[1][2] He was educated at New Plymouth Boys' High School, and went on to study at Victoria University College, graduating Master of Arts with second-class honours in 1940.
[5][6] A left-hand batsman and right-arm medium-pace bowler,[7] Larkin played Hawke Cup cricket for Taranaki between 1934 and 1939.
[8] While playing for the New Plymouth Boys' High School 1st XI in 1936, Larkin and Martin Donnelly shared a record partnership of 234 that stood until 1965.
[9] As an 18-year-old, Larkin played for Taranaki in their two-day match against the touring MCC team, scoring six and four runs, respectively, in his two innings, and bowling two overs without success.
[14] In the 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours, Larkin was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to New Zealand–Japan relations.