New Zealand | Stay in a Fairytale Castle

🏰 In Dunedin, New Zealand, there’s a dreamlike castle—Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand, carrying a century of history and stories. This castle trip was truly full of surprises and romance. ✨ The Story of the Castle This castle was built in 1871 by William Larnach, a banker, capitalist, and business tycoon, for his family. Two hundred workers spent three years completing the exterior, followed by European craftsmen who took twelve years to decorate the interior with premium materials from around the world. Inside, you’ll find Italian plaster ceilings, Venetian glass walls, a one-ton marble bathtub, and the only Georgian hanging staircase in the Southern Hemisphere. However, the castle owner’s fate was tragic—his wife passed away early, his daughter died, and scandal involving his third wife and son led William to take his own life in 1898. The castle 🤣changed hands multiple times afterward, serving as an asylum, an antique display site, and more, until the Barker family purchased and meticulously restored it in 1967, bringing it back to life.😍 🍽️ Accommodation & Dining Experience💕 We booked a stay-and-dinner package at the castle. The room was full of vintage charm, with every detail whispering tales of the past. Sleeping there felt like time-traveling to the medieval nobility. Dinner was a four-course set: the appetizer was tender smoked salmon paired with a crisp vegetable salad—the salmon’s richness perfectly balanced by the veggies’ freshness. For the main course, we could choose between grilled lamb chops or pan-seared steak. I went for the lamb chops, cooked to perfection—crispy outside, juicy inside, with a divine sauce. Dessert was a rich chocolate mousse, melting on the tongue, sweetness lingering. The dining ambiance was magical, with candlelight casting a soft glow and the castle gardens visible through the windows—even the rain added to the charm.😁 ☔ Strolling Through the Castle Gardens in the Rain Unfortunately, it rained the whole day during our visit, but the castle and gardens took on a uniquely romantic atmosphere in the rain. The garden, rated as having international significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust, thrived even more under the rain’s touch. Walking along the paths, we admired exquisite sculptures and whimsical fountains, raindrops rippling across the water’s surface. Though we missed the sunny ocean views, the misty rain draped the castle in an air of mystery.😘 📌 Travel Tips Transportation: About a 20-minute drive from Dunedin city center. Self-driving is recommended—the scenic route is stunning. Tickets: Book in advance on the official website. Overnight guests get free entry to the castle and gardens. Day visitors pay around NZD $45 for adults.👍 Duration: Plan at least half a day—explore the castle and gardens in the afternoon, enjoy dinner, and take a morning garden walk the next day. #LarnachCastle #NewZealandTravel #CastleStay #RomanceInTheRain #ClassicAndModern #Manor