Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

Dunedin, New Zealand

Admire the fine architecture, gardens and decor of the elegant Olveston Historic Home during a 1-hour guided tour of this must-see attraction in Dunedin. You can also stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in views of the city and Otago Harbour. During the house tour, your knowledgeable guide shares informative commentary about the design, art and furnishings, as well as the family that built the home. This tour gives you a chance to glimpse life in New Zealand during the early 20th century and learn about one of Dunedin’s most prominent families.

Make your own way to the Olveston Historic Home, located just a few minutes drive from the center of Dunedin. Meet your guide at the reception area to begin your 1-hour tour of the historic house.

Designed by an acclaimed English architect, Sir Ernest George, the elegant 35-room mansion was completed in 1906. Its original decor has been maintained and restored, providing visitors with a glimpse into the life of a wealthy family in the early 20th century.

As you walk through the rooms of the home, your guide explains the details of the furniture, art and decorative pieces that are displayed throughout the house. David Theomin, the original owner, traveled extensively and collected art, ceramics and furniture from around the world. Among the works he collected are significant Japanese works, paintings by 15th-century Italian painter Fra Filippo Lippi, and pieces by New Zealand artists Alfred Henry O’Keeffe, WM Hodgkins and Frances Hodgkins.

You’ll also hear about the family’s contributions to civic life in Dunedin and the later years of the last member of the family, who left the house to the city of Dunedin in her will.

After seeing the interior of the home during the 1-hour tour, feel free to explore on your own in the lovely gardens that surround the house. Before you go, be sure to check out the restored Fiat 510 Tourer car that Mr. Theomin purchased in 1922.

USD $15.00

Traveler Reviews

Review by:   RONALD J F,    January 2018
What a beautiful house. Our guide was great, clearly loves this house and it's history. Well worth a visit if in Dunedin.

Review by:   Jason S,    January 2017
A truly Unique historic home, due to its having most of the original contents still in place. An added surprise was seeing the restored 1920's Fiat owned by the family. Tour guide was terrific. Unfortunately you will not be permitted to take any photos inside.

Review by:   Raewyn N M,    March 2016
if we had time would have loved to stay longer

Review by:   Raewyn N M,    March 2016
our trip to Olveston house was a very enjoyable one would reckonmend it anyone.

Review by:   ANN S,    March 2016
What a beautiful place can highly recommend staff were very knowledgeable

Review by:   Michel V,    December 2015
Excellent, really worth the visit. Guide was also very engaged

Review by:   Gail C,    October 2015
Excellent and worth the time.

All Traveler Reviews...