The drive into Dunedin felt like rolling into a dream a city wrapped in mist, steep streets curling between old stone houses, and that wild mix of Scottish charm and Kiwi calm that makes it so unique.
First stop (naturally) was Bunnings the unofficial pilgrimage site for any Aussie or Brit abroad. We browsed for wellies, and after the girls ran for the play area.
It’s strange, only in New Zealand or Aus I guess would you see Christmas trees lined up beside hot tubs and BBQs in October. It felt oddly festive, like the seasons hadn’t quite decided who was in charge.
Boots sorted and spirits high, we made our way up the winding road to Larnach Castle New Zealand’s only true castle. Built in the 1870s by William Larnach, it perches high on the Otago Peninsula, half swallowed by cloud, half shining in sunlight.
The girls’ eyes widened as the turrets came into view. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, not out of respect, but because your brain’s still catching up with what you’re seeing, could easily be in the UK.
The gardens stretched out perfectly trimmed, complete with statues, fountains, and a wishing well that immediately stole Dotty’s attention. She leaned in, saying something we will never decipher ( I’ll call it a secret) she probably said more and dropped her leaf like it was gold.
Inside, the castle was a treasure trove of detail polished oak staircases, patterned tiles, and portraits that watched silently from the walls. Georgia climbed the spiral steps to the very top, where the fog rolled in thick, wrapping the castle in silver. The flag whipped above her head, and for a moment she looked every bit the adventurer queen of the misty tower.
Ali and Dotty explored the lower gardens, framed by New Zealand’s own version of palm trees and archways of green. We met them later by the old conservatory, the girls chasing each other across the grass with the castle rising behind like something from a storybook.
We had hope that the fog would have lifted, and imagined it revealing sweeping views across the Otago Harbour and the city far below.
Sadly it was not to be, The castle never glowed gold in the sunlight, but it was one of those days that made the long drives and constant packing completely worth it. (Apart from the meltdown Georgia had at the start but I won’t go in to that)
We left late afternoon the flag still fluttering high.
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