Grand Casino Dunedin Bloom Garden Party — GO Ōtepoti

Our official sponsor for the party

The party

Join us at Larnach Castle

Join us at Larnach Castle for the inaugural Grand Casino Dunedin Bloom Garden Party, Saturday 17 October.

This is the most glamorous event on the calendar for GO Dunedin 2026, celebrating the season's flowers, fashion and food.

A Fashion, Food and Fun event at Larnach Castle, with drinks and high tea grazing table, garden tours and much more on the day. Grab your mum or your bestie and get ready to show off your favourite spring dresses.

In collaboration with Larnach Castle

Held in the castle gardens on the Otago Peninsula.

On the day

What the day looks like

The garden party is a ticketed event, and you can choose the time that suits you best between our morning and afternoon session.

“The Spring Collective: A Market of Makers” runs alongside the party on the front lawn. Organised by Larnach Castle and now in its second year, it is a vibrant market showcasing local and New Zealand artisans, craftspeople and producers.

Your session includes

Bus transport from the Dunedin Railway Station to Larnach Castle and back
Entry to the gardens and “The Spring Collective” market
A bespoke garden tour with a guide
Entry to the VIP marquee
Drinks and high tea grazing table
A Q&A drop-in session with a guest speaker
Time to explore the gardens and the market before you leave

Photography at the castle

McRobie Studios will be at Larnach Castle on the day, taking portraits to suit the occasion. There are two options available to book.

A 10 to 15 minute session and one professionally edited digital image
A 10 to 15 minute session, one professionally edited digital image and a matching 10x8 print

More photos and products can be bought afterwards through a private online gallery.

To reserve your photography spot write an email to: studio@mcrobie.co.nz

Tickets

Two sessions, morning and afternoon

Both sessions are the same, so book whichever suits your day. Places are limited, so book early.

Morning session

9am to 12.30pm

Including pick-up and drop-off by bus at the Dunedin Railway Station. Please arrive at the railway station at least 15 minutes before bus departure.

Morning session tickets

Afternoon session

1pm to 4.30pm

Including pick-up and drop-off by bus at the Dunedin Railway Station. Please arrive at the railway station at least 15 minutes before bus departure.

Afternoon session tickets

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The setting

Larnach Castle and its gardens

The castle sits high on the Otago Peninsula, with its gardens looking out over the harbour.

The laburnum arch in flower, framing Larnach Castle at the end of the walk — Photo: DunedinNZ

Larnach Castle and its grounds from the air, with the Otago Harbour beyond — Photo: DunedinNZ

The circular lawn and driveway in front of the castle, with garden umbrellas out — Photo: FlyAUS

Sunrise over the Otago Harbour, with the castle among the trees on the right — Photo: DunedinNZ

A summer morning over the castle grounds, looking down the peninsula — Photo: DunedinNZ

Visitors looking out over the harbour from the castle battlements — Photo: Camilla Rutherford