Couldrey House & Garden
Couldrey House & Garden
4.5
About
Couldrey House is an Historic House Museum set in a beautiful Garden within Wenderholm Regional Park. A mere 40-minute drive north of Auckland's CBD, this gracious Victorian-Edwardian home sits between Wenderholm Beach and the Puhoi river; each a few minutes walk away through pohutukawa glades. This charming two storey home has nine rooms on display, fully furnished in a mixture of styles reflecting the eras and preoccupations of some notable past owners. Visitors are warmly welcomed by one of our Volunteer Hosts, who may provide commentary or alternatively leave you to discover the House and grounds at your leisure. Throughout the House there are audio reminiscences about the families that lived here, direct from their descendants. Enjoy some sea air mixed with the fragrance of fresh flowers from the Garden. Open Saturdays, Sundays and most public holidays 1-4pm year round + weekdays 1-4pm between Boxing Day and Easter Monday.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
22 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
David J
Tauranga, New Zealand2 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Beautiful historic homestead, packed with fascinating memorabilia. A real gem. Set in amazing surroundings, a must see if you are in the area. Highly recommended!
Written 7 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you DavidJ7338 for your lovely comments. We agree that Couldrey House is a real gem! The gorgeous Garden and adjacent beach certainly offer a spectacular setting that can be enjoyed before or after visiting the House.
We sincerely appreciate your "highly recommended" and hope to see you again one day soon.
Best wishes
Teresa
Written 9 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ron
1 contribution
Apr. 2021
Last week we went to Couldrey House with a group of 34 members of The Rebus Club of Mt. Hobson we where treated to a wonderful visit including morning tea, an interesting talk by one of the Trustee's on the history of the house and the area,a walk around the beautiful grounds gardens and beach.The staff were fantastic and made the day. After we all climbed back in the coach to the Puhoi Pub for lunch which finished off a great day. We recommend this day to all larger groups
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Guzzini1 for your very kind review.
We were delighted to host The Rebus Club of Mt. Hobson and are so pleased that your visit to Couldrey House & Garden was enjoyed by your members.
We hope to see you with another group from the Club very soon!
Best regards
Teresa
Written 9 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Omar G
3 contributions
Mar. 2021
We got married here in March 2021 and absolutely loved it. Perfect location in Wenderholm regional park, with a lovely setting among native bush. Teresa was very helpful and easy to work with, making the whole day perfect and without stress. We have approximately 45 guests and it worked perfectly. The perfect day! Thank you
Written 16 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely words Omar. It was our absolute pleasure to be part of your special day and we are so pleased that everything was perfect! We wish you and Laura every happiness for your future lives together. Warm regards, Teresa.
Written 18 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
67arda
North Shore, New Zealand161 contributions
Nov. 2020
such a treat to visit here with our bunch of girl guides - they totally appreciated the times gone by, and in awe of the beauty - toys furniture, crockery.... such a gem for all to treasure and appreciate and the gardens were a treat too - gorgeously presented,, in this stunning park
Written 29 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review! The House is a real treasure trove and we are so glad the girls enjoyed visiting. The Garden is lovingly tended by Marian and I will pass your comments on to her.
We hope to see you again with another group of girl guides.
Written 4 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PPSAuckland
Auckland, New Zealand62 contributions
Jul. 2020 • Couples
This is a lovely old homestead in original condition with furniture from the era.
I loved seeing the original crockery set out on the long table and the toys in the child’s bedroom.
There is a lot of information readily available or buttons to push if you want to to hear the audio version.
Afterwards a walk along the beach is a great way to end the visit with a range of birds including fan tails hopping close by.
Would be a great spot in summer too to bring along a picnic with you.
I loved seeing the original crockery set out on the long table and the toys in the child’s bedroom.
There is a lot of information readily available or buttons to push if you want to to hear the audio version.
Afterwards a walk along the beach is a great way to end the visit with a range of birds including fan tails hopping close by.
Would be a great spot in summer too to bring along a picnic with you.
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you PPSAuckland for your very kind review. The crockery set is fabulous and a joy to display! We do have lots of information available, which we try to share in a variety of ways. Glad the fantails paid you a visit. We are blessed to have so many birds in residence who are very friendly, especially when they spot a picnic! We hope to see you again in summer.
Written 14 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
randlgimblett
Auckland, New Zealand1 contribution
Feb. 2020
Couldrey House has a fascinating history and is well presented with attractive gardens surrounded by bush. Set in the Wenderholm Regional Park it is adjacent to a glorious beach. Well worth a visit.
Written 3 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your review. We agree, Couldrey House does have a fascinating history and is well worth a visit! A tour of the house combined with one of the scenic Wenderholm walks or a stroll along the beautiful beach certainly makes for an enjoyable day out. We hope to see you again.
Written 8 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
111shiwa
Auckland, New Zealand31 contributions
Jun. 2020
Really enjoyed this lovely historic house. Full of character and history. Very well run by the trust and only $5 to enter. The grounds are beautiful as is the Wenderholm national Park it is set in.
