It’s fair to say that while Auckland may not be brimming with castles, 16th century inns and manor houses on every street corner, it does have its fair share of history, tucked away under its modern city facade. Take a wander around and check out our top 10 historical buildings to satisfy your history fix.
1. Highwic, 40 Gillies Avenue, Epsom. Built in 1862 by Alfred Buckland, Highwic is a fine example of a timbered gothic house and a huge insight into quintessential Victorian family life in Auckland. But it’s not just the features of the building that are a delight. In addition to its historical features, antique items and splendid gardens, it was home to Buckland’s 21 children! Delight in a slice of family history right on your doorstep here in Auckland. Tel: 09 524 5729. Open hours: 10.30am – 4.30pm Wednesday – Sunday. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Christmas Day and Good Friday.
2. Alberton, 100 Mount Albert Road, Mount Albert. If you’re looking for a feast of elaborate and over-the-top towers and balconies, Alberton’s the one for you. It boasts 18 rooms and was owned by the Kerr Taylors family. This majestic property was well known back in the day as the place to be at for entertainment – be it parties, concerts or summer garden soirees. Tel: 09 846 7367. Open hours: 10.30am – 4.30pm Wednesday – Sunday. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Christmas Day and Good Friday.
3. Couldrey House, Wenderholm Park (near Puhoi). Go back in time with a visit to a Victorian-Edwardian family home set in native Kiwi bush land. Learn about the characters which lived here over the years ranging from a tourism entrepreneur, a talented artist and a sea captain! Tel: 09 528 3713/09 426 1200. Open hours: Weekdays – 1pm-4pm from 26 December – Easter Monday and some school holidays. Saturdays and Sundays – 1pm - 4pm except Good Friday and Christmas Day.
4. Ewelme Cottage, 14 Ayr Street, Parnell. Opposite the dairy on Ayr Street sits Ewelme Cottage, a kauri structured dwelling with influences believed to date back to the medieval style British homes. Get ensconced in original art and a library of hundreds of books. Tel: 09 379 0202. Open hours: 10.30am – 4.30pm Sunday only. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
5. The Victoria Theatre, 48-56 Victoria Road, Devonport. Built in 1912 by American John Leon Benwell, The Victoria Theatre is the oldest cinema still in existence in the Southern Hemisphere. Now you can’t get more historical than that! Open hours: 10am-10pm with shows taking place throughout the day. Tel: 09 446 0100.
6. Vaughan Homestead, Long Bay Regional Park, North Shore. There is an entrance fee by donation and the grounds are free to visitors during the opening hours. It was George Vaughan who built the farm cottage in 1863 and it was lived in by the family for over 100 years. The house has seen many renovations over the years and the small museum offers an insight into life over its various stages, both exterior and interior. Open hours: 2.30pm-5pm every second Sunday afternoon.
7. Puhoi Town Library, Puhoi. Situated on the river, Puhoi library has seen it all as it has served as a meeting place, mortuary and a first-aid depot. After it survived two floods (one in 1924 and another in 2001) it’s now a local library where locals and visitors can browse through thousands of books. Open hours: Wednesday 12-4pm, Saturday 12-2pm, Sunday 10-2pm.
8. Lopdell House – Arts Gallery, Corner of Titirangi and South Titirangi Roads, Titirangi. Lopdell started off as a hotel in 1930 and was opended by Prime Minister Gordon Coates. But all was not well as it failed to gain a liquor license so it soon became known as the 'The Pub with no Beer'. It later went on to become a nightclub before becoming a School for the Deaf. Supported by Waitakere City Council, Lopdell House is now the region's art gallery. So if you’re into arts and crafts, this is your place for all things arty, West side. Tel: 09 817 8087. Opening hours: 10am-4.30pm Monday – Sunday except Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Anzac Day morning and over exhibition installation periods.
9. Choral Hall in Symonds Street. This was the first venue in Auckland for musical activities, balls and social events and was one of the largest buildings in 19th century Auckland as it had the capacity for over 1000 people. In 1907, it was taken over by The Auckland University, where graduation ceremonies took place. It is also known for its connections with Kate Edger, who was an important figure in the campaign for women’s suffrage in New Zealand.
10. Kemps Department Store, 413-427 Parnell Road, Parnell. Back in its day (established 1885) Kemps store was the talk of the town as it existed as a merchants, drapers, tailors, milliners and mercers. Now a place for local businesses, wander past and wonder what it would have been like in its heyday.