All historic houses to visit in New Zealand

Step into the past at 29 historic houses in New Zealand. These preserved homes offer a glimpse into the lives of notable figures and everyday people from different eras.

Are you interested in exploring historic homes? Here are the must-see historic houses in New Zealand:

  1. Auckland War Memorial Museum1

    Auckland War Memorial Museum

     Auckland
    The Auckland War Memorial Museum, also known as Auckland Museum, is the largest cultural and natural history museum in Auckland, New Zealand. It is a significant cultural monument and is classified by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a top-tier cultural heritage site. The museum was founded in 1852, making it the oldest museum in the country. It is located in the Auckland Domain, on a grass-covered hill, a dormant volcano, and was inaugurated on November 28, 1929.
  2. Kerikeri Mission Station2

    Kerikeri Mission Station

     Kerikeri
    The Mission House, also known as Kemp House, is a significant part of New Zealand's history. Completed in 1822, it is the oldest surviving building in the country. It was built as part of the Kerikeri Mission Station by the Church Missionary Society. This historical landmark provides a glimpse into the early missionary life in New Zealand.
  3. Canterbury Museum3

    Canterbury Museum

     Christchurch
    The Canterbury Museum, situated in Christchurch, New Zealand, is home to a wide range of internationally recognized exhibitions. These include displays on Antarctica, contemporary costumes, New Zealand avifauna (including extinct species), insects, the history of conflicts between the Maori and Europeans in the Canterbury region, ornamental art from Asia, and Canterbury's natural history. These diverse exhibits provide a comprehensive insight into the region's rich cultural and natural history.
  4. Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa4

    Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa

     Rotorua
    Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa is a museum and art gallery situated in the Government Gardens, a short distance from the center of Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, on the North Island of New Zealand. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.
  5. Ferrymead Heritage Park5

    Ferrymead Heritage Park

     Christchurch
    Ferrymead Heritage Park, located in Christchurch, New Zealand, is an open-air museum that takes visitors back to the Edwardian era. The park is designed to replicate a small town from this period, providing a unique glimpse into the past. It's a great place for tourists who are interested in history and want to experience what life was like during the Edwardian era in New Zealand.
  6. Nairn Street Cottage6

    Nairn Street Cottage

     Wellington
    Nairn Street Cottage, located in the suburb of Mount Cook in Wellington, holds the distinction of being the city's oldest original cottage. Constructed in 1858 by the Wallis family, the cottage stands as a testament to the early British colonists and their descendants who lived there for three generations. The cottage was built in a late Georgian style, similar to other houses built during that period.
  7. Olveston Historic Home7

    Olveston Historic Home

     Dunedin
    Olveston Historic Home is a significant landmark in Dunedin, New Zealand. It was constructed between 1904 and 1906 for David Theomin, a prosperous merchant. This period property provides a glimpse into the life and times of its original owner, offering a unique perspective on the early 20th century.
  8. Toitū Otago Settlers Museum8

    Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

     Dunedin
    The Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, originally known as the Otago Early Settlers' Museum, is a regional museum located in Dunedin, Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. The museum focuses on the history of settlement and transportation in the region, providing a comprehensive look into the past of this unique area.
  9. Warkworth and District Museum9

    Warkworth and District Museum

     Auckland
    The Warkworth & District Museum, also known as the Warkworth Museum, is a local museum situated in the township of Warkworth in the Auckland Region of New Zealand. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in local history and culture.
  10. Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi10

    Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi

     Waitangi
    The Treaty of Waitangi, signed on February 6, 1840, is considered the founding document of New Zealand as a nation. This significant event took place in Waitangi, marking the village as a crucial site in the country's history. Visitors to the village can learn about the treaty and its implications for New Zealand's development as a nation.
  11. Founders Heritage Park11

    Founders Heritage Park

     Nelson
    Founders Heritage Park is a museum located in Nelson, New Zealand. It is home to a variety of historical themes, one of which includes transport. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of New Zealand through its diverse collections.
  12. Te Waimate Mission12

    Te Waimate Mission

     Waimate North
    Te Waimate Mission holds a significant place in New Zealand's history as the fourth mission station established in the country. It was also the first inland settlement from the Bay of Islands, marking a shift in the pattern of settlement during the early missionary period. Today, visitors can explore this historic site and learn about its unique role in the country's past.
  13. Highwic13

    Highwic

     Auckland
    Highwic is a significant 19th-century house located in Auckland, New Zealand. It is recognized by Heritage New Zealand as a Category I structure, indicating its high historical and cultural value. The house was built in 1862 and has since been preserved as a testament to the architectural and societal norms of the time.
  14. 14

    Alberton

     Auckland
    A lovely and romantic colonial mansion from 1863, which used to host balls and garden parties. Come to see the original furniture.
  15. New Zealand Portrait Gallery15

    New Zealand Portrait Gallery

     Wellington
    The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata is located in the Waterfront Shed 11 building in Wellington, New Zealand. This art gallery is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse collection of portraits featuring works by, and of, New Zealanders.
  16. Devonport Museum16

    Devonport Museum

     Auckland
    Devonport was originally made up of three volcanic islands, Mount Victoria, North Head, and the largely quarry-destroyed Mount Cambria. These geographical features add to the unique landscape of Devonport and offer tourists opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. The views from these points are spectacular, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  17. Pompallier Mission and Printery17

    Pompallier Mission and Printery

     Russell
    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.
  18. Torpedo Bay Navy Museum18

    Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

     Auckland
    The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, situated in Devonport, Auckland, is the official museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and heritage of the New Zealand Navy, making it an interesting destination for history enthusiasts and curious tourists alike.
  19. Mansion House19

    Mansion House

     Auckland
    Mansion House, located on Kawau Island in New Zealand, is a significant historical site. It was owned by Sir George Grey from 1862 to 1888, who extended the house significantly during his ownership. The house was originally built in 1845 for the manager of a copper mine on the island. Today, it stands as a testament to the island's rich history and the life of Sir George Grey.
  20. Albertland Heritage Museum20

    Albertland Heritage Museum

     Wellsford
    Wellsford is a town located in the Auckland Council area on the North Island of New Zealand. It was part of the former Rodney District until the end of October 2010, when it became part of the newly formed Auckland Council. The town is approximately 17 km northwest of Warkworth and about 65 km north-northwest of Auckland city center.
  21. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom21

    Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom

     Foxton
    Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is a unique multi-cultural and multi-purpose hub located in Foxton, a town in the southern part of New Zealand's North Island. This facility serves as a visitor and community center, offering a variety of services and attractions to both locals and tourists.
  22. Foxton Historical Society Museum22

    Foxton Historical Society Museum

     Foxton
    The Foxton Courthouse, located in the township of Foxton, New Zealand, is a historic building that dates back to 1929. This brick structure replaced a previous wooden building and has since become a significant part of the town's history.
  23. Whangarei Museum23

    Whangarei Museum

     Maungatapere
    The Kiwi North precinct, situated in Maunu, is home to the Whangarei Museum. The museum, founded in 1890, offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the region. It is part of a larger complex that includes the Tuatara, Kiwi House and Heritage Park, the Northland Observatory, a garden centre and cafe, and various clubs and societies.
  24. Waiuku Museum24

    Waiuku Museum

     Auckland
    The name of the town, Waiuku, originates from a legend about two brothers, Tamakae and Tamakou, who competed for the hand of a beautiful, high-ranking chieftain's wife. Tamakae, a farmer and provider, won her heart and married her. From then on, the place was called 'Waiuku'. This story adds a layer of cultural and historical significance to the town, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in local lore and history.
  25. Mangawhai Museum25

    Mangawhai Museum

     Mangawhai Heads
    Mangawhai is a charming locality nestled in the Northland region of New Zealand's North Island. It is conveniently located near the Mangawhai Harbour, with the town center of Mangawhai positioned towards the southwest extension of the harbor. A short 5 km northeast journey will take you to the center of Mangawhai Heads, another area of interest in the region.
  26. South Canterbury Museum26

    South Canterbury Museum

     Timaru
    The South Canterbury Museum, situated in Timaru, New Zealand, is a property of the Timaru District Council. This location is ideal for tourists who are interested in exploring the rich history and culture of the region.
  27. Nelson Provincial Museum27

    Nelson Provincial Museum

     Nelson
    The Nelson Provincial Museum, also known as Pupuri Taonga O Te Tai Ao, is a regional museum located in the city of Nelson, New Zealand. It is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history and heritage of Nelson and its surrounding areas.
  28. 28

    Foxton Flax Stripper Museum

     Foxton
    The history of Foxton is closely tied to the processing of New Zealand flax. This versatile plant was used to produce a variety of items, including ropes, baskets, and other goods. The flax industry played a significant role in the town's development and continues to be a part of its cultural heritage.
  29. 29

    New Zealand Timber Museum

     Lichfield
    The New Zealand Timber Museum, situated in Putaruru, is a significant institution that was established with the aim of celebrating and preserving the rich history of the timber industry in the South Waikato District. This industry has had a deep-rooted connection with the district dating back to the 1900s. The museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the past and gain insights into the timber industry's evolution and its impact on the region.