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Larnach Castle Van Tour: Explore Heritage City with Historian Gregor Campbell
5.0
37 Ratings
Dunedin
Join historian Gregor Campbell on a captivating van tour of Larnach Castle and explore the rich heritage of Dunedin. Uncover forgotten events, murder mysteries, and the fascinating stories of the people who shaped the city.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- University of Otago - Starting the tour with a quick drive through the university, we see the original old buildings including the Marama Building with ornate features and an interesting story.
- Northern Cemetery - Drive through the beautiful Northern Cemetery and hear the stories of the famous and everyday people buried there. William Larnach’s tomb is here and the architect who designed his properties and tomb among other notable Dunedin buildings.
- Baldwin Street: The Steepest Street in the World - The world’s steepest street! Climb it, look at it, use the toilet facilities, tick it off your bucket list. Whatever you do, Gregor has some fascinating historical stories of the area that he’s uncovered in his research.
- Dunedin Railway Station - The second most photographed building in the southern hemisphere (second to the Sydney Opera House). Go inside the foyer of the station with its Royal Doulton tiled walls and mosaic floor made with approximately half a million pieces.
- Queens Garden - Queens Gardens, where Dunedin’s soldiers paraded before marching off to the Great War and where thousands gather annually to remember those who did not return.
- High Street - High Street is where wealthy professionals built their large houses and consulting rooms, the surviving buildings are quite beautiful and deserve a look. Which then leads into the ‘Devil’s Half Acre’. An area of town that was known for mischief and tragedy.
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Highgate - Stop for lunch at Luna Bar and Restaurant. A little off the typical tourist track, Luna offers an incredible view of Dunedin, delicious food and a wonderful atmosphere. We come here to support local business and stay away from busy tourist areas. We hope you love it as much as we do! Lunch is not included in tour price.
The current lunch menu:
https://www.lunaroslyn.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/luna-lunch-menu-nov2022.pdf - Larnach Castle & Gardens - Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. Lovingly restored by the Barker Family, the Castle and surrounding grounds are at the heart of the Dunedin visitor experience. Take a guided tour with your historian tour guide and learn of the tragic end to the Larnach family.
What's Included
- Local expert guide and driver
- Complimentary hotel and port pick up/drop off
- Climate-controlled transportation
- Admission to Larnach Castle included
What's Not Included
- Lunch
Additional Information
Embarking on a journey with Gregor is an unparalleled experience. Esteemed historian and masterful narrator, Gregor Campbell, has been delving into the lesser-known individuals and incidents of Dunedin’s past. His discoveries have garnered attention in the press and most recently, his profile graced the front of New Zealand Heritage Magazine due to his engaging cemetery tours. Gregor has a particular fascination with the region’s colonial era, focusing on the interactions among the Māori Kāi Tahu, Scottish settlers, and the diverse populace who settled in the area, for better or for worse.
Gregor’s captivating recounting of dark tales involving homicide, maritime disasters, explorations, champions, and rogues are unique to Tales From Darkest Dunedin and are interwoven to depict a complex portrait of the metropolis and the history of the individuals who have shaped it to its current state.
- We will have approximately 1h30 total driving time between pickup point, attractions and drop off.
- Tour time can be altered to fit in your ship schedule
Location
University of Otago
362 Leith Street
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(37 Ratings)
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Nataliemeredithhh
Apr 12, 2024
Did not disappoint!!! - Gregor was a phenomenal guide!!! Very informative and accommodating! Highly recommend this tour of Dunedin when visiting
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura_y
Apr 4, 2024
Great experience in Dunedin - Gregor was a fabulous guide on this city and castle tour. He met us in the terminal building and led our group of 8 to his van which was fully stocked with local historical literature as well as plenty of water. He took us to a cemetery and showed us some of the gravesites of local citizens, including the Larnach family. We had lunch in a beautiful restaurant perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the city. We then went to Larnach Castle where he narrated our own personal tour. He was knowledgeable, friendly, personable, and fascinating to listen to. You won't regret going on one of Gregor's tours!
Review provided by Viator
Mark_d
Apr 3, 2024
Definitely on the 'dark' side - Really enjoyed this tour. Very informative and interesting, with lots of fun facts. Gorgeous town with beautiful scenery. Our guide took us on a wonderful adventure. Huge, event packed day. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
824allenl
Mar 30, 2024
Great day in Dunedin - Very enjoyable, informative tour with historian guide who knew all about the history of Larnach Castle. Also had the opportunity to walk up Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world and to visit the historical Dunedin Railway Station. Went for a delicious lunch at the Luna Bar & Restaurant where we had great food and fabulous views. Excellent tour of Larnach Castle as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andy
Mar 28, 2024
First class Service - A great team and Loleen in the office answered all our queries and needs - thank you. We could not recommend this team more.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephanie_r
Mar 28, 2024
Bucket list trip - Wonderful day with Gregor. Knowledgeable about all of New Zealand. I purposely looked for someone with a historical back ground and we were delighted with our guide. This was my dad’s bucket list trip and well let’s just say he had a life time list of questions. He kindly answered all of them and we enjoyed our time on the trip. Best guide of the whole cruise ship experience in New Zealand. Best regards, Stephanie
Review provided by Viator
Mary_g
Mar 27, 2024
History’s alive in Dunedin! - Well planned adventure of city highlights, beautiful vistas, castle tour, and imaginative fact based storytelling. Gregor is a congenial host and passionate ambassador for his Dunedin. We had an awesome time! Tysm!
Review provided by Viator
Deborah_m
Mar 24, 2024
Lovely day in Dunedin - Excellent way to see the castle and Dunedin. Driver was prompt, knowledgeable, kind and interesting.
Review provided by Viator
Ann_h
Mar 20, 2024
History, Humour and Beautiful scenery - Gregor is a great guide. He kept us entertained and enlightened about Dunedin for 5 fun hours. Actoss the city, countryside, up to the cadtle and back to the ship every moment was filled with lively stories, gorgeous photo ops and a delicious lunch. I highly recommend Gregor's tour.
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_b
Mar 18, 2024
Gregor the Great! - Gregor is very knowledgeable about his realm. He has interesting hobbies that translate into a well rounded tour. He was very forthcoming with any information on a wide variety of topics. It was a very intimate tour with a small group and he catered to all requests. The Luna restaurant was amazing and offered beautiful views and I recommend the filo chicken. I’m going to try to replicate it. I would have loved, as an added bonus, a tour of the local brewing company, Speights. I think that would be a welcome addition as they do this on other cities when a delicious beer is made there. Think Amsterdam and the Heineken tour or Dublin with the Guinness tour. Just a thought. Five stars.
Review provided by Viator
