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The Anglican Cathedral of Saint Mary鈥檚 in Auckland is thought to be the world鈥檚 largest wooden Gothic construction. The foundation stone was laid in 1886 and although the cathedral was originally designed to be built in stone, during the economic downturn of the late 19th century, this was considered to be too expensive. The Gothic Revival building draws upon the finest elements of medieval design and was the final large project for the eminent local architect Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort. The cathedral was consecrated on August 25, 1898 by Bishop Cowie.

The lengthy building has many striking gables and impressive lancet shaped windows, the lack of trusses due to the nature of the building also makes the interior seem open and very spacious. In 1982 an engineering feat was undertaken when the cathedral in its entirety was transported from its original site on a system of rollers across to the new Holy Trinity Cathedral Complex. Today the Anglican Cathedral of Saint Mary鈥檚 is located together with the Holy Trinity and the Bishop Monteith Visitor鈥檚 Centre. You are free to visit the cathedral from Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm or by prior arrangement, there are also many services held throughout the week.

The Kinder House, located on historic Ayr Street, is one of Auckland鈥檚 oldest and most important buildings. The two-storey residence was built as the home of Reverend John Kinder, who is today recognized as one of the city鈥檚 most important colonial figures. Kinder immigrated to Auckland in 1855 to take up the post of master at the Church of England Grammar School. As well as for his role as a master, Kinder is also noted as one of New Zealand鈥檚 most talented and prolific 19th-century artists. The house was built for Kinder and his family (his mother and sister) in 1857 under commission by the Anglican Church.

When Kinder married in 1859, his wife, Celia, came to live in this stone home as well. The historic residence where he spent many happy years was also the subject of much of Kinder鈥檚 art and photography attempts. Some of his photos have survived 150 years and are important historical documents today. You can also see much of his artwork on display on the ground floor of the historic home.

Ewelme Cottage, one of Auckland鈥檚 oldest remaining buildings, dates from 1863 when it was built for the Rev Vicesimus Lush and his family upon their arrival in the colony. The cottage, which is run by the Historic Places Trust, is a true historical gem since it remained in the Lush family until the 1960s and retains many of the family鈥檚 belongings and furnishings dating back to Victorian times. The architecture of the home is distinctive, given that it is laid out in a manner that was common in medieval Britain 鈥� it is thought that this may have been done to reflect the sombre and pious sensibilities of the time.

One of the highlights of the family鈥檚 possessions is the antique book collection with more than 2000 tomes. The cottage offers a snapshot into life in New Zealand during the first days of the colony 鈥� you will see much of the home preserved as it was in the 19th century, and many cooking, craft, and even beauty items and pharmaceuticals. Rooms of the home were used during the filming of the Oscar-winning film The Piano.

Selwyn Court embodies a unique chapter of New Zealand鈥檚 colonial and ecclesiastical history. Established in 1861 as the first official bishop鈥檚 residence, it became home to Bishop George Selwyn, from whom the complex takes its name. The site was designed in the Gothic Revival style, adapted locally into what became known as Selwyn Gothic, a distinctive timber version of the European style. The original complex included a chapel, a library, a steepled octagonal tower, and the bishop鈥檚 residence, all arranged around a U-shaped courtyard.

The architect, Frederick Thatcher, played a pivotal role in shaping Selwyn Court鈥檚 character. His use of shingled roofs, vertical board-and-batten walls, and Early English-style windows created a striking yet practical design for Auckland鈥檚 conditions. The house, built on a slope, was designed to appear single-storied from the courtyard, while cleverly incorporating private rooms on a stone-walled lower level and reception rooms above. The buildings, connected to the library by offices and corridors, showcase Selwyn鈥檚 structural system of roof supports carried to floor level, creating an effect of internal buttressing most clearly seen in the library鈥檚 exterior.

Over time, Selwyn Court has changed, but its historical character endures. A double-storey verandah was added to the northern side of the house around 1883, while the removal of the chapel altered the original courtyard ensemble. Today, the site remains an important architectural landmark in Parnell, offering visitors a glimpse into New Zealand鈥檚 19th-century ecclesiastical life and its adaptation of European styles to local materials. The Selwyn Court was listed under the Historic Places Act of 1980.

Neligan House is a landmark of New Zealand鈥檚 ecclesiastical heritage and a fine example of early twentieth-century architecture. Built in 1910, it was designed by the architectural firm Bamford and Pierce for Bishop Moore Richard Neligan, the third Anglican Bishop of Auckland. Although Bishop Neligan鈥檚 ill health led to his resignation the same year, and his time in the house was brief, the residence went on to serve as the official home for several Anglican bishops over the next three decades, maintaining its strong ties to the city鈥檚 religious history.

The house stands out for its English Domestic Revival style, part of the broader Arts and Crafts movement. Its distinctive roofline runs east to west, with carefully proportioned gables facing the garden and courtyard. Tall chimneys, a bellcast tiled roof, and finely executed brickwork highlight the craftsmanship that went into its construction. A small chapel sits at right angles to the main structure, its red and buff brick banding adding a touch of decorative contrast, while the main entrance porch, designed in the manner of a traditional lychgate, underscores the building鈥檚 ecclesiastical character.

Today, Neligan House remains a Category 1 historic place and a prominent feature of Parnell鈥檚 heritage landscape. Together with nearby ecclesiastical buildings, it offers visitors a window into the architectural and cultural traditions that shaped Auckland in the early 1900s, making it a rewarding stop for those interested in history, design, and New Zealand鈥檚 Anglican legacy.

