A neurotic is a man who builds a castle in the air.  A psychotic is the man who lives in it.

Rain Day #3 – luckily, most of today’s agenda was planned indoors.  Olveston Historic Home, followed by a visit to Larnach Castle — New Zealand’s only castle — built high atop the Otago Peninsula, 35 minutes outside Dunedin.

Built in 1906, Olveston is one of NZ’s oldest homes.  Knowledgeable guides retold the family’s story & shared interesting tidbits ‘bout turn-of-century New Zealand.  Most of the rooms still furnished with the family’s original belongings – like going back in time.  Unfortunately, no photos were allowed on the hour-15 minute tour.  Walked the property’s small English garden.  Peaceful morning start.

From Olveston, travelled ’round Otago Harbour, past Pukehiki & Portobello.  Highcliff to Camp Road, short 10 minute wooded walk to Larnach Castle.  3 flights of ornate rooms, to the top of Castle.  Adorned with a flag, view of the Harbour – WOW whatta view.

As much as I appreciated the Castle, it’s my slow rainy-day stroll thru the Garden [with friend Dawn] I’ll long remember.  Patterned Garden, Lost Rock Garden, the Serpentine Walk, the Rain Forest, South Seas Garden, the Alice Lawn, the Laburnum Arch and Green Room.  A unique collection [of gardens] cultivated with New Zealand native plants, plants of the Southern Hemisphere.  Much LOVED!

Tomorrow, short hour-half drive to Oamaru – Moeraki Boulders in the a.m., PENGUINS at dusk!

Larnach Castle, NZ

The Story of William Larnach

 

William James Mudie Larnach, of Scottish descent, was born in 1833 in New South Wales, Australia.  His banking career began in Melbourne then followed the gold rush to the Australian goldfields where he was manager of the Bank of New South Wales at Ararat.  His bank was a tent and his equipment consisted of dogs, a gun, and strong boxes.

 

Gold was discovered in Otago, New Zealand, in the 1860’s.  Larnach was offered the position of manager of the Bank of Otago in Dunedin, which serviced the extensive goldfields.  He sailed for Dunedin in 1867.

 

Larnach’s brillant career encompassed his merchant empire Guthrie and Larnach, banking, shipping, farming, landholding, politics and… speculation.  He travelled extensively and was a cabinet minister in the New Zealand Government, holding various portfolios, over a period of twenty-five years.

 

Larnach was married three times and had six children.  He was pre-deceased by his first two wives and his eldest daughter, Kate.

 

He took his own life in the New Zealand Parliament Buildings in 1898.