Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour
Make your way to Olveston Historic Home, just outside central Dunedin, and step back into the early 20th century on a guided visit to one of New Zealand’s best-preserved heritage houses. Led by a guide, journey through the elegant 35-room mansion, completed in 1906 by renowned English architect Sir Ernest George. As you move through the beautifully restored interiors, learn about the prominent merchant family who once lived here and the care taken to return the home to its original appearance. Admire the richly furnished rooms, decorative arts, and period details, while your guide shares stories that bring the house and its former residents to life. Highlights include impressive collections of Japanese ceramics and rare 15th-century Italian paintings, along with fine furniture and carefully curated decorative objects from around the world. Each room offers a glimpse into the tastes, travels, and lifestyle of a wealthy Dunedin family at the height of the Edwardian era. After the guided portion of the visit, enjoy free time to wander through the landscaped gardens and grounds at your own pace. Take in views over Dunedin and Otago Harbour, and look out for the restored Fiat 510 Tourer, originally purchased by the family in 1922, before concluding your visit.
Highlights
- ✓Learn more than you would on your own with a guide leading the way
- ✓A small-group tour ensures an intimate feel
- ✓Prebooking your entry in advance ensures your spot inside the house
- ✓Enjoy free time to explore the gardens on your own
What you'll see & do
- ✓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.
What's included
- ✓Local guide
What's not included
- ✓Hotel pickup and drop-off
Good to know
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
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour
Make your way to Olveston Historic Home, just outside central Dunedin, and step back into the early 20th century on a guided visit to one of New Zealand’s best-preserved heritage houses. Led by a guide, journey through the elegant 35-room mansion, completed in 1906 by renowned English architect Sir Ernest George. As you move through the beautifully restored interiors, learn about the prominent merchant family who once lived here and the care taken to return the home to its original appearance. Admire the richly furnished rooms, decorative arts, and period details, while your guide shares stories that bring the house and its former residents to life. Highlights include impressive collections of Japanese ceramics and rare 15th-century Italian paintings, along with fine furniture and carefully curated decorative objects from around the world. Each room offers a glimpse into the tastes, travels, and lifestyle of a wealthy Dunedin family at the height of the Edwardian era. After the guided portion of the visit, enjoy free time to wander through the landscaped gardens and grounds at your own pace. Take in views over Dunedin and Otago Harbour, and look out for the restored Fiat 510 Tourer, originally purchased by the family in 1922, before concluding your visit.
Highlights
- ✓Learn more than you would on your own with a guide leading the way
- ✓A small-group tour ensures an intimate feel
- ✓Prebooking your entry in advance ensures your spot inside the house
- ✓Enjoy free time to explore the gardens on your own
What you'll see & do
- ✓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.
What's included
- ✓Local guide
What's not included
- ✓Hotel pickup and drop-off
Good to know
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
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.