William Larnach

William Larnach was a New Zealand businessman and politician, well-known for building Larnach's Castle on the Otago Peninsula. Born in New South Wales Australia on 27th January 1833, he tried his hand at gold digging and farming before joining the service of the Bank of New Zealand. After 16 years in banking, he accepted a position with the Bank of Otago in Dunedin and brought his wife over to live in the City. He purchased land on the Otago Peninsula overlooking Otago Harbour, and began building "The Camp" which was to become known as Larnach's Castle.

He suffered many business failures and lost a considerable amount of money. Larnach was vested in his wife's name to protect it from creditors. 

Larnach's first wife died in 1880, his second in 1887, and he married for a third time in 1891. He died on 12th October 1898 in Wellington.