Highwic, Auckland - Dunedin cityscape
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Highwic Auckland

4.7
·200 reviews·Auckland, New Zealand

Explore Highwic, a stunning 1862 gothic mansion and its manicured grounds, offering a journey into Auckland's early settler history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Highwic, Auckland - Dunedin cityscape

Highwic Auckland

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Highwic, a stunning 1862 gothic mansion and its manicured grounds, offering a journey into Auckland's early settler history.

4.7
(200 reviews)

"A beautiful historical family home with an amazing history, truly a hidden gem in Auckland."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Event Schedule

Don't miss jazz concerts or baking events for a special experience! :calendar:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

The gardens are as beautiful as the house; take time to stroll and enjoy. :evergreen_tree:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Gothic Mansion

The Grand Gothic Mansion

Main House

Step back in time exploring the realistically furnished rooms of this stunning 1862 gothic mansion.

Manicured Gardens

Manicured Gardens

Grounds

Wander through beautifully preserved grounds offering a peaceful escape and lovely photo opportunities.

Special Events

Special Events

Various locations on site

Experience unique events like jazz concerts on the lawn or traditional baking demonstrations.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Highwic

Highwic is a historic gem, and visiting during special events like jazz concerts or baking days can elevate your experience. Check their schedule beforehand to catch these unique happenings. For a more relaxed exploration, aim for weekdays when crowds are typically lighter than on weekends. Reddit

Getting to Highwic

Located in Newmarket, Highwic is easily accessible. It's conveniently situated across from Westfield Newmarket, with an entrance near the parking area. Consider combining your visit with shopping or exploring the vibrant Newmarket area. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Event days (jazz, baking)
Why
Unique experiences
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Auckland’s coolest new thing to do #auckland #weta #wetaunleashed #skycity #nz #newzealand #nzmustdo #nztravel #aucklandtips #aucklandsecrets
@escape.video
66.1K likes • 755.2K views

🎯 Check Event Schedule

Don't miss jazz concerts or baking events for a special experience! Reddit :calendar:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

The gardens are as beautiful as the house; take time to stroll and enjoy. :evergreen_tree:

Top 5 things to do & see in Auckland #aucklandnz #mustseeauckland #nzthingstodo #thingstoseeauckland #aucklandthingstodo #hiddenbeach #beachesnz #nz #whattodoinauckland #auckland #newzealand #nztiktok
@hannahkoumakis
41.6K likes • 761.7K views
This cafe is quirky. Stop by to have a look. The building itself is an attraction. Take your time to explore the building. Eutopia Cafe is at 1955 State Highway 1, Kaiwaka, New Zealand. Drive north from Auckland. #auckland #northlandnz #nzmustdo #nz #nztravel #nzroadtrip #newzealandguide #newzealand #aotearoa #aucklandeats
almostviral_nz
20.7K likes • 1.8M views

📍 Convenient Location

Easy to find near Westfield Newmarket parking. :shopping_cart:

🕰️ Allow Ample Time

You'll want over an hour to explore the house and grounds thoroughly. :clock1:

Not many know about this cafe in New Zealand @eutopiacafe 🤩We were on our way from Piaha to Hamilton. We stopped by to have a look. This cafe itself is an attraction 😍 Eutopia cafe is at 1995 State highway 1, kaiwaka, New Zealand. Drive north from Auckland. Bombaytoworldtravellers, eutopia cafe , pizza , burger , fries , food , New Zealand, cafe , newzealandcafe #bombaytoworldtravellers #eutopia...
bombaytoworldtravellers
51 likes • 3.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Event Schedule

Don't miss jazz concerts or baking events for a special experience! Reddit :calendar:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

The gardens are as beautiful as the house; take time to stroll and enjoy. :evergreen_tree:

📍 Convenient Location

Easy to find near Westfield Newmarket parking. :shopping_cart:

🕰️ Allow Ample Time

You'll want over an hour to explore the house and grounds thoroughly. :clock1:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(200 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Highwic for its beautiful historical architecture and well-preserved grounds, offering a fascinating glimpse into Auckland's past. Many highlight the unique and enjoyable special events, such as jazz concerts and baking demonstrations, as standout experiences. While generally well-received, some may find the pace of exploration best suited for those who appreciate historical detail.

