Wednesday 21st December - Dunedin and Larnach Castle

On dry land, well sort of, as its a miserable day for our first shore excursion. 

Cold and misty rain. 

We took a tour that we had booked from home, which took us around Dunedin and then to New Zealand's only castle.

But first, of course, we had to go and visit the worlds steepest street.

Then a brief stop in the city.

Its a very Scottish city, Edinburgh of the south they call it. 

So here is Robbie Burns's statue.

Then if was up the hill to Larnach Castle.

Still raining and miserable (which is why it is so green in this part of the world). 

 

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larnach_Castle

The castle has a great and tragic story, with young deaths, adultery, betrayal, madness and suicide.

Then abandonment and decay.

Finally, new owners arrived  in the 1960's, which brought restoration and renewal. (And tourism, functions and garden awards).

We had lunch in the ballroom.

Above is the ballroom where we had lunch.

Then we had a tour of the house.

 

In the music room there is a very old piano that anyone is invited to play, the tour guide asked if anyone wanted to have a go. One of the young guys sat down and played an amazing jazzy improvised thing which was just jaw dropping! He must have studied music.

Beautiful ornate ceilings and furniture. 

And more mirrors, 

It also has one of the most famous gardens in NZ with an Alice in Wonderland theme.

We were suppose to visit it, but that was never going to happen!

Views from the turret. Way too wet.

 

This is what its suppose to look like!

 

 Christchurch tomorrow.