Off Tour: Tracy’s Larnach Castle Tour

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Yes, There is a Castle in Dunedin – And Two, in Fact!


Spoiler Alert: Dunedin, New Zealand is home to not one, but two castles! And not just any castles—these are the only two castles in the entire Southern Hemisphere! Welcome to Part One of my series on the Castles of Dunedin. Today, let’s dive into the fascinating history and personal experiences surrounding Larnach Castle—the most renowned of the two.

Aerial view of Larnach Castle

Born and bred in Dunedin, I’ll admit it—I’m passionate about my hometown. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have grown up in this beautiful city, with its stunning landscapes and rich history. There’s a saying here: Dunedin is a “10-minute town.” It’s true! In just ten minutes by car, you could find yourself at the beach, atop a mountain, deep in a lush bushwalk, in the heart of the city, or—yes—even standing before a magnificent castle, taking in its grandeur and wondering about the secrets it holds.

Front facade of Larnach Castle

The Allure of Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle, perched atop the Otago Peninsula, was built in 1871 as a private residence for William Larnach and his family. Over the years, this castle has become more than just a beautiful building to me—it’s been a constant thread in the fabric of my life. From childhood visits to the castle’s grand gardens and eerie stables, to my professional life as a radio broadcaster, Larnach Castle has always felt like home. In fact, I even chose it as the location for my wedding!

As strange as it might sound, there’s something magnetic about Larnach Castle. It’s a place that draws you in, with its breathtaking views, its historical intrigue, and—if you’re lucky—its occasional brush with the paranormal.

Beautiful woodwork adorns the Castle
Larnach Castle Tour
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A Radio Promotion Like No Other

One of the most memorable experiences I had at Larnach Castle happened during a radio promotion I worked on in my broadcasting days. The premise was simple: spend a night in a so-called “haunted” building. Each week, my co-host Glen, and 2 promo guys Lyndon & Deon, and I would choose a different spooky location to spend the night. Naturally, Larnach Castle was on the list.

We arrived at the castle on a crisp, foggy evening, and its towering silhouette, bathed in spotlight, looked every bit the haunted mansion we were hoping for. Our guide greeted us and shared tales of eerie occurrences and strange happenings that had been reported by visitors and staff over the years. We were ready for whatever this magnificent, mysterious place would throw our way.

TC, Glen & Lyndon ready for their night in the Castle

The Haunted Hallway and the Unsettling Ballroom

As we toured the castle, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was different at night. The atmosphere was heavy, charged with an unsettling energy. We reached the second floor, where we were shown into a long corridor. The doors to each room were all shut tight—something they do to prevent drafts. But as we stepped onto the landing, one of the doors creaked open by itself.

We looked at each other, laughed nervously, and assumed it was just a draft. But then something odd happened—the guide calmly closed the door, making sure it was latched properly, only for the door to swing open again. This wasn’t normal. In fact, it was downright weird. But, as you do, we shrugged it off and carried on with our tour.

But the true experience came when we were left alone in the ballroom—the very room built for Larnach’s daughter, Kate, to celebrate her 21st birthday. It was here that the mood shifted completely.

After our guide left us to settle in, we decided to turn off the lights to get a real feel for the place in the darkness. What followed is something I still struggle to explain.

In the dark, with only the moonlight streaming through the ballroom windows and casting delicate patterns on the wooden floor, the room seemed to change. The air grew colder, and an undeniable sense of something not good seemed to build around us. It wasn’t just me—both my co-host and our promo guy felt it too. There was this oppressive feeling, like something dark and malevolent was growing in the room with us. The temperature dropped even further, and the sensation of impending doom was overwhelming.

I couldn’t shake it. “Anyone else feel that?” I asked. Both of them nodded, wide-eyed.

As you might imagine, we didn’t stay long. The three of us scrambled out of the ballroom, hearts pounding, and found ourselves standing in the hallway. And here’s the kicker—the hallway was infamous for being one of the most haunted parts of the castle. So, we did what any rational person would do—we ran.

We dashed along the hallway, up the stairs, and back into the safety of the main castle, our footsteps echoing in the dark. The odd part? Our guide didn’t even flinch when we told her what had happened. Apparently, she’d seen it all before.

Ready to head up the ornate stairwell in Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle: More Than Just a Tour

Did that experience stop me from visiting Larnach Castle again? Not in the slightest. In fact, it only deepened my fascination with the place. Larnach Castle isn’t just a historic building—it’s alive with stories, experiences, and a certain energy that can’t be explained.

If you ever find yourself in Dunedin, New Zealand, do yourself a favor: visit Larnach Castle. Whether you’re drawn by its history, its beauty, or the possibility of encountering something a little more otherworldly, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Stay tuned for more of my personal stories from Larnach Castle in future blogs—I’ve got plenty more to share!


The Music Room Larnach Castle

Looking for a unique way to explore Larnach Castle?
Rams Bottom Tours offers private tours to this iconic destination. For more details, click here.

Thanks for reading
Tracy
Rams Bottom Tours can take you there as a destination on our Private Tours check the details out HERE

Larnach Castle garden gate

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