"Have been wanting to visit Highwic for a long time and was very impressed. A beautiful historical family home with an amazing history. We were there for more than an hour and a half exploring the realistically furnished rooms."

Yvonne Sneddon

"I've visited Highwic several times, and each experience has been thoroughly enjoyable. Exploring the beautifully preserved home and hearing the fascinating stories of the family who once lived there really brings the past to life. One of the highlights was attending their monthly baking event—it was genuinely one of the best experiences I've had in Auckland. The cakes were absolutely delicious, and we learned so much about traditional New Zealand baking. My parents, who were visiting from Hungary, also fell in love with the charm of the house. I highly recommend visiting this hidden gem in Auckland, especially alongside other local heritage sites."

Dora G

"Gorgeous grounds with a fascinating history. It was lovely walking through and seeing how the house was used throughout it's years. The staff was also lovely and we really enjoyed our visit. This is a very nice tucked away gem across from Westfield Newmarket"

Amy Rosvally

What People Like

Beautiful historical home
Fascinating family history
Lovely manicured grounds

What People Dislike

Can be quiet for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Highwic is located in Newmarket, Auckland. It's situated across from Westfield Newmarket, with an entrance conveniently located near the parking area from Mortimer Pass. Reddit Public transport options to Newmarket are also readily available.

Yes, Highwic is quite easy to find. Look for it across from Westfield Newmarket, with the entrance adjacent to the parking area. Reddit

Yes, driving is a convenient option. There is parking available nearby, particularly at Westfield Newmarket, with an entrance close to the house. Reddit

Highwic is right next to Westfield Newmarket, offering extensive shopping and dining options. The vibrant Newmarket area itself is also worth exploring. Reddit

Newmarket is a major transport hub in Auckland, so you can easily reach Highwic via bus or train services that stop in the area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific pricing isn't detailed in the provided content, Highwic is generally an accessible heritage site. It's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current admission fees. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially on event days. It's best to consult Highwic's official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on their operating times. Reddit

For general visits, advance booking might not be necessary, but it's always a good idea to check their website, especially if you plan to attend a special event like a jazz concert or baking day. Reddit

Highwic offers self-guided tours, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Informative maps and friendly volunteers are often available to share the history of the house. Reddit

Absolutely! Highwic frequently hosts special events like jazz concerts on the lawn and baking demonstrations, which are highly recommended for a unique experience. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the beautifully preserved rooms of the historic mansion, learn about the family who lived there, and wander through the manicured gardens. Special events offer unique activities like jazz concerts and baking demonstrations. Reddit

Most visitors find that an hour and a half is sufficient to explore the house and grounds thoroughly. Reddit

Yes, Highwic offers wonderful photo opportunities, both inside the historic building and within its picturesque grounds. It's also noted as a beautiful venue for intimate weddings. Reddit

Highwic is an illustrative heritage building showcasing the life of early settlers in Auckland, built in 1862. It provides insights into the past through its furnishings and stories. Reddit

Yes, Highwic often has nice volunteers available to introduce visitors to the story of the house and its history. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Highwic itself may not have a full cafe, they are known to host baking events where delicious cakes are available. Reddit For other dining options, the nearby Westfield Newmarket offers a wide variety of choices. Reddit

The grounds of Highwic are lovely for a stroll, and while not explicitly mentioned for picnics, enjoying the atmosphere is part of the experience. For a meal, the surrounding Newmarket area provides ample dining. Reddit

