Highwic House

Overview

Highwic is an 1862 Gothic Revival timber mansion in Epsom, managed by Heritage New Zealand as a house museum. Its preserved interiors and gardens offer a window into the lives of Auckland's colonial-era elite.

Highlights

• Gothic Architecture: Steeply pitched gables, ornate bargeboards, and pointed-arch windows in native timber.
• Period Interiors: Original furnishings, wallpapers, and personal effects of the Buckland family.
• Gardens: Victorian-era gardens with heritage plantings and a croquet lawn.

History

Built in 1862 for Alfred Buckland, a wealthy pastoralist, Highwic was home to the Buckland family for over a century. The house was extended several times in an increasingly elaborate Gothic style. Heritage New Zealand acquired it in 1978.

Visitor Tips

• Duration: 30–45 minutes.
• Opening: Weekends and public holidays only.
• Combine with: Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill are nearby.