Olveston Historic Home Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit Olveston Historic Home in 2026?

Admission to Olveston—which includes a mandatory guided tour—costs NZ$26 for adults, NZ$21 for Dunedin residents, NZ$24 for New Zealand seniors, students, YHA members, and backpackers, and NZ$15 for school-aged children. Kids aged 5 and under enter for free. Admission to the gardens and gift shop only is free.

Q: How do I contact Olveston Historic Home?

The best way to contact Olveston Historic Home is by email or phone. The official website lists both on its contact page. You can make tour bookings online via the website, where you can also get in touch with additional questions or book group tours.

Q: Do you need reservations to visit Olveston Historic Home?

Yes, to avoid showing up to a sold-out tour, it’s best to book in advance. You can only visit Olveston Historic Home on a guided tour, and popular times do sell out, especially over weekends and holidays. However, those without a booking can join the next available tour.

Q: Is there free parking at Olveston Historic Home?

No, there is no parking available at Olveston Historic Home. However, there is all-day and P90 (maximum 90-minute) parking spaces around Olveston for a fee. Parking can hard to find at busy times, such as summer holidays, when walking or hopping in a taxi is easier.

Q: How long does it take to tour Olveston Historic Home?

General admission to Olveston Historic Home is by guided tour only, and the most popular house tours take one hour. However, you'll want extra time to stroll around the garden, admire the building exteriors, and see the family’s vintage car, as well as browse the gift shop.

Q: What are the best attractions in Dunedin other than Olveston Historic Home?

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Olveston Historic Home. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Dunedin:<ul><li><a href="/Dunedin-and-The-Otago-Peninsula-attractions/Larnach-Castle/d758-a2649" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Larnach Castle</a></li><li><a href="/Dunedin-and-The-Otago-Peninsula-attractions/Dunedin-Railway-Station/d758-a14858" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dunedin Railway Station</a></li><li><a href="/Dunedin-and-The-Otago-Peninsula-attractions/Royal-Albatross-Centre/d758-a2651" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Royal Albatross Centre</a></li><li><a href="/Dunedin-and-The-Otago-Peninsula-attractions/Baldwin-Street/d758-a16862" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Baldwin Street</a></li><li><a href="/Dunedin-and-The-Otago-Peninsula-attractions/The-OPERA-Otago-Peninsula-Eco-Restoration-Alliance/d758-a2650" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The OPERA (Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance)</a></li></ul>View Viator's guide to <a href="/Dunedin-and-The-Otago-Peninsula/d758" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">all the best attractions in Dunedin</a>.

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Best Seller

Historic homes can be difficult to appreciate without context, but this guided tour of Olveston Historic Home makes the experience more meaningful. Join a guide to explore the 35-room mansion with ease, and listen to insight into early 20th-century life in Dunedin. Learn about the home’s Jacobean-style architecture, fine art, and period furnishings, and discover the story of one of the city’s most prominent families.

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Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

1 hourFree Cancellation

4.8

(223)

from $16

Likely to Sell Out

Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Explore Dunedin’s highlights in just half a day without running out of time on a small-group shore excursion city tour. Visit historic Olveston House, the University of Otago, and Baldwin Street, officially the world’s steepest street. Enjoy panoramic views from Signal Hill and free time in the Octagon. Transfers are available from the cruise port or Dunedin Railway Station. Group numbers are limited for a personalized experience.

...More

Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(149)

from $86

Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

Experience the best of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula without trailing around after a large group when you take an easy small-group shore excursion from Port Chalmers. See city highlights—such as the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and Olveston House on a guided tour featuring all original furnishings—as well as Larnach Castle gardens on the peninsula. Note that entrance to the castle interior is not included.

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Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(89)

from $176

Price varies by group size

Olveston and Gin Distillery Tour (Dunedin)

Delve into the rich heritage of Dunedin on this exclusive shore excursion tailored for cruise ship guests. Visit the iconic Olveston Historic Home for a guided tour that reveals the opulent past of this architectural gem. Savor a delectable local lunch before indulging in the unique Bread to Gin experience at Dunedin Craft Distillers, where you can witness the art of gin making firsthand. Enjoy the convenience of small-group sizes and port transfers, ensuring a seamless adventure with guaranteed timely return to your ship. - Guided tour of historic Olveston Home and its beautiful gardens - Enjoy a locally-sourced lunch featuring regional flavors - Participate in a unique Bread to Gin experience at a local distillery - Small group sizes ensure personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere

