So the day started well, we slept through to the alarm going off then sat in bed for a while drinking Coffee and discussing what we are planning to do today when the hotel fire alarm went off, for a little while we assumed it was a test or false alarm but as it didn’t go off we decided it wasn’t so we should probably get dressed and evacuate. As we were walking down the stairs we met with some Australians who had obviously taken the time to pack before evacuating! When we got downstairs there were 2 fire engines and it would seem that smoke had been detected but no fire, my guess is that someone burnt the toast but I could be wrong, anyway it wasn’t too long before we were allowed back in, unfortunately having walked back up the stairs the fire doors were locked on the outside so we couldn’t get back in, so we went back downstairs and found someone that had a key as there was still a long queue for the lift, so it was back to the room, shower, breakfast then set off for the day.
Our first stop was to walk down to the waterfront and look at the buildings, the whole area had a make-over when New Zealand hosted the America’s cup in 1999-2000 and again in 2002-2003. Although it is very nice it has rather lost the heritage and the few old buildings that remain are swamped by the modern ones. From the waterfront we set off for Parnell which is one of the oldest areas of Auckland. As the settlers gained in prosperity they moved up the hill to build their houses and the suburb of Parnell was created. It was established in 1841 and a number of the houses date from this period, the majority are made from wood but a couple made from stone. Parnell is also home to what is thought to be the oldest Auckland house still in its original location which is quite an achievement as the good people of Auckland do seem to like moving buildings. The Deanery was built out of dark volcanic stone from Rangitoto Island which begs the question why they didn’t use volcanic stone from just down the road, I am sure they have their reasons. The new catholic cathedral has been built next to the a wonderful wooden church Saint Mary’s in Holy Trinity which is where Sir Edmond Hilary was buried – the church was originally on the opposite side of the road. Our final stop on Parnell was Ewelme cottage which is only open on Sundays but unfortunately due to staff sickness was actually closed today so we decided to go back to Parnell and have lunch.
Our next challenge was to find Highwic house which was about 20 minutes walk away in Newmarket. This was built by Alfred Buckland who moved to New Zealand aged 21 with his wife, he built a successful business and built this house in 1862, unfortunately his first wife only lived in the house for 2 years as she died of pneumonia aged 41. Buckland married again and his second wife was 20 years old at the time (he was 42) and in total he had 21 children of which all but 2 lived to adulthood, quite remarkable for this era. I think this is my new favourite house as it was very bright with big rooms, but it is funny that the drawing room and veranda were built on the north of the house to make the most of the sun – everything is back to front here! After this we set off back to the hotel taking in the remaining historic buildings including the town hall which now seems to be a theatre but the sign outside did say that council meetings are still held there – they do say politicians are actors! Then it was time to relax before packing as we are on the move tomorrow.