Southern Destinations: November 09, 2017

November 2017 southern holiday destinations | 21
World Class Stately Home
Dunedin’s Spectacular
Railway Journeys
Taieri Gorge Railway is one of the world’s
great train trips and an experience you
should not miss. Operated by Dunedin
Railways, this is a memorable experience
that both adults and children will love.
So step aboard and catapult yourself
back in time to Otago’s pioneering days.
The train departs from the fabulous
Dunedin Railway station – rumoured
to be the most photographed building
in New Zealand and one you should
explore before your adventure begins
on board the train. Once on board you
will travel through the Southern end of
the city until you arrive at the junction of
Wingatui where the train turns off and
begins its meandering trip into the Taieri
Gorge. This railway is part of the old
Otago Central Railway which extended
out as far as Cromwell and was built
between the years 1879 and 1921 – it is
steeped in history and is part of the tale
told in an entertaining and informative
commentary by the train manager.
The train will stop or slow down at
various scenic points along the way for
photos where you can disembark and
stretch your legs and enjoy the best of
beauty, peace and quiet that nature has
to offer. Stand on the open air platforms
while the train moves or enjoy a quiet
drink and food from the onboard cafe.
The train runs daily to Pukerangi - a
peaceful outcrop at the end of the Taieri
Gorge. Twice a week in summer and
once a week in winter the train extends
its journey to the very end of the railway
line which is now Middlemarch, a lovely
example of a country railway town and
the beginning of the Otago Central Rail
Trail.
Dunedin Railways also operate the
Seasider, an exciting trip which takes
passengers on the spectacular section
of coastal railway line between Dunedin
and Oamaru and operates on frequent
days throughout the summer season.
Depending on the day, there are
options to take a 90 minutes highlights
tours or a longer seven hour trips to
either Moeraki or Oamaru. Passengers
experience excellent views as the train
travels along Otago Harbour to climb
the cliff tops to emerge from the bush
and onto the picture perfect scenery
of the Pacific Ocean and the incredible
view over the dazzling Blue Skin Bay.
This section of railway is considered to
be a highlight of the rail network in New
Zealand.
Oamaru is a great option to take and
this runs on a monthly weekly basis in
the summer months. The train stops
for one hour here for you to explore the
historic precinct, check out the farmers
market, have a bite to eat at one of the
restaurants or cafes or visit the amazing
Steam Punk museum.
Moeraki is another exciting option
where you can disembark, take a casual
walk to the Moeraki Boulders Cafe and
bar, have a bite to eat and a stroll to the
beach to check out these near perfectly
round natural boulders – strewn across
the beach. This is a two hour stop over
so plenty of time to eat and explore!
These train trips are all-weather
experiences that will suit individuals,
families or groups alike so come for the
ride, we would love to have you aboard.
Larnach Castle is undoubtedly one of
New Zealand’s finest historic homes.
Not only is it a testament to the wealth
of its builder, but to the current owners
who have restored and revitalised it for
the benefit of visitors from all over the
world.
William Larnach was a merchant, Baron
and politician when he built the castle in
1871 for his wife Eliza. The finest materials
were imported to befit the opulent
grandeur he envisaged; Italian marble,
Venetian glass and tiles from England.
The 3000 square foot ballroom is still
used for weddings and balls and the
castle boasts the only Georgian hanging
staircase in the Southern Hemisphere.
Part of the romance and intrigue of
the castle today is the tragic history of
its owner. Larnach shot himself after
a scandal involving his wife and the
building was subsequently used as a
mental hospital and later to billet troops.
Years of neglect finally came to an end
when the Barker family purchased it in
1967 and painstakingly restored and
developed it to its present condition.
As well as its magnificent Victorian
interior, resplendent with architectural
details, elaborate fittings and antique
furniture, 35 acres of garden have been
re-developed by Margaret Barker into
“Garden of International Significance”
status.
The native plant trail is a beautifully
illustrated walk through the castle
grounds among rare and iconic native
plants in rock gardens, a south seas
garden and a rain forest. Children also
enjoy a special guide to Larnach Castle.
The illustrated brochure contains
interesting facts about castles, Victorian
times, the family’s history and a
children’s tour of the grounds.
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
and bookings throughout New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND’S OFFICIAL VISITOR INFORMATION NETWORK
Larnach Castle offers guests three
different styles of accommodation; Camp
Estate - country house accommodation
positioned 500 metres from the front
gate of the Castle, offering luxurious
decor and total privacy; Larnach Lodge,
features colonial style in the grounds
of the castle and has 12 bedrooms with
private facilities for guests; while Castle
Stable Stay is the perfect choice for
budget conscience travellers.
All house guests may dine in the
elegantly restored castle dining room
and enjoy the unparalled atmosphere
of New Zealand’s only genuine castle.
Superbly located on the Otago
Peninsula, Larnach Castle captures the
romance and history of the past. Also
on the property is a café, petanque
pit and a gift shop for castle themed
mementoes to take home.
Year of Celebration in 2017
On 3rd March 2017, Larnach Castle
celebrated 50 years of ownership of
the by the Barker family. A range of
events have been held during the year
to celebrate, the main event is a yearlong
exhibition of the last 50 years
of photographs and videos recording
the “highs and lows” and the many
achievements of this time.
“We will also be hosting a Garden
Debate on the 19th of October 2017
chaired by Tony Murrell – debate
participants are four very well-known
local garden experts ‘says Deborah
Price, Marketing and PR Manager of
Larnach Castle.
For further information visit www.
larnachcastle.co.nz or email deborah@
larnachcastle.co.nz
Visitor Centre
50 The Octagon
PHONE 03 474 3300
EMAIL visitor.centre@dcc.govt.nz
WEBSITE www.isitedunedin.co.nz
Email: info@larnachcastle.co.nz
www.larnachcastle.co.nz