The Old Deanery stands as one of the suburb鈥檚 most significant colonial dwellings and a lasting reminder of New Zealand鈥檚 early ecclesiastical history. Built in 1857, it was designed by Frederick Thatcher, an architect celebrated for shaping some of Auckland鈥檚 most enduring Anglican buildings. Originally serving as one of Bishop George Selwyn鈥檚 residences, the house played an important role in church life before Bishopscourt was completed in 1865. Its history and architectural merit have been formally recognised, with the building registered under the Historic Places Act 1980.

The design of the Deanery reflects Thatcher鈥檚 thoughtful use of materials and his skill in domestic architecture. The ground floor was constructed from stone, while the roof gables display a striking vertical board-and-batten finish. This blending of stone and timber gives the building a distinctive character, harmonising strength with elegance. The quality of the stonework is owed to Benjamin Strange, a skilled stonemason who contributed to several notable Auckland homes of the period.

Though minor additions have been made over time, the Old Deanery retains much of its original integrity. It remains a fine example of colonial architecture, showcasing Thatcher鈥檚 ability to balance practicality with aesthetic refinement. For visitors exploring Parnell, the Deanery offers not only a glimpse into 19th-century domestic design but also a deeper connection to the figures who shaped Auckland鈥檚 early church and community life. It continues to stand as a cornerstone of the area鈥檚 architectural and cultural heritage.

Parnell Road and Parnell Rise constitute the main thoroughfare in Parnell, which happens to be one of Auckland's most prosperous suburbs. Parnell Rise extends towards the west, leading to the central business district, while Parnell Road starts at Parnell Rise, ascending through the suburb, taking a nearly 90-degree turn, and continuing towards Newmarket in the southeast. Parnell Road concludes at the intersection of George and Sarawia Streets, where it transforms into Broadway. In the early days of European settlement, Parnell Road was referred to as "Manukau Road," a name that persisted even after the establishment of Khyber Pass Road in 1845.

Parnell offers a diverse array of attractions, from charming shops to emerging bars and restaurants. You can find jewelers, boutique fashion stores, and an impressive selection of galleries all on a single street in Auckland. As the city's original suburb, Parnell boasts a vibrant blend of historical richness and contemporary sophistication. Parnell stands out as a unique destination, where the focus isn't on rushing in and out, but rather on the joy of exploration, the journey itself, and the delightful surprises waiting at every turn.

Saint John the Baptist鈥檚 Church reflects more than 150 years of Catholic worship and community life in Auckland. Opened on 12 May 1861 by Bishop Jean Baptiste Pompallier, the founder of the Catholic Church in New Zealand, it is considered the oldest surviving Catholic church in northern New Zealand. Designed by Edward Mahoney, the building displays a restrained Gothic Revival style with a rectangular nave, tower, and spire. Its light interior and cross-braced roof trusses highlight Mahoney鈥檚 early ecclesiastical work, giving the church significance as both a place of devotion and an architectural landmark.

From the beginning, the church was closely tied to education and charity through the work of the Sisters of Mercy. A small convent built beside the church in 1861 became the Sisters鈥� first branch house in the Auckland Diocese. From here, they ran schools for both fee-paying students and children from poorer families, establishing a lasting role in the city鈥檚 social fabric. The church itself was expanded in 1898, with a private chapel for the nuns designed by Thomas Mahoney, Edward鈥檚 son, and an accomplished architect.

By 1903, the original convent was replaced with a larger two-storey timber building containing reception rooms, a refectory, and living quarters. Over the years, the church interior saw further embellishment, including sanctuary improvements in 1931 and changes following liturgical reforms in the 1960s. Although the convent and school closed in 1964, the convent building survives in a new use, while the church remains active. Visitors today can still experience its enduring role as a place of worship and a site of layered heritage.

Scarborough Reserve is a peaceful 2-acre park that offers visitors a refreshing escape from the bustle of Auckland. With its lush greenery, open lawns, and shady trees, the reserve provides a picturesque setting that appeals to both locals and tourists. Its well-kept paths invite walkers and runners to explore at their own pace, whether enjoying a quiet morning stroll or a more vigorous workout surrounded by nature.

The reserve is especially popular with those looking to combine exercise with relaxation. Its winding trails accommodate different fitness levels, making it suitable for casual walkers as well as dedicated runners. Auckland鈥檚 mild climate ensures the park can be enjoyed year-round, with each season bringing its own charm to the landscape. The calm atmosphere and scenic views create a rejuvenating environment, encouraging visitors to slow down and connect with the natural setting.

More than just a place for exercise, Scarborough Reserve offers a glimpse of everyday life in one of Auckland鈥檚 oldest suburbs. Families, joggers, and dog walkers alike share the space, giving it a welcoming community feel. For tourists exploring Parnell鈥檚 historic character and leafy streets, the reserve provides a perfect spot to pause, unwind, and appreciate the quieter side of Auckland.

Alberon Reserve is a small but inviting green space that offers a quiet retreat from the city鈥檚 energy. Though modest in size, the reserve is rich in atmosphere, with its combination of mature trees, grassy lawns, and winding paths that invite exploration. It serves as one of Parnell鈥檚 hidden corners, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a moment of calm, framed by the suburb鈥檚 heritage character and proximity to Auckland鈥檚 central attractions.

The reserve carries with it a sense of old Auckland charm, reflecting the long-standing tradition of creating community green spaces in the city鈥檚 older neighbourhoods. Towering trees provide shade during the warmer months, while the open lawns make it a suitable spot for informal gatherings, picnics, or simply pausing with a book.

Its location makes the reserve particularly appealing to walkers. A visit here can easily be paired with a wider exploration of Parnell鈥檚 landmarks, such as the nearby historic homes, galleries, and boutique shops that give the area its distinctive character. The park鈥檚 trails offer gentle inclines and leafy surroundings that feel far removed from the bustle of central Auckland, despite being only minutes away.