Can I see the Larnch Castle on my own or do I need a tour. Is there a bus or cab that goes there. I am on a cruise ship and am looking to see the city and Cadbury factory too. Any help?
Bonnie

There is public transport to the Peninsula but only along the coastal road, to Portobello and Harrington Point (near the Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head). But you could get off at Broad Bay and walk up Camp Road. From there a popular walking track leads up to the castle. The walk would take about 40 min one way.

Here is the timetable:
http://forum.virtualtourist.com/answer.php?q=439625&p=1&l=1883732&pp=f

However, Otago Peninsula is so wonderful, with lonesome beaches, inlets fabulous for bird watching, the Albatross Colony, and fantastic views from the Summit Road. If you have enough time consider renting a car and spend the whole day there.

There is public transport to the Peninsula but only along the coastal road, to Portobello and Harrington Point (near the Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head). But you could get off at Broad Bay and walk up Camp Road. From there a popular walking track leads up to the castle. The walk would take about 40 min one way.

Here is the timetable:
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/facilities/parks-and-recreation/track-care/peninsula-tracks

However, Otago Peninsula is so wonderful, with lonesome beaches, inlets fabulous for bird watching, the Albatross Colony, and fantastic views from the Summit Road. If you have enough time consider renting a car and spend the whole day there.

Cannot believe it - still the wrong link for the bus timetable. Now here is really the correct one:

http://buses.orc.govt.nz/BusTT/PDF/%7B8658662F-6E11-4690-B745-53A7569A38B9%7D.pdf

do we have to pay for viewing the penguins and seals at the otago peninsula?

They offer tours (for example Elm Wildlife Tours) for which you would have to pay. But there are several places on the peninsula where you can see seals and penguins for free - however, without any guarantee that you will see them. You need a little luck.

oic... do i have to drive really into peninsula to see it?

If you are lucky you see penguins in other parts of the country - and seals around Kaikoura for sure. But they do not have penguins and seals in Dunedin, if you mean this.

Cadbury factory - try and get the extended tour (on weekdays) or I wouldn't bother to be honest. We just came back from Dunedin and did the shortened one and I didn't think it was anything to write home about and it costs like $12PP. - If you shop at New World (Supermarket) check the back of your docket though we found a voucher for 50% off 1 persons ticket when another pays full price which helps the pocket :)

As for Larnach Castle - I also wouldn't bother paying the extra to go up into the castle ($25pp) and would just pay to go into the gardens ($10pp)as the views are amazing just from the gardens and I've heard the views are no better from the top.

I second Sissi's (kakapo2) suggestion to get a rental car - It will work out cheaper than getting your own way. We rented a car for $44 from rent a dent (Not the cheapest but they would rent to under 25's which we needed) for 150KM for a day (We ended up going over the 150km and had to pay $5 extra) - we went down ALOT of the side roads and explored the peninsula pretty well (Check out Sissi's tips for suggestions on where to go) - we left at 9.30 and got back into dunedin around 3.30PM but didn't do any tours, most people would prob spend a bit longer than that. - Petrol cost us $25 and lastest us the whole day plus a bit of driving around dunedin and getting lost trying to get up Mt Cargill.

Tours going to the castle range from $60+ and you have to go where they go, with a rental car you can go whereever you like. Good luck deciding what to do :)