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Welcome to Careys Bay, a hidden gem in New Zealand's scenic wonderland! This page is your ultimate guide to all the fun experiences and things to do in and around Careys Bay. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty as you explore hiking trails, indulge in water sports, embark on picturesque boat tours, or simply relax on the pristine beaches. With a wide array of activities to choose from, we ensure that your visit to Careys Bay will be full of unforgettable adventures and cherished memories.
Very good, Rob arrived bang on time and got my bike and me across water. It’s in the name of. “Water Taxi”
We had an amazing experience with Port to Port Cruises & Wildlife Tours using their cycle ferry across the harbour. Rachel was absolutely fantastic — friendly, knowledgeable, and effortlessly loading and managing a huge number of bikes onto her very cool boat, which can carry lots of bikes at once. Super impressive! The boat itself is perfect for cyclists, making it the best bike ferry options for anyone doing a harbour ride or cycling loop. Rachel’s commentary during the trip was excellent, sharing local knowledge and pointing out wildlife and scenery along the way, which really added to the experience. It’s easy to see why Port to Port Cruises get such great reviews — professional service, smooth operation, and a genuinely enjoyable trip from start to finish. If you’re looking for a reliable cycle ferry, bike-friendly water taxi, or wildlife cruise, this is hands down the best choice. Highly recommend!
We used the Dunedin cycle ferry across Otago Harbour and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Rachel was incredibly friendly, calm, and professional from start to finish, making the whole crossing easy and enjoyable. It was clear straight away that she really knows these waters — and it felt like every local we passed knew her too, which says a lot. The trip was smooth, well organised, and full of interesting local insight. Rachel’s experience and relaxed approach made us feel completely looked after. If you’re cycling around Otago Harbour, this ferry is an absolute must. Thank you for a great crossing!
Really nie views but rainning for the whole day. That is really a shame without watching the gardens inside
Absolutly Amazing experience, My children thought it was Scary but I felt it took me back in the old days in a Castle I felt like a princess and it was my kingdom, The grounds was spectacular would have love too see the ocean but the mist or fog was so bad but gave it that real fantasy over looking the Castle, The top lookout was breath taking did feel like it was rocking/unstable as you go higher and higher but so real experience this is. The gift shop was Awesome and the lion statues on entrance was Massive only let down was needed more props in bedrooms and didnt get why there was a glass screen in one of the rooms. Loved the way you can touch and feel the experience too. Also a lovely lady was so kind and helped us tour a little which was great didnt go to cafe but next time I will.
Being from England I was a little skeptical going to visit a "castle" in New Zealand. However I'm so glad I did! It's a lovely place which has been really well restored and lovingly looked after. The climb to the top of the turrets is fun and the views once at the top across the Otago Peninsula are stunning. The cafe in the ballroom is lovely, whether sitting inside or outside, and the food was good too (we had a small salad, some chips and a scone with jam and cream, all of which were yummy! I can imagine the high tea here would be very nice.) The gardens were beautiful and it was very pleasant wandering around them. We walked past the stables which have now been converted to accommodations and I would seriously consider coming back to stay for a night. The staff were all very friendly too. Would definitely recommend a visit here :-)
The grounds, gardens, views, and Larnach Castle are beautiful. It's a great way to spend the whole day or just a few hours. You can take your own picnic or eat at the cafe which is really reasonably priced. The staff are a great asset too friendly and helpful. And I have to say I enjoyed looking for the Alice in Wonderland characters too. :)
Totally must do to anyone visiting Dunedin. The castle, it’s manicured gardens and stunning views over the coastline.
Have been to Dunedin several times and was looking for something different to do. Enjoyed visiting Larnach Castle & gardens a lot more then I thought I would! Such a top spot. *and a lovely large flat white coffee and savoury scone sat in front of one of the two open fires in the Ballroom Cafe afterwards was just perfect on a particularly chilly spring day!! Hubby enjoyed it too! Highly recommend.
