Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour: Discover New Zealand's Early 20th Century Lifestyle
4.8
134 Ratings
Dunedin
Immerse yourself in the early 20th century lifestyle at Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin. Explore the stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich history on a guided tour.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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Olveston Historic Home - All tours are guided by our professional staff to give you the ultimate time capsule experience. You will learn about how a wealthy merchant family lived in the early 1900’s in Otago’s major town, Dunedin, built on gold. Olveston has all its original contents with over 120 art works.
After your tour of over 13 spectacular rooms enjoy, in your own time, Olveston’s one acre garden which is a Garden of National Significance.
Our well stocked gift shop offers many items made locally.
What's Included
- Expert local guide included
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Experience the fine structure, verdant landscapes, and ornate interior of the sophisticated Olveston Historic Home on a 1-hour guided exploration of this must-visit Dunedin site. You also have the opportunity to saunter through the picturesque gardens while admiring cityscapes and Otago Harbour vistas. As you journey through the house, your well-informed guide will share enlightening narratives about the architecture, artwork and household items, as well as the lineage who constructed the home. This tour provides you insights into New Zealand’s way of living during the early 1900s and the history of one of Dunedin’s notable families.
- To prevent damaging the wooden floors and original floorcoverings, visitors are asked to refrain from wearing stiletto heel shoes
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 15 participants per tour
- No health restrictions
Location
42 Royal Terrace
Royal Terrace
At Olveston reception
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(134 Ratings)
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Margotn110
Apr 14, 2024
Essential for anyone who has a penchant for history - Visiting Olveston House is essential for anyone eager to immerse themselves in a slice of history. As soon as I entered, I felt like I had stepped back in time to an era where etiquette and manners were pivotal. The setting was so authentic, I almost felt underdressed. Our tour guide, Kevin, was a wealth of knowledge. Feel free to ask him anything about the house, its interiors, or the family who built and lived there; he has all the answers. Also, don’t forget to pick up one of the beautiful blue and white, kitchen-themed tea towels from the gift shop before you leave.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trevorh1848
Apr 13, 2024
This is somehing you cannot miss when you are in Dunedin. - Could wish for no more- the tour guide was excellent, the house was incredible. And the greenhouse to the side of the main house was worth viewing- and for those who enjoy vintage cars the old Fiat car- I think 1912- is truly incredible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katep1954
Mar 29, 2024
Wonderful collection of art and artefacts. - A very interesting tour, particularly if you are interested in art and a huge selection of amazing artefacts from around the turn of the last century. A very knowledgeable guide took the tour and was full of information. A beautiful old house perfectly preserved.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mrcarlsir
Mar 23, 2024
Fantastic example of an early 20th Century home. - Greeted at the door by a fun and vibrant young chap, and taken on tour by a woman who definitely knew her onions.
It's a stunning example of an Edwarian home, left set up just as it was and ready to be live in again. The gardens have been nicely kept too, well worth a pre- or post-tour wander.
Unlike may historic homes, there are no family dramas or ghost sightings; just the remnant of a seemingly typical upper class Edwardian family.
I really enjoyed this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faraway471280
Mar 23, 2024
Great trip - Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Interesting contents and Chris was brilliant throughout. Recommended for anyone that is interested in Victorian and Edwardian history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jsmart20180
Mar 20, 2024
Best Experience - Visiting Olveston House was the highlight of visiting Dunedin. It was superior to other historic homes. We especially enjoyed the greenhouse and surrounding gardens. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. Overall, it a gave a complete snapshot of life as it used to be.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindy_g
Mar 16, 2024
Fab - Fascinating history, beautifully maintained, very knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend. I would visit again
Review provided by Viator
Happyhik
Mar 16, 2024
Authentic historic house - Olveston is an authentic and original historic home depicting the life of a wealthy merchant family in the early part of the twentieth century. The merchant in question made his fortune in the unlikely business of importing pianos!
When the last family member died, the house was left to the city on condition it remained unchanged. This included the building itself plus all the contents. The result is a genuinely authentic house and beautiful house into which you could move today.
The staff are very knowledgeable about the house and very welcoming. The garden is beautiful too.
A must visit place if you are going to Dunedin.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
245lindyg
Mar 16, 2024
Fabulous - Absolutely loved this tour. The house is magnificently kept and the tour guide was so knowledgeable and informative. Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onair439560
Mar 16, 2024
Beautiful house and exquisite furniture and porcelain. Shame about the guide. - Sunday the 17th March 2.45pm tour.
The house and contents were amazing. The lady at the front desk reception was very nice. The tour was too short but I guess you can pay for a longer one. The reason for the poor review was the guide. Several times she made patronising responses to questions asked. At the end she asked if there were any questions and guess what ? Nobody wanted to ask any ! I checked out with one of the other people on the tour and they also didn’t feel she was good.
I presume she’s a volunteer but even so she needs some retraining.
Review provided by Tripadvisor