Pompallier Mission and Printery (Russell) - Visitor Information & Reviews

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#61 in New Zealand

Pompallier Mission and Printery and its collection

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Pompallier House, located in Russell, New Zealand, is a significant historical site that dates back to the nineteenth century. It once served as the headquarters for the French Catholic mission to the Western Pacific. The building is named after Jean Baptiste Pompallier, the first vicar apostolic to visit New Zealand, who established several missions in the North Island.

Unique Characteristics of Pompallier House

Pompallier House is owned and managed by Heritage New Zealand and is open to the public. It holds the distinction of being New Zealand's oldest Roman Catholic building, oldest rammed earth building, and oldest industrial building. These unique characteristics make it a fascinating site for those interested in architecture, history, and culture.

Visiting Hours and Amenities at Pompallier House

The Pompallier House mission and printery is open to the public seven days a week, from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors can only access the building through guided tours, which are conducted four times a day. Tickets are available for visitors to explore the Victorian and Edwardian gardens and enjoy a hillside parkland walk with views over the bay. Additionally, there is a French Coffee House on site, open seven days a week from 9 am, where visitors can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.

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Visitor information Pompallier Mission and Printery

Opening hours

Daily
10:00am - 4.30pm (Summer - November 1st - April 30th)
10:00am - 3.30pm (Winter - May 1st - October 31st)

Public Holidays
Christmas Day, Anzac Day (until 1.00pm)

Admission

0 – 17	Free
Member	Free

Guided Tour $20 – Guided tours start on the half hour and run for 45-55 minutes

Garden and Museum Visit $10 – Includes access to the gardens and museum but does not include access to the historic printery, bindery or tannery. Last entry for the garden visit is 4.00 pm (November - April) and 3pm (May - October)

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Pompallier Mission and Printery.

Location & Map

The Strand 5, Russell

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Pompallier Mission and Printery have been found.

Pompallier Mission and Printery Reviews

Pompallier Mission and Printery has 1 rating.

Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

The Pompallier Mission and Printery in Russell, New Zealand, offers visitors an engaging look into the country's colonial history. This well-preserved 19th-century building, which once served as a Catholic mission and the country's first printer, now stands as a testament to New Zealand's past.

Visitors appreciate the informative guided tours that provide insight into the mission's history and the early printing process. The knowledgeable guides are often praised for their passion and ability to bring the site's story to life. Many find the demonstrations of traditional printing and bookbinding techniques particularly interesting.

The museum's location in Russell adds to its charm, with beautiful gardens and views of the Bay of Islands. The building's architecture and its careful restoration are frequently mentioned as highlights.

However, some visitors note that the tour can be quite long and detailed, which may not appeal to those with shorter attention spans or young children. A few also mention that the entry fee is a bit steep, although many feel the experience justifies the cost.

The museum's size is relatively small, which some find limiting, but others appreciate for its manageability. Accessibility might be an issue for some visitors, as the historic nature of the building means there are stairs to navigate.

Overall, the Pompallier Mission and Printery offers a valuable educational experience for those interested in New Zealand's history, printing techniques, and colonial architecture. While it may not cater to all tastes, it provides a unique window into an important period of the country's past.

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Pompallier Mission and Printery