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Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour
Badge of ExcellenceDunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
- 1 hour (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Glimpse early 20th-century life in New Zealand during a 1-hour guided tour of the Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin. Follow a knowledgeable docent through the 35-room mansion as you learn about its Jacobean-style architectural design, fine art and furnishings. Discover the history of one of Dunedin’s most prominent families, and stroll through the elegant gardens with views of Otago Harbour.
- 1-hour guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, in Dunedin
- Learn from your knowledgeable guide about the art and furnishings in the home
- See paintings by New Zealand-born artists such as Frances Hodgkins
- Admire swords, carvings, and ceramics from Japan and China, collected by the original owner of the house
- Get a close look at an example of early 20th-century Jacobean-style architecture, designed by a renowned architect in England
- Explore the gardens and gift shop on your own before or after your tour
What's Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 42 Royal Terrace, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
At Olveston reception
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Meet your guide at the Olveston Historic Home, located near central Dunedin. Embark on a 1-hour tour of the elegant 35-room mansion, completed by acclaimed English architect Sir Ernest George in 1906. Learn about the restoration of the original decor as you hear about the wealthy merchant family that owned the Dunedin home in the early 20th century.
Marvel at the fine furniture, decorative art and period pieces on display, and learn about the significant collections including Japanese ceramics and 15th-century Italian paintings. After you’ve been introduced to all the highlights during your docent-led tour of this enchanting time capsule, you’re free to explore the lovely gardens and grounds on your own. Enjoy views of Dunedin and Otago Harbour, and don’t miss the restored Fiat 510 Tourer purchased in 1922.
Marvel at the fine furniture, decorative art and period pieces on display, and learn about the significant collections including Japanese ceramics and 15th-century Italian paintings. After you’ve been introduced to all the highlights during your docent-led tour of this enchanting time capsule, you’re free to explore the lovely gardens and grounds on your own. Enjoy views of Dunedin and Otago Harbour, and don’t miss the restored Fiat 510 Tourer purchased in 1922.
Olveston Historic Home
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- No health restrictions
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Traveler Photos
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Reviews
5.0
134 reviews
Lindy_G, Mar 2024
Fascinating history, beautifully maintained, very knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend. I would visit again
Geoff_C, Feb 2024
The gardens and the welcoming friendly staff. The tour was informative and our guide, Kay, was obviously very passionate about the home and its history - and it showed. Great time.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you for your review, we are glad you enjoyed your tour.
Peter_M, Feb 2024
Kevin was an outstanding docent. His knowledge of the home and family was incredible. This is one of the best mansion tours we have been on.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you, Peter, we will pass on your kind words to Kevin.
Ines_F, Jan 2024
The family travelled 2 years around the world to buy furniture and other items for the house!
It is so lovely and well thought of lots of practical things, heating towels, radiators, kitchen supplies
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you, Ines, we are so pleased you enjoyed your tour.
Owen_M, Jan 2024
A beautiful home with all original furnishings. You can learn about life in this time period. The guide was very knowledgeable. They split our tour into two groups of 12 people which made it easier to hear and to ask questions.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you, Owen.
Davdi_B, Jan 2024
Well worth the time. Very detailed tour in a victorian home. Would recommend to anyone that loves historic places.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you for your five-star review.
Luzviminda_C, Nov 2023
The house was wondefully constructed and all stuff inside it has a story to tell. Our guide was so soft spoken and tell the family story so well. All staff are polite and they even allowed us to move our schedule the same day.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you for your five-star review.
Amanda_M, Sep 2023
What a wonderful place to visit! Beautifully restored home with guides who are knowledgeable and really care about the home and its heritage.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you for your kind words.
Janet_K, Jul 2023
This is a beautiful property. Such a great donation from the Theomin Family to gift this house to Dunedin city and the rest of the world. Such a lovely time in history for future generations to view. We could have spent hours here taking in all its beauty. A must see when in Dunedin.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you, Janet for your five star review and your recommendation to visit this Dunedin Treasure.
Kate_A, Jul 2023
Just loved the house and found the history of it very interesting. A great experience. Our guide was so knowledgeable and made the tour really interesting.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
So pleased you enjoyed your tour Kate.
From $15.64
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour
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