Worth the drive up the hillside to see the splendor of the Grand castle
A big thanks to the owners for preserving this part of Dunedin history for public. It's a good place to visit at any season.
Nice overcast still day, moody and a nice day to have day 1 in Dunedin exploring Lanarch Castle. Lovely grounds, such a talented castle built, been so looked after and a good history lesson learnt. A few steps walked today.
Had a great visit here on a sunny autumn day the whole experience from gardens castle and tea in the outside cafe area was great.We thoroughly enjoyed are time there all the staff were hospitable and friendly.
Beautiful castle/stately home, with interesting history. We visited on a really stunning day and it looked so lovely in the sunshine. Beautiful gardens to explore too. Can understand wanting to keep them immaculate but such a shame you can't bring your dog to wander through the gardens too.
While traveling the south island, this has to be kne of my highlights! If you have any appreciation for history or castles or just want to see something truly beautiful then this is it. Well worth the money I would absolutely visit again!!
Awesome place to visit, enjoyed the history of the place and the surrounding area was lovely. Great to see that it’s slowly been restored.
Despite the rain, we had a great time looking inside and outside the castle. At first we thought it’d be a fairly quick affair, and gave ourselves (2 couples), an hour to do the inside and outside. That was quickly extended after we started to allow us more time to look through the gardens. A really nice way to spend a few hours. I’d recommend taking the toad along the water rather than the very narrow inland one. Views are again amazing and you’ll go past a memorial for soldiers which has Panasonic views over Dunedin from the top.
We were the first to arrive as we had limited time and given a warm welcome, clear directions, then enjoyed informative displays and a video, before rambling through the castle. The views over the peninsula from the tower were beautiful, made more special because we had walked and driven over that area in preceding days. A coffee in the ballroom beside the open fireplace, prepared us for a quick ramble in the garden and our car trip back north.
Loved it!! Amazed at a home (castle) so beautiful was built so long ago here in NZ. The history was also very interesting. Definitely recommend.
We had previously been to Larnach Castle and the weather was foggy so we couldn't see the view and it doesn't disappoint , So an absolute must do when in Dunedin.
Seamless check in with Bookme, the Larnach Castle team already had my name at the gate. The castle is so beautiful, it is clear this is a labour of love for the family that is restoring it! We last visited 16 years ago on our honeymoon, and since then they have opened more rooms for exploring in the castle, and added a clue hunt for kids to keep them engaged and learning about the history of the castle. We spent half our day here and a couple of hours exploring Tunnel Beach which is a 20min drive away - a perfect day!
Highly recommended lovely gardens beautiful scenery the castle is amazing they are doing a great job of preserving it
Well maintained gardens and grounds in Picture perfect surroundings. Time well spent and highly recommended to all visitors of Dunedin.
It was such a pleasant place to visit. The hardens were lovely. The castle was just amazing and reading the history tied the whole place together. The view from the turret was mind blowing. Will go back again next time we are in Dunedin.
제주도 박물관 정도로 생각했는데 기대 이상이었음 바다쪽 정원 산책로도 너무 이쁘고 궁전 내부 인테리어 보는 재미도 있어서 좋았어요 한두시간정도 넉넉히 둘러본거 같아요
Beautiful building, excellent narrative of history
Worth the visit a lovely 200 year old castle. Amazing how it was built and the history. Lovely gardens liked the idea of staying onsite have to try that next time. Some areas still to be renovated.
Had the best time. So much to see! Really nice cafe after you’ve explored everything. Highly recommended
Many things to see inside and outside the castle. The garden is amazing. On a good day, there is a nice view from the top of the castle (not this time, unfortunately, but I will come back!).
Stunning castle and grounds. Jaw dropping views and fascinating story and history of the Lanarch family and the restoration over the last 50 years
A very special place, well worth a visit. The gardens are great but the castle is something else.
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