(often incorrectly referred to as "Larnach's Castle")
The castle was built between 1873 and 1887 as the residence of William Larnach, politician in colonial New Zealand.
Sadly, the building, which Larnach himself simply called "The Camp," did nothing to stop his own downfall. After a series of personal and financial disasters he committed suicide in New Zealand's Parliament Buildings in October 1898*.
The castle and grounds afford breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula.
But Whooo ... are ... you?
The Queen of Hearts.
Dotted throughout the gardens are statues from Alice in Wonderland. No, I have no idea why, but I love them.
The ... Knave of Hearts? King? I forget.
I also now have "We're painting the roses red, we're painting the roses red ..." in my head.
The Cheshire Cat!
The Queen of Hearts' Throne?
Alice!
Bull?
There seems to be little rhyme or reason with the Alice statues. For example, there is no White Rabbit, or Caterpillar. Surely they would come second & third only to Alice? Or am I just being a purist?
But seriously, there was no Bull in Alice in Wonderland was there?
Oh and you're not allowed to take photos inside the castle. Which is why these are allallall of the grounds and exterior.
Since the last time I was there (December 2005) they have done extensive work to the grounds, creating a look out and path down the cliff. I had very little idea that the Otago Peninsula was so ... intricate.
Oh course, while they do say that you cannot take photos inside the Castle, they don't confiscate your camera, and there's nothing saying you can't take photos once you're ON TOP of the Castle
Looking over (or in my case, peering between) the crenellations the view is, perhaps, even better than the lookout.
With the weather packing in and exhaustion abounding, we piled back into cars & then a shuttle and two aeroplane trips later Craig and I were back in Wellington.
* Apparently he did it in Committee Room 8. Yes, I want to try and work out which room that equates to and go check it out. My place of work does have some benefits.
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