Riverstone Castle and Gardens
A luxurious castle, enchanting gardens, and a spectacular playground create a magical escape in the heart of New Zealand's countryside.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Riverstone Castle and Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A luxurious castle, enchanting gardens, and a spectacular playground create a magical escape in the heart of New Zealand's countryside.
"This is the most beautiful place I have seen in New Zealand and credit to the owners for creating such a memorable experience."
🎯 Book Castle Tours Early
Tours have limited slots. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out! :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through the castle and gardens. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Castle Interior
Castle
Step into a world of luxury with a guided tour of the castle's opulent rooms and private spaces.
Enchanting Gardens
Gardens
Wander through beautifully maintained gardens, offering a peaceful escape and picturesque photo opportunities.
The Epic Playground
Play Area
A massive, fun-filled playground that delights kids and adults alike, perfect for a break.
Charming Town Square
Town Square
Discover unique crafts, gifts, and Christmas decorations in this delightful village-like shopping area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Castle Tours in Advance
Allow Time for All Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Castle Tours Early
Tours have limited slots. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out! :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through the castle and gardens. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧👦 Kids Love the Playground
The playground is a huge hit! It's a great place for kids to burn energy while adults relax. :child:
☕ Cafe & Gift Shop Delights
Enjoy the cafe and browse the well-stocked gift shops for unique finds and souvenirs. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Castle Tours Early
Tours have limited slots. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out! :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through the castle and gardens. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧👦 Kids Love the Playground
The playground is a huge hit! It's a great place for kids to burn energy while adults relax. :child:
☕ Cafe & Gift Shop Delights
Enjoy the cafe and browse the well-stocked gift shops for unique finds and souvenirs. :gift:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The gardens and castle offer stunning photo ops. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Riverstone Castle and Gardens as a beautiful and unique destination, often calling it a 'slice of heaven.' The opulent castle interior, charming gardens, and especially the fantastic playground are major highlights. Some minor criticisms include busy cafe staff during peak times and the need to book castle tours in advance.
"Was a wonderful stop for the middle of no where. Have always wanted to stop here since I was a kid and now I’ve taken my kids here!!! We were a little Late to the game for the tour of the castle so look into that for when you come as they only have a few times through the day for it so will definitely have to come back for that but the gift shops and cafe were well worth the stop and visit. The cafe was pretty busy and think the staff were under pressure, the lady at the till seemed like we were an inconvenience to be there and was pretty quick to try and get rid of us but we ordered take aways and sat outside. Have the most amazing playground area for the kids which is great to see so we could eat and drink in peace. Will have to come back for the tour though for sure."
Haley brown
"Lovely garden & well stocked gift shop and lots of Christmas decorating ideas.
The play area was so much fun! Even for big people!"
Lori Irwin
"The castle was great tour inside. Interior looks very classy and luxurious. It was worth paying $30 visit. You have about an hour to explore the castle :)"
Eddie Kongwatana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverstone Castle is located in a more remote area. Driving is the most common way to reach it. The journey offers scenic views of the New Zealand countryside. Check your GPS for the best route from your starting point.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors. It's usually straightforward to find a spot, especially if you arrive earlier in the day.
Public transport options are very limited in this region. Having your own vehicle or renting a car is highly recommended for easy access to Riverstone Castle and Gardens.
The drive is generally pleasant, passing through picturesque landscapes. Be prepared for some rural roads. Some visitors have noted the 'Whitestone Bridge' nearby, but this is unrelated to castle access.
Follow the signs for Riverstone Castle and Gardens. It's a well-known destination in the area, so navigation should be straightforward once you're in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds, gardens, playground, and shops is generally free. However, there is a fee for the guided castle tour, which is around $30 per person.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your castle tour in advance. Tours have specific time slots and can sell out, especially during peak seasons. Check the official website for booking and tour times.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Riverstone Castle website before your visit. Generally, the grounds and shops are open daily, but castle tour times are specific.
The primary ticketed experience is the guided castle tour. Access to the gardens, playground, and town square is typically complimentary.
Yes, you can visit the cafe and gift shops without purchasing a castle tour ticket. These areas are part of the general access to the grounds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take a guided tour of the luxurious castle interior, explore the beautiful gardens, enjoy the large playground, and browse the unique shops in the town square.
Many visitors find the castle tour well worth the $30 fee, describing the interior as classy, luxurious, and a beautiful experience. You get about an hour to explore.
Absolutely! Riverstone Castle boasts an amazing playground that is a huge hit with kids, and even adults find it fun.
The gardens are lovely and well-maintained, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for a stroll. They are a highlight for many visitors.
Photography rules inside the castle may vary. It's best to check with your tour guide upon arrival for specific restrictions on taking photos within the castle's private areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves food and drinks. It can get busy, and some visitors have noted the staff can feel pressured during peak times.
The cafe offers a range of items, suitable for a stop during your visit. You can order takeaway and enjoy it outside, especially if the cafe is crowded.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy in the outdoor areas, particularly if you're using the playground.
There are outdoor seating areas, especially around the playground, where you can relax and enjoy food. This is a good option if the cafe is busy.
The cafe is the primary dining option. For more extensive meals, you might consider stopping elsewhere before or after your visit, depending on your itinerary.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer beautiful backdrops, and the castle exterior itself is very photogenic. The 'town square' area also provides charming photo opportunities.
Photography rules inside the castle can be restrictive. Always ask your tour guide for permission before taking pictures within the castle's private rooms.
With its stunning gardens and grand castle, Riverstone is a picturesque location that would be ideal for engagement or wedding photos, provided you arrange any necessary permissions.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for outdoor shots of the gardens and castle exterior. Midday can be harsh but good for capturing details.
Beyond potential interior castle restrictions, be mindful of other visitors and respect any 'no photography' signs in specific areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Riverstone Castle Experience
Beyond the castle walls, the gardens provide a serene escape, perfect for a leisurely stroll and photography. The 'town square' area is a charming collection of shops selling crafts and gifts, often featuring seasonal decorations, making it a delightful place to browse.
For families, the playground is an absolute must-visit. It's renowned for being incredibly fun for children and even adults, allowing parents to relax while the kids play. This comprehensive offering ensures there's something for everyone, from history buffs to families seeking entertainment.
Planning Your Castle Tour
The tour typically lasts about an hour and provides access to areas not usually seen, including craft rooms and pantries. This intimate glimpse into the castle's workings and the owners' lives is what makes the experience so special. Be prepared for a guided walk-through, and always follow your guide's instructions regarding photography and touching exhibits.
While the tour is a significant draw, remember that the castle grounds, gardens, and playground are also accessible and offer plenty to explore. Balancing your time between the tour and the other attractions will ensure a well-rounded visit.
Family Fun at Riverstone
Beyond the playground, the gardens offer a safe and beautiful environment for children to explore. The 'town square' shops can also be a point of interest, with unique items that might capture a child's imagination. While the castle tour itself might be more suited for older children or those with a keen interest in history and architecture, the overall atmosphere of Riverstone is welcoming to families.
Practical Tip: Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as the cafe can get busy. The outdoor seating areas, especially near the playground, are perfect for a family picnic. Planning your visit around the playground can ensure the younger members of your group have a thoroughly enjoyable time.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit