Highwic's Events

Matariki Exhibition by Māpura Studio Students

On display: Thursday 19 June – Sunday 6 July.

Wednesday - Sunday, 10.30am - 4.30pm (last entry 3.45pm)

Cost: entry to the exhibition in the Alberton ballroom is free. Standard entry fee applies to visit the rest of house.

A diverse range of artworks by students from Māpura Studios will be on display at Alberton when they present their annual exhibition based on what Matariki means to them. Māpura Studios is a non-profit creative space, providing over 300 students with diverse needs, classes in visual arts, creative expression, music and art therapy. Entry to the exhibition in the Alberton Ballroom is free, and standard entry fee applies to view rest of house.

Chess Tournament at Alberton

When: Sunday 20 July, 2pm - 4pm

Cost: Normal entry

Celebrating International Chess Day, players from the Auckland Central Chess Club will be in the Alberton Ballroom competing in a tournament. Visitors are welcome to come see the players in action.

Illustrated Talk: Ferdinand Hochstetter’s 1858-59 visit to Auckland, and his associations with Alfred Buckland. When: Saturday 23 August. Time: 2pm.

Bookings: Please email or call Highwic to book

Join us for an illustrated talk by local historian Bruce Hayward about Austrian geologist Ferdinand Hochstetter.

The diary of his stay in Auckland in early 1859 has recently been discovered, transcribed and translated. Known as the ‘Father of New Zealand geology’, Hochstetter (1829-1884) is best known for his wonderful map of Auckland’s volcanoes.

In addition to his geological, botanical, zoological and ethnological observations, his diary documents the weather, the people he met and the places he went prior to his major expedition on foot through the centre of the North Island.

Alfred Buckland, the owner of Highwic, was among the prominent political and society figures he met at the time. Hochstetter stayed with him on several occasions, and together they undertook a three-day trip on horseback.

Weddings at Highwic often combine many of our unique and charming spaces. The Drawing Room, built in the early 1880s, is a truly elegant space with kauri panelling and an 1890s grand piano that can be played. It is the perfect backdrop for an intimate wedding ceremony or reception seating up to 50 people. The historic Billiard House is a more informal space to make your own. It seats up to 50 people for a formal dinner and can accommodate up to 70 for a cocktail reception.

The Croquet Lawn, surrounded by stunning heritage gardens, is perfect for an outdoor ceremony. For larger weddings, a marquee for up to 100 people can be set up on the Tennis Lawn. There, it is surrounded by beautiful gardens and mature trees. The main house provides the picture-perfect backdrop for your big day.

Highwic’s wedding package includes full access to the historic house and grounds for your guests to explore, Victorian lawn games including croquet and parking for up to 20 cars.

If you would like to visit our stunning venue, send us an enquiry and we can organise a time to show you around the house and grounds.