Built in 1904 for wealthy businessman and collector Mr. David Theomin, Olveston historic home is a treasure trove of fine art and artefacts purchased from all over the world.

Built in 1904 for wealthy businessman and collector Mr. David Theomin, Olveston historic home is a treasure trove of fine art and artefacts purchased from all over the world.

Highlights

  • Designed by acclaimed English architect Sir Ernest George
  • Furnished with fine art, furniture and artefacts purchased from all around the world
  • 35 rooms to explore with a galleried atrium and ballroom
  • 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 house and its contents were gifted to the City of Dunedin following the death of Mr Theomin’s daughter and the home was opened for the public to enjoy in 1966.

This fascinating guided tour of Olveston will depict for you the lives of an upper class family in the early twentieth century.

Come and see for yourself the grace and grandeur of Olveston - An iconic Dunedin building and unique heritage experience in New Zealand.

Adult $26.00
Child $15.00

What's included

  • Be led by trained tour guides who have answers to all your questions
  • The gardens and gift shop at Olveston are open to the public free of charge

Duration

  • Allow approximately 1 hour for the whole experience

Location

  • 42 Royal Terrace
  • Dunedin 9016

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Infants aged 0-5 free.

    Child price applies to ages 6-16.

Available Bookings from2 May to 15 May 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates
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BLOWN AWAY BY THIS HISTORIC HOME Exceeded expectations Just awesome Olveston Diamond Worth checking out
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Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience.

4.9

326 reviews

Showing all 326 authenticated Bookme reviews

Valerie Offner from Germany wrote on 27 November 2019

Fantastisch!

Es war klasse! Der Mann der uns herumgeführt hat war so sympathisch!

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From Olveston Historic Home - Guided Tour

Thank you Valerie, thank you for visiting Olveston. Jan

Katrin from Germany wrote on 03 March 2016

Ganz nett...

Die Führung war ganz ok, aber als verwöhnter Europäer was Kunst, Kultur, Antiquitäten betrifft wirklich nicht mehr. Es fanden zu viele Führungen parallel statt, so dass es oft recht laut wurde und das Ambiente gestört hat. Definitiv kein Muss für mich in Duedin.

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Jannette Highsted from New Zealand wrote on 22 April 2026

A fascinating experience

A well organised and very interesting tour that gives incredible insight into this family and impressive house. I recommend this to everyone!

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From Olveston Historic Home - Guided Tour

Kia ora Jannette, thank you for your lovely review and recommendation, we a pleased you enjoyed your time at Olveston.

Liz from New Zealand wrote on 02 April 2026

Unique piece of history

A stately home that has all the art and belongings still in the home from the family. A unique glimpse into the family that was an integral part of Dunedin's early history

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From Olveston Historic Home - Guided Tour

Kia ora Liz, thank you for your review.

Lincoln Darling from New Zealand wrote on 29 March 2026

Olveston

Great history

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From Olveston Historic Home - Guided Tour

Thank you, Lincoln for your review.

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

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Child

*This option must be made together with another price type.
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Qualmark Bronze

The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.

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