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Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour: Discover New Zealand's Early 20th Century Lifestyle
4.8
141 Ratings
Dunedin
Immerse yourself in the early 20th century lifestyle at Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin. Explore the stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich history on a guided tour.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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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.
What's Included
- Expert local guide included
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Experience the fine structure, verdant landscapes, and ornate interior of the sophisticated Olveston Historic Home on a 1-hour guided exploration of this must-visit Dunedin site. You also have the opportunity to saunter through the picturesque gardens while admiring cityscapes and Otago Harbour vistas. As you journey through the house, your well-informed guide will share enlightening narratives about the architecture, artwork and household items, as well as the lineage who constructed the home. This tour provides you insights into New Zealand’s way of living during the early 1900s and the history of one of Dunedin’s notable families.
- 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
Location
42 Royal Terrace
Royal Terrace
At Olveston reception
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(141 Ratings)
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G8641rktb
Jul 15, 2024
Must do tour - It was just myself and 8 yr old daughter on our tour. The house is remarkable. The tour guide was absolutely lovely & tailored the tour to include interesting facts which my daughter would be interested in. It was the highlight of our visit to Dunedin.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kenneths2781
Jul 15, 2024
Nice Historical Home - This was a nice historical home to tour. The house was gifted and almost all of the original furnishings are present. A good look at the turn of the century from the 1800s to the 1900s.
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Seniortraveller190
Jul 14, 2024
Great commentary - Very good commentary which gave an interesting insight into Dunedin colonial history, and the lives of the wealthy in this time. Great collection of art works of all kinds
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Rachael
Jun 8, 2024
The charm of a stately home right here in NZ! - I’ve done quite a few tours of stately homes in the UK and this one honestly tops them. Our guide, Vivian, was so knowledgeable and had some wonderful stories that brought the home to life. I would highly recommend a visit if you’re in Dunedin.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barryg1503
Jun 3, 2024
Olveston is not simply just another historic home - it is THE historic home. - May 30th - an amazing home and an incredible guide Chris who gave a detailed commentary as we moved from room to room and Chris answered all questions asked of her. So much of modern technology has been simply adapted and updated from those early times. Well worth the visit - would most likely go again - it is essential to get gthe guided tour. Thanks Olveston.
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Edith_brinck
May 31, 2024
A journey back in time - A visit to the Olveston House is more than worthwhile. It is a journey back in time and you feel like you are in the early 1900s. All the furniture, objects, crockery and so on are original. The house was equipped with the most modern gadgets for that time, such as central heating throughout the house, electricity and much more.
The guide (a lady) told us a lot about the house and its inhabitants and also about the objects. The interior is beautiful and no expense has been spared and it clearly shows. We enjoyed the beautiful house and the stories/explanations from the enthusiastic guide. We can highly recommend a visit.
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Jane3451
May 25, 2024
Worth the visit - A beautiful house that is wonderfully preserved. Diverse art collections. Very knowledgeable guide. Professional staff.
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Karren61
May 13, 2024
Don’t miss out on this - I never knew this existed. What an amazing house to visit, truly wonderful and a wonderful guided tour. To see such treasures as they were left was truly amazing
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P3153kbalinak
May 7, 2024
Historic Goldmine - The place was a gold mine of historical artifacts. Everything was beautifully preserved and the tour guide was witty and fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elainek1505
Apr 28, 2024
A journey back in time. A home of great opulence. - Words can hardly describe the perfect preservation and amazing treasures of this home. Well worth the visit. Highly recommend. Has to be seen to appreciate. Amazing and knowledgeable guide. Fascinating history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor