Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
The 10 Best Historic Sites in Auckland, North Island
The Māori call Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau — a maiden desired by 100 lovers,
and a valuable territory fought over for centuries for its fertile land and
natural harbors on the Pacific Ocean (to the east) and Tasman Sea (to the
west). Today, it’s New Zealand’s largest city: A vibrant and diverse place
where nature and urban life go hand-in- hand, with 48 volcanic cones, more
than 50 islands, and 29,000 km of coastline and beaches just minutes away
from the arts and shopping of the central city.
Restaurants in Auckland
1. Stockade Hill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Possibly the best views of the Hauraki Gulf in the whole of Auckland. Stockade Hill was the location of the stockade built to protect Howick and its population from Maori during the New Zealand Land Wars. It is located on the main road into Howick. Howick's war memorial is located in the centre of the remains of the stockade's earthworks which are readily visible today.
Reviewed By Climber16421303293
The first thing that greets you as you drive into the charming village of Howick is the stunning view at Stockade Hill of the sea and the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf, with the Coromandel in the distance. As someone who grew up with these priceless views, the sight never ceases to give me a depth of delight and lift of spirits. And to make the gentle climb up Stockade Hill and see the 360 degree views from there only adds to that sense of wonder and awe and to the incredible importance of preserving them. I can't recommend highly enough Stockade Hill and the village of Howick as must-sees on any visit to Auckland.
2. Highwic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Built in 1862, Highwic, once the home to the prominent Buckland family, is one of the finest examples of Carpenter Gothic architecture in New Zealand.
Reviewed By Staffshire - Stafford, United Kingdom
Like so many beautiful historic buildings in Auckland, Highwic is a gem of a property - with such a story to tell - but which is gradually being penned in by high rise commercial development on all sides Access presently IS off Gillies Avenue as Mortimer Pass is closed for building development. We visited on a very wet day and, indeed, were the only visitors at the time. We were warmly greeted by Christopher and given a very comprehensive introduction to Alfred Buckland and his family before being allowed to wander freely in the house. Chris was never far away and always enthusiastic to answer our questions as we toured room after room making many discoveries along the way. I enjoyed the opportunity to play the well maintained piano in the ballroom and Chris made us a pot of tea which was greatly appreciated. We were at Highwic for about three hours, enjoying the building; its history and its gardens. It was well worth the walk up the hill. Thanks to all those who work hard to preserve this building and to Chris for looking after us so well.
3. Howick Historical Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Walk through our front gate of our Living Museum and step into the pages of a colonial history book. Explore the early settlement of Howick as it was in the mid to late 1800s. Open the doors of real homes and experience living history for yourself. See how the early settlers would have lived as they went about their daily activities. Better still, come along to one of our monthly "Meet the Villagers" Days where you will get the opportunity to interact with costumed villagers. Explore the heritage garden, have a picnic on the lawn or relax with home-style food and coffee in our cafe. And please ask questions of our volunteers on site. We love to share our knowledge of local history.
Reviewed By 970lynne
We have just visited this village on our way to Coromandel. What a lovely way to pass a couple of hours. It is about 20 mins from the city Center and easy to find with clear directions on the website. ( the sat nav did not recognise the address) The village consists of original houses brought together by the historical society and lovingly restored. There is lots of information about the buildings and the ‘fencibles’ Members are around in role and are welcoming, friendly and informative. There was an activity trail which children appeared to be enjoying. The cafe food was delicious with a good choice at reasonable prices. I am surprised it only features as 52 on things to do in Auckland.
4. Couldrey House & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Couldrey House is an historic Victorian-Edwardian family home set in a beautiful garden within Wenderholm Regional Park. A mere 40-minute drive north of Auckland's CBD, this gracious colonial house sits between Wenderholm Beach and the Puhoi river (each a few minutes walk away through pohutukawa glades) or less than a 1 kilometre drive from Waiwera and its famous hot pools. Fully furnished in a mixture of styles reflecting the eras and preoccupations of some notable past owners, the two storey house has nine rooms on display. Visitors are warmly welcomed by one of our hosts who can provide commentary or alternatively leave you to discover the house and grounds at your leisure. Throughout the house there are audio reminiscences about the families that lived here, direct from their descendants. Enjoy some sea air mixed with the fragrance of fresh flowers from the garden. Open Saturdays and Sundays 1-4pm year round + weekdays 1-4pm between Boxing Day and Easter Monday.
Reviewed By PPSAuckland - Auckland, New Zealand
This is a lovely old homestead in original condition with furniture from the era. I loved seeing the original crockery set out on the long table and the toys in the child’s bedroom. There is a lot of information readily available or buttons to push if you want to to hear the audio version. Afterwards a walk along the beach is a great way to end the visit with a range of birds including fan tails hopping close by. Would be a great spot in summer too to bring along a picnic with you.
5. Silverdale Pioneer Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By mir0s_awab - Boleslawiec, Poland
great place for a picnic, resting on learning history, you can go back in time visiting the house, walking paths, beautiful lush vegetation and beautifully maintained surroundings. spent time there will definitely not be lost :)
6. Eden Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Discover this wonderfully peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Auckland. Wander through our 5.5 acre award-winning garden on the side of Mt Eden. Take a day or an hour to explore our many plant collections including perennials, vireyas, camellias, bromeliads and native New Zealand plants. There's always something in bloom. Enjoy the waterfalls, rock formations, resident native birds and fabulous city and harbour views.
Reviewed By annieskilling - Ellerslie, New Zealand
Situated in Auckland, a city of 1000000 plus people, Eden Garden is an oasis of calm, peace and serenity, it’s five acres appear natural (they aren’t!) and one can meander along shady pathways, up and down well paved steps (one or two did lack handrails however) gazing at seasonal flowers - hibiscus at this time of the year (it was a very hot summer’s day). We really enjoyed the cafe too.
7. Pukekohe's Pioneer Cottage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Rach9631 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
As a new local I have driven past this many a time wondering exactly what it is - finally I visited with my child’s school group and it was well worth the visit. The pioneer cottage is open the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 11am, entry is by donation (be generous!) It really is a very interesting look into how our early settlers lived and the wonderful curators (we had Brian and Nookie) have such wonderful knowledge and personal interest in the history. Worth a visit - especially if you are local and have driven past many times without stopping! Parking is hard but park on Station Road and it’s a short walk.
8. Matakana War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
The Matakana War Memorial has stood in the village for over 95 years. Sculptured by W. H. Feldon from Oamaru Stone, it was dedicated on 20th April 1920 by The Right Honourable Joseph Gordon Coates MC MP, the 21st Prime Minister of New Zealand. In August 2020 the statue gained Heritage NZ Listing as a place of heritage significance. Situated in a lovely riverside park with excellent access and paths. Well worth a visit.
Reviewed By HansenSteve1234
Just a minute walk from the Village is the sculpture of George V that is memorial dedicated is local soliders lost at war, there are story boards that reflects their lives. So interesting and done well. We then went down to the old warf to eat our lunch, very chilled and relaxing, followed by a walked over bridge to Morris & James Pottery cafe.
9. J.F Kennedy Memorial Park
10. Ewelme Cottage
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12 reviews
This meticulously preserved 19th-century cottage, built of kauri wood, has much of the original family furniture and possessions.
Reviewed By Truejaffa - Auckland Central, New Zealand
An interesting place to visit full of the actual Lush family furniture and artifacts . The garden is beautifully maintained. It's easy to imagine the family living there in early Auckland and the Heritage NZ volunteer was full of fascinating information.
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