Written 20 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am so glad you enjoyed your visit to Couldrey House & Garden. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful group of people dedicated to caring for the house and garden, and sharing the history of Couldrey House. I will pass your comments on to them! Many thanks for your lovely review.
Written 8 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Albywon
Sydney, Australia11,830 contributions
Feb. 2019 • Couples
A real throwback in time to early New Zealand. Lovely home in what is now a beautiful Regional Park North of Auckland. Entry is nominal (NZ$5 if I remember correctly) but definitely worth it.
Written 17 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wonderful to hear you enjoyed your time at Couldrey House! Our entry fee for Adults is $5 and children under 16 are free. Thank you again for your review!
Written 19 April 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NZHistorianTraveller
Auckland, New Zealand100 contributions
Oct. 2018 • Couples
Today we visited Couldrey House in the Wenderholm Regional Park which was about a 40 minute drive from Takapuna for us. It has been advertised recently as part of the 2018 Auckland Heritage Festival for this month although the house and garden is open throughout the year.
This was totally fascinating historically for us as New Zealanders, with a unique insight into NZ colonial history and more modern times. Although we have visited this park over the years for walks, views and picnics, we had no concept of the history of this ‘Park’, the Couldrey estate and its six owners.
Today we learned that it was built in 1857 by a Scottish man Robert Graham an entrepreneur who had visions of developing the thermal waters of Waiwera into a health spa. An early NZ governor Sir George Grey was a friend of Grahams who most likely stayed at the house and influenced the selection of trees around Wenderholm including Moreton Bay fig, magnolia etc. The azalea in the garden we saw today was beautiful!
The most recent owners were Tim Couldrey and Phyllis (d.1955) and their daughter Carolyn and his second wife Brenda (of the Edmonds baking powder fame). While the house is in trust ownership, their daughter, Carolyn, is compassionate about sharing the history of the house. The day we visited she described the architectural history of the home: how part of a chapel had been shipped from another area and incorporated into the house; the personal experiences of the transition from outhouses to indoor living and other stories. The Couldrey family also hosted Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in December 1953 and their daughter remembers vividly details of that visit.
Thank you so much for sharing and we will return another time to listen in depth to the audio recordings of previous residents.
Highly recommended for visitors and kiwis.
This was totally fascinating historically for us as New Zealanders, with a unique insight into NZ colonial history and more modern times. Although we have visited this park over the years for walks, views and picnics, we had no concept of the history of this ‘Park’, the Couldrey estate and its six owners.
Today we learned that it was built in 1857 by a Scottish man Robert Graham an entrepreneur who had visions of developing the thermal waters of Waiwera into a health spa. An early NZ governor Sir George Grey was a friend of Grahams who most likely stayed at the house and influenced the selection of trees around Wenderholm including Moreton Bay fig, magnolia etc. The azalea in the garden we saw today was beautiful!
The most recent owners were Tim Couldrey and Phyllis (d.1955) and their daughter Carolyn and his second wife Brenda (of the Edmonds baking powder fame). While the house is in trust ownership, their daughter, Carolyn, is compassionate about sharing the history of the house. The day we visited she described the architectural history of the home: how part of a chapel had been shipped from another area and incorporated into the house; the personal experiences of the transition from outhouses to indoor living and other stories. The Couldrey family also hosted Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in December 1953 and their daughter remembers vividly details of that visit.
Thank you so much for sharing and we will return another time to listen in depth to the audio recordings of previous residents.
Highly recommended for visitors and kiwis.
Written 10 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so very much for your wonderful and informative review! We're so glad you visited and welcome you to come again. It's fabulous for us to meet visitors who have such a vivid and genuine interest in NZ social history and we're thrilled you enjoyed your time at Couldrey House. Carolyn is often at the House and I will pass on this review to her also :)
Written 11 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nina M
Wellington, New Zealand5 contributions
Aug. 2018 • Solo
Fascinating historic homestead - beautiful furniture, art and ceramics - well worth a visit. Set in lovely grounds close to the beach.
Written 6 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review Nina, we look forward to seeing you at Couldrey House again soon :)
Written 7 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Claim your listingCouldrey House & Garden: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Couldrey House & Garden
- Couldrey House & Garden is open:
- Sat - Sun 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Hotels near Couldrey House & Garden:
- (12.78 km) Whangaparaoa Lodge
- (8.19 km) Red Beach TOP 10
- (15.82 km) Riverside Matakana
- (1.61 km) Waiwera Estuary Escape - Waiwera Accommodation, WAIWERA
- (1.75 km) Absolute Beachfront Holiday Home!
- Restaurants near Couldrey House & Garden:
- (6.71 km) Ship & Anchor
- (6.67 km) Cheek and Chong
- (13.44 km) Brick Bay Glass House Kitchen
- (6.71 km) Dear Coasties
- (6.69 km) Oliver's Cafe