We stepped back in time for an unforgettable night of glitz and glamour at New Zealand’s iconic Larnach Castle
Proudly brought to you by The OPERA, Quartz Reef Wines, Emersons, and Saddle Hill Distillery and featuring cocktails by Sandymount Distillery.
What an incredible night we had immersed in the dazzling world of the Roaring Twenties. The live jazz band, RULE5, the stunning gardens, and the castle’s historic charm lit up by the amazing Gravity Events, created the ultimate Gatsby experience at the 2025 Wild Ball – Gold, Gems & Gatsby.
How we made it happen…
This year’s Wild Night Ball could not have been such a roaring night out without the support of some truly amazing local brands and businesses and we’d like to take a moment to tell you a little bit about them.
Larnach Castle
A heartfelt thank you to Larnach Castle for their generous support. As New Zealand’s only castle, its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views captivate all who visit. We deeply appreciate your contribution and are proud to acknowledge such an iconic and cherished Dunedin landmark.
All proceeds go to supporting Hoiho - Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust, Dunedin Wildlife Hospital, and Otago Shore and Land Trust. Have a wild time and support our wildlife!
Quartz Reef Wines
New Zealand’s premier biodynamic and certified organic wine brand is grown on top of the largest reef of quartz in the southern hemisphere. What other wine would have suited Wild Dunedin’s Festival of Nature so perfectly! The amazing team led by winemaker Rudi Bauer is dedicated to excellence and sustainable winemaking and truly inspires us. We’re proud to partner with a brand that embodies passion, quality, and community spirit. We’re deeply grateful for your amazing support - the champagne tower was a hit!
Emerson’s Brewery, founded in 1992 in Dunedin by Richard Emerson, is a pioneer of New Zealand’s craft beer scene. With a passion for traditional brewing and local flavour, Emerson’s has become a beloved institution not only in Dunedin, but nationwide! Thank you for supporting the Wild Night Ball! You are honest-to-goodness local legends!
Saddle Hill Brewery & Distillery
Saddle Hill Distillery, nestled in the stunning hills of New Zealand’s scenic Otago region, crafts premium spirits with a deep respect for tradition and a typically Kiwi twist in innovation and experimentation. Ben Hanrahan gave our VIP’s a very special first taste of his upcoming whiskey and an insight into the process and the passion it takes to craft a premium whiskey in New Zealand. Thank you for supporting our passion, Ben —our VIP’s can’t wait for their exclusive first release bottles!
Sandymount Distillery, tucked away on one of Dunedin’s most stunningly beautiful areas on the epic Otago Peninsula, crafts premium spirits infused with locally foraged botanicals. A multi-award-winning distillery founded by Richard Wilson, a born and bred Otago Peninsula lad, Sandymount’s spirits are steeped in a love for the region’s rugged beauty. Thank you for stepping up and being part of this amazing event! The classic 1920’s cocktails went down a treat!
Exclusive VIP Experiences
Limited VIP Exclusive Experiences can be yours! Imagine you and your friends sharing in a once in a lifetime experience in New Zealand’s only castle.
Revel in the glamour of a bygone era and indulge in one of the VIP Exclusive Experiences on offer. Be whisked away to special rooms within the castle for whiskey and gin tastings, a nightcap with the castle owner, or a champagne tower with spectacular views over the harbour.
VIP Exclusive Experiences
Each experience has been crafted to enhance your evening and give you a taste of glamour as well as a taste of a premium Otago wine or spirit. Meet the makers, enjoy an intimate tasting, and take home a little something special to commemorate your night.
The Whiskey Experience
You will be whisked away to the Library at Larnach Castle for a curated whiskey tasting experience. Discover the intricacies of taste as you are hosted by experts who will provide a detailed explanation of the making and local elements used in the crafting. Each participant will go home with a bottle of premium local whiskey signed by the maker.
$475
The Gin Experience
Enter the exquisite lounge at Larnach Castle for a curated tasting experience featuring Sandymount Gin. taste the award-winning range and learn about the process and the local botanicals used in the crafting. Take the memory of this exclusive experience home with you with a bottle of Gold Medal Lovers Leap Gin signed by the maker.
$475
The Champagne Experience
Up the stairs to the Conservatory you’ll be ushered for a tasting experience featuring Quartz Reef Wines. Take in breathtaking night views of the harbour from this beautiful enclosed glass space. Each participant will go home with a bottle of Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle Brut to commemorate the experience.
$475
Castle & Camp Estate Experience
Feel like the lords and ladies of the night with an exclusive overnight stay at the stunning Camp Estate just down the road from Larnach Castle. Luxury awaits as you get ready for the evening in your stunning accommodation. You will be driven to the ball and delivered home at midnight - a true Gatsby-esque experience. Breakfast on Saturday is included.
$1250
The Rooftop Experience
One lucky couple will win the bid for a special cocktail and star gazing experience at the top of the castle battlement. Enjoy the breathtaking 360 degrees views of the night sky above and city lights below. This experience includes a photo shoot with a photographer who will provide you with digital copies of your night to remember.
To be auctioned on the night