Highwic's Events

Highwic Spring Workshop Series 2026

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with the Highwic Spring Workshop Series. Immerse yourself in a range of workshops, including Botanical Watercolour Painting with Jennifer Duval-Smith; how to grow a fabulous flower garden with Martin Keay; and a personalised perfume-making class with Sok Studios. These one-day sessions are held across three Saturdays from September to November.

For more information visit What's On or contact Highwic@heritage.org.nz.

To make a booking, contact us or follow the links below

Bookings are essential, book via Eventbrite.

Botanical Watercolour Painting with Jennifer Duval-Smith | Saturday 26 September 2026

Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm

Cost: $170pp

Step back in time and spend a relaxing day exploring botanical watercolour painting at the beautiful heritage setting of Highwic, where art and gardens come together. Through easy nature journaling techniques, you'll learn to observe more closely, draw with confidence and discover the basics of colour mixing and watercolour. Weather permitting, we'll work in the traditional cottage gardens, drawing inspiration from seasonal plants in much the same way botanical artists have done for centuries. Materials are supplied and no experience is necessary, just bring your curiosity and enjoy the day.

Jennifer Duval-Smith is a botanical artist and very experienced teacher based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Previously ‘Friends Visiting Artist’ at Auckland Botanic Gardens, and currently working in residence at the Auckland Wintergardens.

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

How to Grow a Fabulous Flower Garden with Martin Keay | Saturday 10 October 2026

Time: 11am-1pm

Cost: $45pp

Join legendary gardener Martin Keay (Fellow of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture), at Highwic to learn how to grow a fabulous flower garden. Martin is a highly regarded professional gardener and designer with decades of experience working in Auckland. Martin will share his deep knowledge of plant species and selection, soil preparation, and Auckland growing conditions.

This talk will be based in the Highwic garden, followed by a cup of tea in the Billiard House, and a chance to ask questions. A complimentary visit to Highwic house is also included. Join us for a unique and very special opportunity to learn from this master gardener.

Eventbrite Link: https://FabFlowerGardenHighwic.eventbrite.co.nz

Perfume Workshop with Sok Studios | Saturday 14 November 2026

Time: Session 1: 10.30am – 12.30pm | Session 2: 1.30pm -  3.30pm

Cost: $180pp

Sok Studios is an Auckland-based perfume studio founded by Sojenn, built around the idea that fragrance can be more than something we simply wear. Moving away from traditional ideas of what a perfume “should” smell like, Sok Studios approaches scent as a personal language, a way to express who we are, regardless of gender, trends or convention.

For this special Spring Workshop at Highwic, guests will be invited to explore fragrance through the freshness and changing atmosphere of the season. Through a curated selection of scent notes, they’ll learn the foundations of perfume blending and create a fragrance that feels entirely their own.

The workshop will be thoughtfully tailored to Highwic and its unique setting, bringing together scent, memory and the feeling of spring through a hands-on experience.

Two sessions are available for this one-day workshop, one in the morning (10.30am – 12.30pm) and one in the afternoon (1.30pm – 3.30pm).

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

We have a wonderful group of volunteers who work at Highwic on a range of activities such as object conservation, hosting visitors, working in the garden, helping at events, and baking on our coal range once a month. If you are interested in knowing more, please contact us. 

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.