The Sky Tower

Auckland is one of those places that aptly blends old heritage sites with modern architectural wonders. If you’re passing through New Zealand’s biggest city, definitely spend some time admiring the different landmarks all around. To help you get started, here’s a quick walking tour of some of the structural attractions to put on your watch list.
Dating as far back as 1863, Ewelme Cottage was built for Reverent Viscesimus Lush and his family upon their arrival in the young colony. The cottage was inspired by medieval British design conventions and many of the family’s Victorian-period relics prevailed in present times. Ewelme Cottage remained in the Lush family until the 1960s, before becoming a heritage landmark open to the wider public.
Ewelme Cottage, 14 Ayr St, Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand +64 9-524 5729
Ewelme Cottage in Parnell, Auckland | © denisbin/Flickr
At the time it was built, Alberton House was Auckland’s most lavish manor. Initially a two-storey farmhouse, the estate was constructed in 1863 to house Allan Kerr Taylor and his family. In 1872, Alberton was transformed into an 18-room manor with strong Indian architectural motifs. Kerr Taylor’s descendants donated the homestead and its inner furnishings to Heritage New Zealand a century later in 1972. The house, located in Mount Albert, has been open for public viewing ever since.
Alberton – Heritage New Zealand, 100 Mount Albert Rd, Mount Albert, Auckland 1025, New Zealand +64 9-846 7367
Alberton House, Auckland | © Sandy Austin/Wikimedia Commons
Another historic manor within close quarters of downtown. Situated in Newmarket, Highwic House was built in the mid-19th century and features a number of period furnishings, paintings and decorative antiques. The mansion, which served as the home of the Buckland family until the 1960s, was designed in an American Gothic style and received various additions from its conception right up to the 2oth century.
Highwic, Newmarket, 40 Gillies Ave, (entrance off Mortimer Pass), Auckland 1023, New Zealand +64 9-524 5729
Highwic, Mortimer Pass, Newmarket, Auckland | Courtesy of Highwic