Overview
Available languages
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
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.
Options
Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour
Option 1: Departs at 10:45am
What‘s Included
Local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
222 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A must see if staying in Dunedin!
Z7952YQrobynh,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A must see if staying in Dunedin! We had a guided tour of the house, which is stunning! Beautifully built and finished to the highest standards. Left to the people of Dunedin by the daughter! Amazing. ;-) Fascinating learning about the family, including the treasures that brought back from their many overseas trips!
Well done
niccG2242DO,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very knowledgeable guide, well restored property.
A Dunedin beauty not to be missed
XcitedToTravel,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you love visiting historic homes, this one will top your list. Olveston was built by a wealthy family in 1904-1906. It was gifted by the family to the city and its interior is truly beautiful and totally authentic to the era it was built. A few of the rugs are the only replicas made to exactly the same design as the originals. Inga knew every detail about the house and it was a fascinating look into how the residence functioned.
Wonderful experience
Trip49725351356,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour was very informative and the guide friendly with visible passion for history.
Fascinating glimpse into the past
scottmP9,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed the tour of this historic merchant home in Dunedin. You get to explore a lot of the house, and most of the furniture and artifacts are preserved from the days when members of the Theomin family lived there (up to the 1960s). There are lots of little surprises and some items that would have been state-of-the-art a century ago; many are still quite impressive today! Our guide Kevin was incredible - full of interesting stories about the history of the house and the Theomin family, plus the wider social and historic context of the time. He was so engaging and brought the place to life. There's also an interesting little gift shop and a pleasant garden with an original (restored) 1921 Fiat. Definitely a highly recommended tour.
Worth a visit if you have the right guide
688kerriet,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Beautifully preserved home and gardens well worth a visit. My adult daughter and I did the last Sunday tour. Unfortunately our guide’s curt responses to a couple of group questions soured my expérience. Given there aren’t interpretation panels, visitors are quite reliant on the guide (unless you want to purchase a book for $86) so it was disappointing to feel deterred from engaging in more of the family’s history.
Olveston House and garden
Cruiser38460892090,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guided tour of the house was very interesting, informative and enjoyable. The group size wasn't too large and there was the opportunity to ask questions if you wanted too. The garden was very colouful
Thank you Kevin
Jo B,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kevin was a brilliant guide and the house is a wonder. So much to learn and it was so informative. Fascinating to see how the inhabitants lived and how they saved the house for future generations.
STEP BACK IN TIME
Katrina2507,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This home has been preserved immaculately, including all the art work, furniture, silver and linen. I expected the generous donor (who died in 1966) to return any moment! The Trust clearly takes great pride in this beautiful home. Our guide, Christine, provided interesting and insightful commentary throughout our tour, welcoming questions and answering them as if she knew the owners themselves! As if that's not enough, the gardens are a joy to wander through, with apple trees, herbs and roses sitting alongside 100 year old trees. A visit to this home is highly recommended!
All for four people
johnbM2099AG,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent and knowledgeable guide
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