PBC Gisborne

A must visit in Gisborne is the cafe in the Poverty Bay Club. This impressive Club was built in 1898 for the local gentlemens club. Today it houses a variety of small boutiques and an excellent cafe.
Visit date: 31 March 2017

Woodlands Historic Homestead, Gordonton

This beautiful kauri homestead was built in the 1870's. Today it is just a showplace, but originally this homestead was the birthplace of the Anchor brand.
We explored the beautiful gardens and had lunch at what I assume was the cricket pavilion, adjacent to the 19th century cricket oval.
Visit date: 28 October 2016

White Hart, New Plymouth

The White Hart Hotel was built in 1886, and the iconic life-size white hart was added in 1901.Although no longer a hotel the stunning exterior has been preserved, and we were able to eat in the excellent cafe which makes use of the original courtyard. The Public Catering Company has made this an appealing space, and their food makes it definitely worth a visit.
Visit date: 24 September 2016

Pah Homestead, Auckland

The Pah Homestead was completed in 1879. At the time, it was on a large farm in the countryside outside Auckland - today known as Hillsborough. It was the largest house in the Auckland area  at the time. Today it is still very impressive, still surrounded by large park-like grounds and is currently an art gallery. The cafe offers excellent food and if you visit on a lovely day, take the opportunity to dine on the large veranda.
Visit date: 26 July 2016

Parnell, Auckland

There are many fine old Victorian buildings in the inner suburbs of Auckland. We spent an afternoon in Parnell, enjoying a walk that took in many of the streets that still have their original old houses. To complete the day, we stayed overnight in a "Motel" in one of these old properties. Sadly, it has been extensively changed inside, and the term 'motel' was really overstating the accommodation!
Visit date: 25 July 2016