Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We will have approximately 1h30 total driving time between pickup point, attractions and drop off.
Tour time can be altered to fit in your ship schedule
2 Person minimum for tour to go ahead. We will contact you if there is only one booking.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
University of Otago
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.
Northern Cemetery
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.
What‘s Included
Local guide/driver
Hotel and cruise ship port pick up and drop off
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entry to Larnach Castle
We will stop at Luna Restaurant and Bar but it is not included in the price
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide
Pickup included
Reviews
69 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great day out!
Christine B,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gregor provided an excellent, comprehensive, tour of Dunedin. I was the only passenger on his tour for the day, so he happily tailored the tour to suit my interests. I appreciated how obliging he was, taking me to see street art that I hadn’t been able to get to on foot. My experience at Larnach Castle was fantastic, thanks to Gregor’s knowledge and storytelling. He patiently waited while I walked up Baldwin Street and back down, and at no point hurried the tour. To have my own tour guide for 5 1/2 hours was amazing! I was very comfortable in the air-conditioned van, and appreciated being able to charge my phone. Highly recommend this company - both Lolene and Gregor made it a really positive experience.
Fantastic tour!
Lynette W,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Gregor is a fantastic tour guide! His knowledge and background as a historian adds colorful and amazing insights to the history he shares. The tour itself was even better than the description given and the stop at Luna with its amazing view was the perfect place for lunch. The details he added as he guided us through the Lanarch Castle helped us more fully appreciate the art and architecture of that beautiful structure. We were also appreciative of the fact that he was very careful to stay within the timeline throughout the tour so that we had no worries about making it back to the ship on time. Take this tour. It will be one of the highlights of your trip!
Lovely Dunnedin
Gillian O,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had an indepth insight into Dunnedin and enjoyed it immensely. Gregor was a great guide and obviously loves his home town. Weather was kind to us on the day. Had a great time!
Gregor what's a fantastic...
Forrest W,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Gregor what's a fantastic guide and I had a marvelous experience. I was treated superbly it would be happy to do another guided Journey with him. The City Sites were amazing and lunch time was a real joy.
This is a whole new take on exploring a city, so worthwhile
Camper66632908213,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, what a fascinating tour. It gave me a whole new outlook on the city and its history and past inhabitants. I remain intrigued...my tour guide was passionate about the city's history and all the beauty that it has to offer, even if it does have some dark tales. Do this tour, you will not be disappointed. And, he knows some good eating places
Experienced historian shared Dunedin with us.
K4499XMjackiet,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a WONDERFUL time. Gregor was an experienced and knowledgeable historian with extensive information to share. Really like a private or small group tour.
Delightful Dunedin done well!!
Wendy E,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dunedin with Gregor was very informative. Gregor grew up in Dunedin and pointed out multiple sites and had a story for all of them and more. Easy pick up from our cruise ship at Port Chalmers with clear signs at the terminal. Nothing was too much trouble with a delicious lunch with views of Dunedin . There was good communication with the tour operator for pick up. Very enjoyable day all round. Would highly recommend d this tour.
Fantastic Tour Ever!
Jacaranda J,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an absolutely unforgettable experience with Greg the other day! I happened to be the only guest on the tour, but he still gave me the full experience — spending the entire day showing me around and passionately explaining every detail about the city’s heritage and history. His knowledge was truly impressive — not just facts, but also the stories, culture, and meaning behind each site. What touched me most was his enthusiasm and professionalism. Even though it was a one-person tour, Greg made it feel so alive and engaging that I felt like I was traveling with a friend who loves and understands the city deeply. Thanks to his guidance, I learned so much and saw the city from a whole new perspective. The weather was perfect that day, and combined with his warm energy, I felt incredibly happy and inspired throughout the journey. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Highly recommend Greg and his team — truly world-class service, passion, and knowledge! 🌞✨
Best Option for a Cruise Ship Alternative Tour!
BeardedRV T,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Start to finish the best tour ever! Gregor was so accommodating, kind, and knowledgeable. He offered to take us wherever we wanted to go, not knowing we're to go we asked him to lead us on our journey of discovery and he did. A number of times I asked him to stop so I could take photos, he did stop every time I asked. He provided a lot of history and told us little know facts about the places we visited. I titled the review based on the fact the cruise ships only give you a limited number of tours to choose from, I know this route was the best, best price, best your, best guide.
Great tour
Donna C,,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A great tour. Our guided tour through the castle was full of information and stories that brought this wonderful building and gardens to life. The lunch was also delicios and views to boot. All round brilliang day and highly recommended.
From NZ$265.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Tales From Darkest Dunedin