Highwic - Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

“As a worldrankìng University of Auckland Arts graduate in history and media accepted into postgraduate studies, I cannot emphasize enough how much history is perspective, and how residual energy influences present and future. Highwic Historical village has such a lot of heritage, that is 100 percent better than draining shopping malls filled with overconsumerism made in Chinese factories from human exploitation. A half day here is value for money and is good perspective as from wealthy Buckland family home. How were English supposed to settle here? Highwic historical village with Buckland family in mid 19th Century had 5 acres of paddocks, ornate gardens, rockery, panoramic views and large Carpenter gothic home. The family purchased Highwic in 1867. Alfred Buckland and his wife immigrated from Devon, England in 1850. During New Zealand wars (1845-1872) there was a lot of bloodshed. Buckland family supplied horses to British troops highly profitable. Alfred Buckland was a merchant, wool broker, and stock and station agent. Early activities mainly dealings in stock, coal, grain and produce. The baking was certainly better with Coal Range baking with more nutrients in soil then. On first Wednesday every month 11am till 1230pm there is coal range baking at Highwic. The drawing room, reflects the family wealth and social status added to property in 1883. 1895 newspapers details fourteen dances, including waltzes, Lancers, policies and a barn dance. Victorian Society dances signified recreation with courtship and a ritual of etiquette and status. Victorian era in late 1890s, productive with chatter, clutter of dishes, and a lot of children. Dinner was enjoyed by candlelight, gas, lamps and electricity introduced to the house in early 1900s. Portraits on display, family had their own battles, with so many children, some loved and some not so loved. 21st Century has a lot to learn with the value of antique furniture, well loved and preserved furnishings, exquisite dinner settings with polished silver, and conversations, no fast food, that impress a lot even today. The heritage volunteer working there, is a middle aged healthy woman doing a PhD at worldrankìng University of Auckland in history, and relocating soon with her husband to South Island. She was friendly and willing to tell us the historical truth in main room. A yearly annual pass with Highwic Historical village and other heritage sites is exceptional value for money, for a University student about $64.”

“Interesting place to visit. Flanked by Cinemas, Apartments, Highway 1, and a Westfield shopping center. What can one expect? Well, as soon as you walk thru the gates of this grand estate, it's like wow what a contrast! Incredible preservation despite the city being built all around it. I visited for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon in early November 2025. Great people running the place. the floor plans with description sheets make navigating the house easy. Fascinating history of a wealthy pioneer, what kind of person has 11 children & nearly does it again later with the second wife for a total 21 children! I like the architecture of this gothic, arts & crafts home with some Victorian touches, emphasizing vertical board & batten. As an American on vacation for the first time in New Zealand, I like going to the more off the beaten path stuff. And this was a nice treat. Also, as a English Heritage annual member, it's accepted here as well. This was my favorite of the three, but I highly recommend visiting the other two HNZPT sites in the area: Alberton (Mt. Albert) & Ewelme cottage (Parnell). All three were built around the same time, but each with a completely different story.”

“Excellent visit. Went twice. Every 1st Wednesday of the month they have a baking day where they fire the old stove and volunteers cook magical cookies and things. Lovely. See my instagram for vids. The place is perfect for events. They have recently had a French Market there. Saw some school kids play croquet on the lawn and enjoy a clothes washing demonstration the other day. Good to see. The place is often booked for weddings which is nice too. A powerful reminder of New Zealand’s colonial past. Lively with interesting guides and volunteers, this house is thriving. Enjoyed a deep informative guided tour by a young lady. This house is a large gallery of old things, once housing a big family, one of whom even made a mark in conchology! Don’t know what that is? Neither did I! Visit to find out. Clean presentation, a modern day view of the past. Passionate volunteers. Very much alive and well. What a story!”