The drawbridge is days away from being lowered to greet visitors again at Dunedin's Larnach Castle

Staff will reopen New Zealand's only historical castle on Friday.

Executive director Norcombe Barker says extra time was needed to ensure Level 2 restrictions were in place for the castle's accommodation.

He says about 65 percent of the 135-thousand visitors that come to the castle each year are tourists.

Deals are being introduced to bring in more domestic visitors which will tie in with its 150th anniversary next year.

The castle will run at a loss this year and some staff had to be made redundant.