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Olveston and Gin Distillery Tour (Dunedin)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

from $137

Dunedin Architectural City Self-Guided Walking Tour with an APP

Discover Dunedin at your own pace with this immersive self-guided walking tour that blends history, art, and adventure. Wander from the iconic Dunedin Railway Station and Gothic cathedrals to hidden laneways bursting with vibrant street art. Step inside stories of gold rush glory, architectural marvels, and cultural fusion at landmarks like Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, the Chinese Garden, and the University of Otago. Feel the city’s creative pulse in its theatres, murals, and music — even tracing the humble beginnings of the famous band Six60. Stroll through the peaceful Botanic Garden, admire heritage churches, and end your journey with a challenge — conquering Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest! Whether you’re a history lover, explorer, or curious wanderer, Dunedin will surprise you at every turn.

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Dunedin Architectural City Self-Guided Walking Tour with an APP

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $10

Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery

Spend a day experiencing the best of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula without having to rent a car on a private guided tour. Enjoy a flexible itinerary with stops at Baldwin Street, Signal Hill, Otago University, Dunedin Railway Station, and the Royal Albatross Centre on the windswept Otago Peninsula. Hotel or port pickup transfers from Dunedin or Port Chalmers are included for your convenience.

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Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(38)

from $1,071

Per group

Dunedin private tour 3D2N from Christchurch

3 daysFree Cancellation

5.0

from $1,131

Private Customizable Sightseeing Tour in Dunedin

Experience the absolute best of the South Island on this private, fully customizable tour of Dunedin. Tailor-made for travelers who want to skip the crowds, this excursion allows you to design your perfect day alongside a knowledgeable local guide. Choose whether to dive deep into Dunedin's rich Scottish heritage and architectural wonders, conquer the world's steepest street, or head out to the spectacular Otago Peninsula to discover rugged coastlines and rare wildlife. Your guide handles all the logistics while you set the pace. Please note that the final itinerary varies based on your selected options and interests. Highlights: Craft your own adventure with 100% customizable stop options Choose between historic city landmarks or dramatic coastal scenery Pick your preferred duration to align perfectly with your schedule Enjoy the undivided attention and insights of a private local guide

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Private Customizable Sightseeing Tour in Dunedin

2 to 4 hours

5.0

from $1,149

Price varies by group size

Dunedin Private Shore Excursions

6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

from $714

Per group

What are people saying about Olveston Historic Home

Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

Barbara_S, Jul 2026

Small group tour

Guide/driver was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, making this feel like a personalized tour. Having a small group tour also made this feel more personal and memorable. Felt the time spent was maximized to cover a lot of ground due to small group. This was important as tour booked was a port excursion, and wanted to get the most from our time in port and be back before ship leaves.

Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

Paul_V, Mar 2026

Tour in Dunedin

This was a very good tour the guide was friendly and helpful, if there was information that she did not know she would look it up. Although all destinations were worth seeing, Olveston was the highlight.

Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

Ken_G, Mar 2026

Olveston a Grand Edwardian Family Home

A grand Edwardian style family home built in 1904. Gifted to Dunedin 1966. Maintained in original condition with the family furnishings and a large collection of eclectic belongings collected by the family on numerous over seas travels. Simply amazing.

Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

Bob_D, Feb 2026

Fun to see

Great house to see. Our only issue was the tour guide didn’t speak up, spoke too softly. Even when standing right next to her it was difficult. She would start out okay but when she continued to talk she got softer and mumbled. Definitely worth seeing just wish the guide would have been more clear so we didn’t miss so much.

Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

Alan_K, Mar 2026

Pleasant overview of Dunedin area

Nice overview of Dunedin area. Friendly and helpful guide, though I would have appreciated more discussion and explanation of what we were seeing. Lanarch Castle and Gardens are amazing, but we were disappointed to have very little time to explore the gardens or go inside the house. I’d be happy to skip the “steepest street“ and spend more time at the castle. The van we were placed on was very small for the number and size of passengers and was quite uncomfortable given that we were one of the four people sitting across the back.

Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

Doris_A, Mar 2025

Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

Olveston historic home was a highlight, very interesting. The scenic drives and overlooking the area was stunning. We enjoyed the Larnach gardens stroll. Short on time to do everything, like visit inside the churches. Drive by Otago. If you want to see wildlife pick a different Otago peninsula focused tour.