatic asylum, a hospital for shell-shocked soldiers, a nuns retreat and the Ballroom was once even used as a sheep holding pen!

1900 Auction of furniture and chattels. Used as a holiday retreat for nuns.
1906 Government buys Castle for 3000 pounds. Castle then used as a mental hospital and for shell shocked soldiers.
1918 Castle vacant - suffered much theft and vandalism.
1927 Mr Jackson Purdie purchased the Castle and spent a large sum of money restoring buildings and grounds. The Castle became a showplace filled with antiques. Electricity connected.
1939 Mr Purdie, with failing health decides to sell - no interest - so contemplates demolishing the building and selling the material.
1940 Castle goes to auction, bought by Mr Armstrong for 1250 pounds.
1941 Sold to Mr Stedman. During WW2 over 80 US soldiers billeted here.
1959 Mrs Empson purchased the Castle.

Accommodation Today

Boutique Lodge accommodation is available in the Castle gardens.

Weddings, Balls, Functions and Celebrations are held in the beautiful 3000 square foot Ballroom.

Gardens

In 1967 the Barker Family purchased Larnach Castle and its 14 hectares of grounds in order to ensure their survival.

Enveloping second growth in the abandoned garden came right up to the Castle walls.

Clearing and felling opened wonderful vistas, and today, our ‘new’ garden continues to be developed within the original framework of paths, hedges and trees.

Spring brings jewel-like flowers to the rock garden and splendid displays of rhododendrons and azaleas. Herbaceous plantings peak in summer, followed by Scottish Heathers in autumn.

Spectacular tower views and beautiful gardens complete this enjoyable award winning experience.

Special collections of Southern Hemisphere plants grow in size and diversity in our South Seas Garden".

Larnach Castle Garden has been selected as a Garden of National Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.