Highwic is located right next to Westfield Newmarket, which boasts a vast array of cafes, restaurants, and food courts catering to diverse tastes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire estate offers great photo opportunities. Capture the gothic architecture of the mansion, the beautifully maintained gardens, and the charming interiors. It's also a popular spot for wedding photography. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally permitted inside Highwic to capture the realistically furnished rooms and historical ambiance. Reddit

While general photography is encouraged, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas, especially during events. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Highwic offers a gentle introduction to history for families. While the focus is on historical preservation, the spacious grounds provide room for children to move around. The self-guided nature of the tours allows families to explore at their own pace, focusing on areas that capture young imaginations. Consider visiting on a day with a special event, as these can be more engaging for children. Reddit

For a more interactive experience, look for any specific family-friendly programming Highwic might offer. The volunteers are often happy to share stories that can be simplified for younger audiences. Combining a visit with a trip to the nearby Westfield Newmarket for lunch or a treat can make for a complete family outing. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Heritage Seekers

Highwic is a must-visit for anyone interested in Auckland's colonial past. The meticulously preserved 1862 gothic mansion provides an authentic glimpse into the lifestyle of early settlers. The detailed furnishings and informative displays offer a rich narrative of the family who resided there, making it an illustrative heritage site. Reddit

Beyond the house itself, the well-maintained grounds add to the historical ambiance. For those seeking deeper engagement, attending special events like historical baking demonstrations or jazz concerts on the lawn offers a unique way to connect with the site's heritage. These events are often cited as highlights, providing a more immersive historical experience. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Instagrammers

Highwic presents a picturesque setting for photographers. The striking gothic architecture of the mansion, combined with the beautifully landscaped gardens, offers a variety of stunning visual compositions. Whether you're capturing architectural details or serene garden scenes, the estate provides ample opportunities for unique shots. Reddit

The interior of Highwic, with its realistically furnished rooms, also offers compelling subjects for photography. The historical ambiance and period details create an evocative atmosphere. Furthermore, Highwic is recognized as a beautiful venue for intimate weddings, highlighting its aesthetic appeal and suitability for capturing special moments. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Auckland's Past

Highwic, built in 1862, stands as a significant heritage building in Auckland, offering a tangible connection to the lives of early settlers. The mansion's gothic architecture is a striking feature, and its interior is furnished to realistically depict the era, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the past. Exploring these rooms provides a unique insight into the domestic life and social history of Auckland during the colonial period. Reddit

The grounds surrounding Highwic are as thoughtfully preserved as the house itself. These manicured gardens offer a tranquil space to wander, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of the time. They also provide a beautiful backdrop for photographs, making the entire estate a visually rich experience. The combination of historical architecture and serene landscaping makes Highwic a compelling destination for those interested in heritage and history. Reddit

Beyond its static display, Highwic comes alive through its special events. From the enchanting jazz concerts held on the lawn to the immersive traditional baking demonstrations, these events offer a dynamic way to engage with the site's history and culture. These occasions are frequently highlighted by visitors as particularly memorable experiences, adding another layer of appeal to a visit. Reddit

Experiencing Highwic: Beyond the Walls

Highwic is more than just a historic house; it's a venue that hosts memorable events. Visitors have raved about attending jazz concerts on the lawn, describing them as a highlight of their Auckland experiences. Reddit These events transform the serene grounds into a vibrant cultural space, offering a unique way to enjoy the setting. The atmosphere created during these concerts is often cited as a reason to return. Reddit

Another highly praised event is the traditional baking demonstration. This offers a delicious and educational insight into historical New Zealand cuisine. Attendees have described the cakes as absolutely delicious and the learning experience as highly valuable. Reddit This hands-on approach to history makes Highwic a destination that engages multiple senses and provides lasting memories, even for visiting family members from abroad. Reddit

The surrounding area of Newmarket also enhances the Highwic experience. Being located across from Westfield Newmarket means visitors have easy access to a wide range of shopping and dining options. Reddit This convenience allows for a well-rounded day out, combining historical exploration with modern amenities, making Highwic a versatile destination for various interests. Reddit

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