Uncover Dunedin's Heritage

Dunedin is a region of unique landscapes and fascinating cultural history. It is one of the Southern Hemisphere's best-preserved Edwardian and Victorian cities, full of gothic-style architecture and heritage attractions. Here are 3 of our favourites:

Larnach Castle

Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is a stunning attraction. It was restored by the Barker Family, the Castle and surrounding grounds are rich in history that dates back to 1871 when it was built by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician and his family. 

It took more than 200 workmen, three years to build the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior which features the finest materials from around the world.

The Castle is still privately owned and cared for by the Barker family who purchased it as their home in 1967. Decades have been spent on the Castle's restoration, assembling a large collection of original New Zealand period furniture and antiques. This living collection showcases the craftsmanship and spirt of New Zealand.

Whilst visiting, you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour, before enjoying time to wander around the garden. The gardens at Larnach Castle have been rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance.

Dunedin Railway Station

The Dunedin Railway Station is one of the city’s most prominent architectural landmarks, taking pride of place in the central city. Dating back to 1906, this magnificent Flemish Renaissance-style edifice features white Oamaru limestone facings on black basalt rock, giving it a dramatic air and its characteristic ‘Gingerbread House’ appearance.

The booking hall alone features a mosaic floor of almost 750,000 tiles of Royal Doulton porcelain. The sheer size, grandiose style and rich embellishments of the station earned architect George Troup the nickname of Gingerbread George.

The station is open to the public to marvel at the ornate interiors and period adornments. A large restaurant takes up much of the ground floor and the upper floor houses an art gallery and a sports hall of fame.

Olveston Historic Home

Olveston was built for Dunedin businessman, collector and philanthropist David Theomin, his wife Marie and their two children Edward and Dorothy.

Designed by acclaimed English architect Sir Ernest George, Olveston was built as a family home furnished with fine art, furniture and artefacts purchased from all around the world.

Intended for future generations of Theomin’s to enjoy, this was not to be the case as both the Theomin children died without heirs. Surviving the death of her father, mother and elder brother, Miss Dorothy Theomin lived at Olveston until her death in 1966, when it was discovered the house and the original contents were gifted to the City of Dunedin.

Opened as a historic house museum in 1967, Olveston is a time capsule as little has changed inside the house since it was occupied as a family home between 1906 to 1966.

Olveston is an authentic and original historic home depicting the life of a wealthy merchant family in the early part of the twentieth century.