Alberton 1863

Ewelme Cottage reopens Sunday 14 June.

We are delighted to reopen Ewelme Cottage to the public following a restoration project undertaken by Auckland Council contractors.

This much-loved heritage property is has received some well-deserved attention and now features a wonderful new front fence and gate; weather boards and roofing have been replaced and repainted; and work has been done on the chimneys. The interior has also received a deep clean, and the furniture and objects have all come out from storage and put back on display.

A big thank you to the team of staff and volunteers who have worked on the resetting project; to Auckland Council for funding the upgrade work; and to the contractors who did an excellent job and were a pleasure to work with.

Ewelme Cottage is owned by Auckland Council and proudly cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga who own the collection and manage the day-to-day operations of the property.

Ewelme Cottage, 14 Ayr Street, Parnell, Auckland
Entry is $10pp (Free for Heritage NZ Members, and children 17 years and under).

Heritage in the City | Photographs by Blair Hastings
When: Friday 29 May – Sunday 21 June
Cost: Free to view the exhibition, normal entry to the rest of the house

From the picturesque Keeper’s Cottage at Albert Park to hidden details at Britomart, come and enjoy an exhibition of photographs by Blair Hastings featuring historic heritage buildings and places around central Auckland. A great opportunity to learn more about the heritage of our city.

On display in the Alberton Ballroom as part of the Auckland Photography Festival. Presented by the Auckland Council Heritage Unit.

Heritage Eden Neighbourhood Arts Festival of Photography

Congratulations to Tara, who won the $50 Westfield voucher at the Alberton Easter Egg Hunt.

Special thanks to everyone who joined in the fun.

Shades of Alberton

As the days draw to a close the shade from trees in front of the house cast creative images.

It has been a busy summer at Alberton with birthday celebrations, functions, High Teas, weddings, photo shoots, an Easter Egg hunt and visitors from around the world and New Zealand.

This fine bone china dessert service was made by Ridgway Potteries of Shelton, England in 1852. It is one of the items brought to Alberton by Allan Kerr Taylor’s first wife, Martha Meredith (Patty). The complete set can be seen on view at Alberton.

# Collection

The Easter Bunny has been busy at Heritage New Zealand properties Highwic and Alberton, planning where to hide eggs, and coming up with some tricky riddles for you to solve.

Hop on in to see if you can work out the clues; and go in the draw to win a $50 Westfield voucher.

Mother’s Day Tea and Scones at Alberton
When: Sunday 10 May, between 2 pm-330 pm
Cost: $25 per person, bookings essential.
Have a day out with your mother visiting Alberton this Mother’s Day, and enjoy tea and scones on the veranda, or in the elegant ballroom. Cost includes tea, coffee, scones, and entry to the house. Bookings limited. Please book through Eventbrite. https://AlbertonMothersDayTeaAndScones.eventbrite.co.nz

The Middle of Nowhere; Stories from the Manapōuri Hydro Scheme| Talk
When: Saturday 2 May, 1pm
Cost: Normal entry (Free for HNZPT Members, Adults $10, Children free)
Bookings essential: please book through Eventbrite
Join us for a fascinating talk about the political, economic, and environmental history behind the Manapōuri hydro scheme by Dr Rosemary Baird.

Rosemary is a Senior Outreach Advisor for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and has published the book, The Middle of Nowhere; Stories from the Manapōuri Hydro Scheme.

In this talk she will share stories, historical photos and audio clips about the social history of life and work on the project. Expect to hear tales of extreme conditions, danger and colourful characters. The entry price includes a house visit.

Eventbrite link: https://Manapouritalk.eventbrite.co.nz

Historic dance card returns to Alberton after 149 years.

On 20 September 1877 Allan Kerr Taylor hosted the first County or Riding (meaning local area, Whau) Ball held in New Zealand. 250 people attended the event held in the large barn, 60' x 28', at the rear of the farmhouse. Based on the traditional county balls of England. Only one other example of the card is known to exist. This second example of the Dance Card was discovered amongst a box of items sent anonymously to Alberton. Let the celebration and dance(s) begin!

Time for tea at Alberton ☕

Bookings have been going very well for our annual popular High Tea services. The service on 29 March is now sold out, but there are still some seats available for 22 March.

Get in quick!

Bookings via Eventbrite:
https://Albertonhightea2026.eventbrite.co.nz