Last updated July 2026
Couldrey House is a mid-19th century historic homestead located in Wenderholm Regional Park, approximately 40 minutes north of Auckland’s CBD near Waiwera and the Puhoi River. The two-storey Victorian-Edwardian home features nine furnished rooms open to visitors, with volunteer hosts and audio recordings of family reminiscences. It stands as one of the few intact colonial homesteads in the Auckland region available for public viewing as a museum. The house sits in a cottage garden between Wenderholm Beach and the Puhoi River, allowing easy combination with park activities.
Practical Information
| Location | Wenderholm Regional Park, 37 Schischka Road, Waiwera |
| Hours | Weekends 1pm–4pm year-round; weekdays 1pm–4pm from 26 December to Easter Monday; public holidays 1pm–4pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday). Check couldreyhouse.org.nz for updates and school holiday openings. |
| Entry — Adults | $7 |
| Entry — Under 16 | Free (accompanied by an adult) |
| Getting there | Drive north on SH1, take the Orewa/Waiwera exit, then enter the park just north of Waiwera. The house is within the park grounds. |
| Website | couldreyhouse.org.nz |
| Accessibility | Limited due to steps at entrances and two storeys; not fully wheelchair accessible. |
About Couldrey House
Couldrey House was originally built in 1857 by Robert Graham as a holiday home named Wenderholm on land he had settled in the 1840s. Graham, a politician, entrepreneur, and founder of the nearby Waiwera Hot Springs, had the kauri cottage moved and expanded over time. The property passed through several owners, including Major John Whitney who doubled its size, Annabella Mary Geddes, Captain Thomas Caradoc Kerry, and finally H.W. ‘Tim’ Couldrey and his family from 1940.
The Couldrey family restored the house in the late 1950s, giving it its current Victorian-Edwardian character with period furnishings reflecting successive eras of occupation. The Auckland Regional Authority purchased the surrounding land in 1965 to create Auckland’s first regional park, with the Couldreys remaining in the house until 1973. Three rooms opened to the public in 1980, expanding to the full nine-room display shortly after. The Friends of Couldrey House Charitable Trust has managed the museum since 1990 under a licence from Auckland Council.
The house has notable historical associations, including a 1953 visit by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to the property (at a beach bungalow on the site). Other visitors over the decades included Vivien Leigh and various dignitaries. It retains protected heritage status and offers insight into colonial farming and coastal life in the Auckland region.
The Visit Experience
Nine rooms are furnished with period items spanning the house’s history, allowing visitors to explore domestic life from the mid-19th century onward. Volunteer hosts provide optional guided commentary, while self-guided visits are also welcomed. Audio recordings featuring direct reminiscences from descendants of past families add a personal layer uncommon in many heritage sites.
The setting within Wenderholm Regional Park enhances the visit. The house lies a short walk from Wenderholm Beach and the Puhoi River through pohutukawa glades, making it straightforward to combine a house tour with beach time, picnics, or short walks such as the Couldrey House Lookout Track. The park itself offers bush walks, native birdlife, and estuary views.
What Visitors Often Say
The audio recordings from descendants stand out as a highlight, providing personal stories that bring the history to life beyond standard labels. Many appreciate the volunteer hosts’ knowledge and the chance to explore at their own pace.
Visitors frequently recommend combining the house with a walk on the nearby beach or through the park grounds. The well-maintained rooms and garden setting create a peaceful, authentic heritage experience suitable for a relaxed half-day outing from Auckland.
Where to Learn More
Couldrey House Official Website: Current opening hours, admission details, full history, and booking information for group visits.
Auckland Council — Wenderholm Regional Park: Park facilities, maps, tracks, and access information including parking and beach details.
Wikipedia — Couldrey House: Detailed timeline of ownership, renovations, and notable visitors with references to primary sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Couldrey House?
Adults pay $7. Children under 16 enter free when accompanied by an adult. Friends of Couldrey House members also enter free. Cash and card payments are accepted.
When is Couldrey House open?
It opens weekends 1pm–4pm year-round and weekdays 1pm–4pm from 26 December to Easter Monday, plus most public holidays except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Selected school holidays may have extra openings. Always confirm on the official website before travelling.
How do I get to Couldrey House?
Drive north from Auckland on SH1 and take the Orewa/Waiwera exit. Enter Wenderholm Regional Park just north of Waiwera on the old state highway. The house is inside the park, a short distance from the main entrance.
Is Couldrey House suitable for children?
Yes. Entry is free for under-16s, and the park setting with beach and river access makes it a good family outing. The house visit pairs well with outdoor time in the regional park.
Is Couldrey House wheelchair accessible?
Access is limited. The historic building has steps at each entrance and is two storeys, so it is not fully accessible for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Can I visit Couldrey House as part of a group or school trip?
Private group and school visits are welcome most days by arrangement. Contact in**@***************rg.nz for details and pricing, which includes an introductory talk option.
Who manages Couldrey House?
Auckland Council owns the property. The Friends of Couldrey House Charitable Trust manages the museum and volunteer programme under a licence agreement since 1990.
Are there other activities nearby?
Wenderholm Regional Park offers beach access, picnic areas, bush walks including the Couldrey House Lookout Track, and estuary views. The house visit combines easily with these park features.
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