They may have been trapped by snow, but having to spend the night in a castle, was "just like Narnia" for an Ashburton family.
On Saturday the Smith family arrived in Dunedin to visit Cadbury World before leaving the next morning for Larnach Castle.
After leaving the castle at noon the family of five, including three children, found the road impassable and were forced to return, Fiona Smith said.
Along with the Smith family, 35 people, including staff, ended up staying at the castle which was "`just like Narnia", she said.
Guests were housed, fed and entertained by staff who declined any offer of payment, Mrs Smith said.
"It was an amazing experience," she said.
The guests, including those from the North Island, Nelson, Hong Kong and Japan, were able to leave the castle after Highcliff Rd was gritted yesterday afternoon.
Far from deterred over their Dunedin experience, the family said they will return to the city again to experience its hospitality once more.
