Heritage Buildings

'Glorat' - The Clarke Family Homestead, c1886

The Clarke Homestead, was home for Dr Clarke and his family, newly arrived from England. Dr Clarke set up his doctor's practice in the main living room of the homestead and also kept a prize Jersey herd on the farm. The barn, milking parlour and out buildings from the original farm can be seen on the property.The homestead and farm was purchased in 1973 to house the region's growing museum collections.


Jane Mander Study, c1908
One of New Zealand's most famous authors Jane Mander, used this turret to write her novels when it was located on the family home 'Pukenui', Hatea Drive, Whangarei


Riponui Pah School, c1898
The school was origianlly situated on a hill top beside the Ngau Pa (Maori village) and opened in 1898. Mr Donald McInnes was the first teacher who taught at the school for 3 days a week. In 1946 the school was moved to Hukerenui School and later became the school library. To mark the centennial of the 1877 Education Act, the Whangarei Branch of the NZ Educational Institute moved the school to its present location.


Oruaiti Chapel, c1859
Believed to be the world's smallest Methodist Chapel, this building was moved to the property from Doubtless Bay, North of Whangarei. The octagonal chapel was built in 1859 from a single kauri log and services are still held here on special occassions.


Whangarei Women's Jail, c1900
Orginally located between Clyde and Cameron Streets in Whangarei

Clarke Homestead


Jane Mander Study


Riponui Pah School


Oruaiti Chapel


Whangarei Woman's Jail