We loved staying right in the property, just a few minutes’ walk through the gorgeous gardens to access the castle. Our room had amazing views from the balcony out over Dunedin Harbour. It was well appointed and comfortable. The property is on the exceptionally scenic Otago Peninsula and quite close to the Royal Albatross Centre and the beach where the blue penguins nest, which is also a bonus.

Very little. I’d have liked a mirror somewhere that I could use to put on make-up; the mirror over the basin was a bit too far away. I’d also have liked the furniture set out so we could have a side table between the chairs for a glass of wine. Maybe replace the second bed in the room with a seating area.

We all loved staying at Larnach Castle, the breakfast was amazing and the fine dining experience was memorable. For our kids, it was their worst meal on our entire trip, but that was because it was very late for them - no food came until after 8pm, and they did not get their dessert as we left early, before dessert was served. Us adults enjoyed the fine dining but it was challenging to be there with children with no activities available for them to do, and the room is quite echoey. Overall, we loved our few days at the castle!

The fact that upon registration, we were told that some food would arrive at 7:30 and nothing came until after 8pm. This was very challenging for us and our kids.

Staying in The Stables is an experience! It was similar to an old Aussie pub stay, where the room is clean, warm, and comfortable, with a sink in the corner, and a kettle and tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and sugar, and milk in the communal fridge. The shared toilets were clean, and the shower was good and hot, though limited in space. Included in the tariff is entry to Larnach Castle and an incredible breakfast served downstairs that was plentiful and varied, with cereals (including 2 gluten free options), toppings, fruits, toast, English muffins, croissants, butter, jam, marmalade, peanut butter, Vegemite, cheese, cold meats, juices, tea (black and herbal), coffee and hot chocolate...and THEN we could choose a hot meal as well! I'd definitely stay again, as it was comfortable, good value, and the staff were really lovely.

This was an awesome experience! Everyone was so friendly and helpful—the woman at the castle gate entrance, Barbara at reception, Abby who hosted the chef dinner and was there again at breakfast, the Scottish sounding woman who showed us to the self guided castle tour, the groundskeepers, just EVERYone. The lodge room was very well done and comfy. The grounds were well maintained and filled with color. The views were stunning. The dinner did cost extra ($95 NZ each) but was worth the price for the group experience that started at 7pm and went until 11pm. The breakfast is included and had many hot and continental options. We were stuffed.

Nothing! I heard the rooms in the renovated stables were a little noisy and had shared bathrooms.

There was no place in the 'In' so we stayed in the 'Stables'! What an experience! This was one of our most quirky accommodation options during our travels in New Zealand and it definitely delivered! Lanarch Castle is the only castle in New Zealand - and we jumped on the opportunity to stay at the castle when it showed availability when in Dunedin. The castle is small, but stunningly situated on a peninsula outside Dunedin. It is set in truly beautiful gardens, with spectacular views. Our room for 3 people was in the Stables, and it was quite a unique experience first checking in - with tourists all around us as we took our luggage in - and thereafter, with the dinner at the castle itself and breakfast just downstairs, in the stables. The room was not massive and with awkward beams (so watch out for your heads), but the beds were extremely comfortable and offered a great sleep until 700 am when the stables come alive - through the usage of the shared bathroom facilities and through music from 730 am when the breakfast service commences. My husband said that the bed was the most comfortable of all throughout NZ! The castle dinner experience was excellent, unique and offered an opportunity to meet with other guests. It was a great menu (also adapted for me, with dietary restrictions) and included a complementary tour at the end. The breakfast was comprehensive, and included both hot and cold dishes. We did not need lunch that day! The overall stay was a highlight across our travels in New Zealand and strongly recommended!

It is key to be open minded and aware that the bathroom facilities are shared! The showers are a bit small, and one was so powerful that the floor quickly became wet without drainage. Perhaps bathmats could be offered? We would also recommend shower dispensers rather than individual small soaps ....

Absolutely beautiful view. Very spacious and pretty room with lovely clean and well appointed bathroom. Well stocked with quality tea, coffee and toiletries. Castle and garden entry included, as well as a delicious hot and cold breakfast in the Stables. Staff very friendly, attentive and helpful. We also took up the offer of a 4 course dinner in the Castle, which was wonderful.

The layout of the furniture with 2 lounges along the window made it difficult to sit and have a cup of cup of tea. Perhaps replace one of the lounges with 2 chairs. Also, more lighting near the tea cupboard would be helpful when making a cuppa at night.

This was a special place. The historic castle and gardens were beautiful. The lodge accommodation was a separate building. Our room had stunning views over the bay and had everything we needed including a heated bathroom floor. At an additional cost we had dinner in the castle dining room with other guests which included a private tour. Casual dress was all that was needed to dine in grand surrounds. We loved it and wished we had more than our 1 night stay.

A road sign at the turnoff stating Lanarch Lodge accommodation would have been helpful in addition to the Lanarch Castle sign.

Staying in a castle was a fascinating concept but we never expected the whole experience to be as lovely as it was. The castle is steeped in history and the gardens are spectacular. The room we had was absolutely divine and the included breakfast was a real treat. We booked the 'trust the chef' dinner and feared our list of food intolerances would make things tricky however we were accommodated without a fuss. We were lucky enough to have a great group of people at the table and a very entertaining host who guided us through a late night tour. We were even treated to a little glimpse of the southern aurora! The staff deserve a special mention as each and every one of them made us feel welcome. There was nothing not to love about the entire experience.

Leaving.

What a fun location to take my son too. We had a fantastic breakfast with the horse looking over in the 'stable' dining room. The castle grounds were magical snowing when we were there, fun to explore. We will never forget the drive up on the misty night to such a wonderful place. Thanks to all the staff who hosted us. Brilliant value for money. Loved the atmospheric fire in cafe fire especially as snowing when there extra appreciated warmth.

Showers in communal space of rooms need a bit of fore planning if with a young child quite tight and water takes a while to warm as expected in type of building

We stayed in the stables at Larnach Castle; it was very unusual and very entertaining. The rooms are not en-suite but there are toilets and showers in the hallway. Dinner in the castle was wonderful and being able to wander round the castle and grounds the next morning was really nice. Breakfast in the stables was excellent with plenty to eat and really good food. All the hotel staff seemed to be really good. The location is a little remote. However, the views are amazing.

Headroom ! Be careful if you are tall, the ceilings slope down almost to the floor.