Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

5.0 (79 reviews) 5–6 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

79 reviews

5.0

Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Our new Toyota Hiace outside the Railway Station — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

A tour with Gregor is like no other. Emerging business award finalist, Tales From Darkest Dunedin and Gregor Campbell, respected historian and expert story teller has been uncovering forgotten events and people in Dunedin's history. He has been featured in newspapers for his finds and recently on the cover of New Zealand Heritage Magazine for his cemetery tours. Gregor is particularly interested in colonial history, the exchanges between Māori Kāi Tahu, the Scottish and the everyday people that came to make a life here, for better or for worse. And now he's your tour guide!

Gregor's stories of murder, shipwrecks, discovery, heroes and villains are exclusive to Tales From Darkest Dunedin and weave together to give a greater picture of our city and the lives that brought it to where it is today.

Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours Ports of Call Tours Crime Tours Shore Excursions Small Group

At a glance

Duration: 5–6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 9 people
People per booking: 1–9
Guide: English
Operated by: Tales From Darkest Dunedin

Ages: Children (5–15 years) · Adults (16–111 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local guide/driver
Included: Hotel and cruise ship port pick up and drop off
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Entry to Larnach Castle

Not included

Not included: Lunch: We will stop at Luna Restaurant and Bar but it is not included in the price

Itinerary

University of Otago

Passing by

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

15 min

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 - World's Steepest Street!

15 min

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.
Stop 4

15 min

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

10 min

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.
Stop 6

15 min

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.
Stop 7

45 min

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

one hour Admission included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Ebb Hotel
97 Motel Moray
The Victoria Hotel Dunedin
Pacific Park Motel & Conference Centre
858 George Street Motel
Alhambra Oaks Motor Lodge
Cable Court Motel
High Street Court Motel
Fable Dunedin
Manor Motel
Bella Vista Dunedin

and 28 more pickup points

You'll be given a text or email (if you leave your email address) when pickup starts. Please be waiting outside your hotel for the van. Pickup may start later than an hour before depending on how many pick ups there are. Cruise ship port pickups will be last and the tour begins straight after.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
2 Person minimum for tour to go ahead. We will contact you if there is only one booking.