Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

A tour with Gregor is like no other. Emerging business award finalist, Tales From Darkest Dunedin and Gregor Campbell, respected historian and expert story teller has been uncovering forgotten events and people in Dunedin's history. He has been featured in newspapers for his finds and recently on the cover of New Zealand Heritage Magazine for his cemetery tours. Gregor is particularly interested in colonial history, the exchanges between Māori Kāi Tahu, the Scottish and the everyday people that came to make a life here, for better or for worse. And now he's your tour guide! Gregor's stories of murder, shipwrecks, discovery, heroes and villains are exclusive to Tales From Darkest Dunedin and weave together to give a greater picture of our city and the lives that brought it to where it is today.

Itinerary

1. Starting the tour with a quick drive through the university, we see the original old buildings including the Marama Building with ornate features and an interesting story.
2. Drive through the beautiful Northern Cemetery and hear the stories of the famous and everyday people buried there. William Larnach's tomb is here and the architect who designed his properties and tomb among other notable Dunedin buildings. (15 min)
3. The world's steepest street! Climb it, look at it, use the toilet facilities, tick it off your bucket list. Whatever you do, Gregor has some fascinating historical stories of the area that he's uncovered in his research. (15 min)
4. The second most photographed building in the southern hemisphere (second to the Sydney Opera House). Go inside the foyer of the station with its Royal Doulton tiled walls and mosaic floor made with approximately half a million pieces. (15 min)
5. Queens Gardens, where Dunedin's soldiers paraded before marching off to the Great War and where thousands gather annually to remember those who did not return. (10 min)
6. High Street is where wealthy professionals built their large houses and consulting rooms, the surviving buildings are quite beautiful and deserve a look. Which then leads into the 'Devil's Half Acre'. An area of town that was known for mischief and tragedy. (15 min)
7. Stop for lunch at Luna Bar and Restaurant. A little off the typical tourist track, Luna offers an incredible view of Dunedin, delicious food and a wonderful atmosphere. We come here to support local business and stay away from busy tourist areas. We hope you love it as much as we do! Lunch is not included in tour price. The current lunch menu: https://www.lunaroslyn.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/luna-lunch-menu-nov2022.pdf (45 min)
8. Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. Lovingly restored by the Barker Family, the Castle and surrounding grounds are at the heart of the Dunedin visitor experience. Take a guided tour with your historian tour guide and learn of the tragic end to the Larnach family. (1h 0min) Admission included