Couldrey House & Garden

Welcome to Couldrey House & Garden, a hidden gem nestled within the picturesque Wenderholm Regional Park in Waiwera, New Zealand. This historic Victorian-Edwardian family home, surrounded by a stunning garden, is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Conveniently located just a 40-minute drive north of Auckland’s CBD, Couldrey House offers a unique glimpse into the past. As you explore the fully furnished two-storey house, you will be transported to a bygone era, with each room showcasing a mixture of styles that reflect the tastes and interests of its notable past owners. Our friendly volunteer hosts are always ready to provide insightful commentary or allow you to discover the house and grounds at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the stories of the families that once called this house their home, as you listen to audio reminiscences shared by their descendants.

While visiting Couldrey House, take a moment to enjoy the invigorating sea air mingled with the fragrance of fresh flowers that permeate the cottage-style garden. Admire the collection of familiar and lesser-known objects from the past, and revel in the old-world charm of this unexpected historic house.

Stay connected with us by following our Facebook page and Instagram account, where we regularly share news and updates about upcoming events. We are currently planning a range of exciting events for later in the year, and we will keep you informed about dates and details as soon as possible!

Getting to Couldrey House is easy. If you're traveling by car, simply take the Orewa/Waiwera exit (394) from the Northern Motorway (SH1), just before the toll motorway begins. Drive north along the old state highway and enter the park on the right, just north of Waiwera. Alternatively, if you're coming from Puhoi, exit State Highway 1 and Wenderholm Regional Park will be on your left. For those using public transportation, buses run daily from Downtown Auckland to Waiwera, and the park is just a 10-minute walk north across the Waiwera Bridge.

Couldrey House is owned by the Auckland Council, and the museum is managed by The Friends of Couldrey House Charitable Trust. Our vision is to share the stories of this remarkable house and its treasures with visitors, while conserving and maintaining it for future generations. As a voluntary organization, we rely on the support and goodwill of the community for membership and volunteer visitor hosts. If you enjoy interacting with visitors and have a few hours to spare each month, we would love to hear from you. In return, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside like-minded locals, receive complimentary tickets to Couldrey House events, and attend two volunteer thank-you events each year.

For group visits, we offer a half-hour introductory talk by a volunteer host for $10 per person. If you'd like to enhance your experience, we also provide light morning or afternoon tea for an additional $5 per person. We encourage tour groups to visit outside our public opening hours of 1-4 pm whenever possible.

Come and discover the enchanting world of Couldrey House & Garden, where history and nature intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.