Best New Zealand Castle Tours — Our Top 12

1.TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 426 reviews · from $254Our pick

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, then explore waterfalls, alpine views, Lake Pearson, and Castle Hill by minibus.

“Great experience, the train ride was fun. Exploring Arthur's Pass and Devils Punchbowl walk was very interesting, but we really like walking around the Castle Hill. Anuj was a wonderful guide and took very good care of everybody and providing a lot I f interesting information. We definitely recommend this tour!”

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2.Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 279 reviews · from $29

Explore Larnach Castle and its gardens near Dunedin, with restored rooms, native plants, sea views, written guides, and a useful café stop.

“Still a good experience despite the rain. The story of the house was interesting. The cafe was nice. We skipped the gardens due to rain”

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3.Arthur’s Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 270 reviews · 10 hours · from $245

Ride the TranzAlpine to Arthur's Pass, hike to waterfalls, spot kea, and visit Lake Pearson and Castle Hill on a full-day small-group tour.

“Fantastic day! Great views and such an unbelievable experience!”

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4.Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 203 reviews · 10 hours · from $118

Review of the $118 Arthur’s Pass day tour from Christchurch, with Castle Hill, alpine scenery, waterfalls, lunch, and practical booking tips.

“Very good day trip made better by Joseph our Guide/Driver.”

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5.Dunedin: Larnach Castle & Gardens Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 36 reviews · 1 day · from $28Best value

Explore Larnach Castle near Dunedin with self-guided access, historic rooms, seven acres of gardens, Otago Peninsula views, and free parking.

“Despite the inclement weather we had an enjoyable time learning all about the castle and exploring the gardens. The turret room was fabulous. Afternoon tea in the grand hall with three open fires all lit was very cheerful on a damp cloudy day. Many thanks.”

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6.From Port Chalmers: Small Group Castle, Coast & City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 22 reviews · from $141

Explore Dunedin, Larnach Castle, Otago Peninsula beaches, wildlife, and steep Baldwin Street on a friendly 4.5-hour small-group tour.

“Chris met us at the cruise terminal and promptly led us to our coach . As a guide Chris was very informative about the area and the locations we visited on the excursion.”

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7.Dunedin City Highlights & Larnach Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 19 reviews · from $134

Review of Dunedin’s 5.5-hour city and Larnach Castle tour, with Victorian sights, Otago Peninsula views, gardens, tips, and honest value advice.

“We had a fantastic time in Dunedin with our tour guide showing us the beautiful city. Our tour guide met us promptly at the cruise terminal and whisked us off to very beautiful scenic spots in Dunedin almost immediately. He was also kind enough to take pictures of us when we made it to these beautiful places. We were given time to walk to the top of the World’s Steepest Street. From there we went to the train station and then to Larnach Castle. While at Larnarch Castle, we were given time to eat lunch and walk around the gardens. On our drive back to the city, we stopped at…”

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8.Budapest Buda Castle Private Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · 2 hours · from $44

Review of Budapest’s private Buda Castle Segway tour, with Castle Hill views, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, price, tips, and practical details.

“Excellent tour. First time did the Segway and found it very enjoyable. The tour took us around the beautiful town with lots of photo opportunities. Will recommend to any one visiting this beautiful city.”

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9.Christchurch: Arthur’s Pass & Castle Hill Scenic Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 8 hours · from $328

Review of Christchurch’s Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill tour, with mountain scenery, waterfalls, picnic lunch, guide quality, and train upgrade advice.

“Set out on a tour with Nat. he has excellent knowledge of geology and bouldering. Frittata at springfield pastry is a must get, super delicious. Nat is also good at looking out for good photo spots. Lunch is provided for and supplemented by tea which Nat made on the spot (reason why he brought a big pack)! Having lunch while watching castle rock was an amazing experience. Thanks Nat for being such a great guide!”

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10.Dunedin: Peninsula with Lanarch Castle gardens & Olveston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 6h 30m · from $173

Explore Dunedin, Olveston Home, Otago Peninsula, and Larnach Castle Gardens on a scenic cruise-port tour with expert guides.

“Very good tour guide! Explains everything well. Stopped for scenic views and photos. Not rushed! We were picked up at cruise terminal. Our tour guide Asta went above and beyond . One couple on our tour forgot their cellphone at Lanarch castle . After dropping us off at the terminal she drove them back to pick up their phone. Exceptional!”

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11.Christchurch: Caving & Optional Castle Hill Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 3 - 8 hours · from $178

Review Cave Stream and Castle Hill from Christchurch, with guided caving, limestone scenery, lunch, transport, prices, and practical tips.

“The most unexpected adventure for us in our 60s and 70s. Sophie our guide was fabulous and always helpful. Keep on the good job! 👏👏👏”

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12.Lyttelton: Shore Excursion, Castle Hill & Inland Canterbury

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2 reviews · 7 hours · from $298

Review of Lyttelton’s Castle Hill shore excursion, with mountain views, local food, Springfield’s donut, picnic lunch, and practical booking tips.

“We really enjoyed our day trip during which we saw the beautiful mountains and got to walk among the huge rocks of Castle Hill. Sophie our guide was very thoughtful and efficient. We had a great lunch and snacks. We were well taken care of. We would have enjoyed a bit more commentary but it was well worth the time and cost.”

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