Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour

Mobile ticket

Admire the fine architecture, gardens and decor of the elegant Olveston Historic Home during a 1-hour guided tour of this must-see attraction in Dunedin. You can also stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in views of the city and Otago Harbour. During the house tour, your knowledgeable guide shares informative commentary about the design, art and furnishings, as well as the family that built the home. This tour gives you a chance to glimpse life in New Zealand during the early 20th century and learn about one of Dunedin’s most prominent families.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

To prevent damaging the wooden floors and original floorcoverings, visitors are asked to refrain from wearing stiletto heel shoes

Small-group tour with a maximum of 15 participants per tour

No health restrictions

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Local guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off

What To Expect

Olveston Historic Home

All tours are guided by our professional staff to give you the ultimate time capsule experience. You will learn about how a wealthy merchant family lived in the early 1900's in Otago's major town, Dunedin, built on gold. Olveston has all its original contents with over 120 art works. After your tour of over 13 spectacular rooms enjoy, in your own time, Olveston's one acre garden which is a Garden of National Significance. Our well stocked gift shop offers many items made locally.

1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

Option 1: Departs at 10:45am

Reviews

4.85

187 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

169

Can’t take photos without...
Joanne M,
Oct 2, 2025
- Viator
4.00
Can’t take photos without permission. Parking behind building if none at side. Lovely historic home. Guide very knowledgeable.
Beautiful place lovely people
Bradley T,
Oct 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Amazing beautiful place lovely people looking forward to taken more of my friends and family for a look
Fantastic
John O,
Aug 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Wonderfull that this treasure trove has been donated and preserved . World class attraction and guide
An advanced place in its time
Anna P,
Aug 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It is very high up, touching the garden belt of the city, a little removed from the center but the experience is very worth it. The family had business and possibilities to go shopping in several countries and bring it home to Dunedin by boat or ask to be sent to them. It was an advanced family to their times, they had a large library, bathtub, Room Service, butler, cooks and governess for children. And the whole house was connected by an internal telephone that connected all the rooms and to get from the kitchen the food, a small elevator and all that to 1907 that is when they settled to inhabit the house. We loved it and the guide who told us about it, you could tell she loved telling all kinds of details. Very interesting everything.
Wow - just wow!
Alan R,
Aug 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00
What an amazing tour! The house is stunning and it was so interesting to learn about the the history and all the interesting collections displayed. Fantastic guide who was very knowledgeable. A must see experience!