Guided Tour of Earnscleugh Castle in Central Otago

Earnscleugh Castle has waited a long time to be loved again. Tucked into the folds of Central Otago's tawny landscape just outside Clyde, this striking red-brick Jacobethan manor carries more than a century of drama within its walls. Gold rush ambition, rabbit plagues, family feuds, and decades of unfinished dreams. Featured on Grand Designs New Zealand in April 2026 and acclaimed for bringing the grand back into grand designs, the castle is now open for tours. Join owners Ryan and Marco or the irrepressible Penny for an intimate hour that feels less like a history lesson and more like being let in on a very good story.

Your tour begins outside, where the castle's dramatic red-brick facade sets the tone. From there, your host leads you through the beautifully restored interior, sharing the stories layered into every room. You'll hear about the original owners, the long years of neglect, and the painstaking four-year renovation that brought it all back. The pace is relaxed and unhurried. Questions are welcomed. Groups are kept small so it feels personal rather than performative. Plan for about an hour. Wear comfortable shoes. And come curious, because Earnscleugh has a way of drawing people in deeper than they expected.