A suburb of contrasts, Parnell stands as Auckland’s oldest suburb. It dates back to the earliest days of European settlement in 1841. Parnell is often billed as Auckland’s oldest suburb.
Did you know Parnell was once known as the Village of Parnell? Robert Tod purchased land here in 1841. He subdivided it into 36 sections. Tod then advertised them for sale as the Village of Parnell.
Early European settlers knew Parnell Road as Manukau Road. This lasted until well after the formation of Khyber Pass Road in 1845. Parnell has a rich history extending back to early settlement.
Before European settlement, Ngāti Whātua-o-Ōrākei occupied Parnell. The Domain was known as Pukekawa. It translates to hill of bitter memories. This refers to battles between Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whatua during the Musket Wars.
Streets in Parnell were named after missionaries to Baghdad. These included Groves, Cronin, and Calman. They were later renamed Eglon, Fox, and Marston Streets.
The Borough of Parnell was established in 1877. It was later amalgamated into Auckland City Council in 1913. Before this, the Parnell Road Board administered the area.
Parnell covers 2.88 square kilometers. The suburb had an estimated population of 7720 as of June 2024. Parnell is one of New Zealand’s most affluent suburbs. It consistently ranks within the top three wealthiest.
Parnell is characterised by tree-lined streets and large estates. There are redeveloped industrial zones with Edwardian townhouses and 1920s bay villas. Its hilly topography provides views of the port. You can see the Waitematā Harbour, Rangitoto Island, and the Auckland Domain.
Parnell Rise and Parnell Road form the main road. Parnell Rise leads to the central business district. Parnell Road runs uphill. It bends and continues towards Newmarket.
Parnell narrowly escaped a high-rise fate. Les Harvey bought and restored old houses and shops. These were converted into restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. This became known as Parnell Village in the 1970s. The balance of Parnell Road soon developed. It now reaches from the edge of the CBD to Newmarket.
Parnell has several notable buildings and landmarks. These include the Swan Hotel and the Parnell Rail Bridge. You can also find the Mayfair Apartments and the Windsor Castle Hotel here.
The Church of St John the Baptist is the oldest Catholic church in the city. Whitby Lodge is one of few surviving colonial dwellings. Hulme Court is the second oldest surviving house in Auckland.
Saint Stephen’s Corner is another highlight of Parnell. The Anglican Cathedral stands at the top of the hill. St Mary’s Cathedral Church is a wooden neo-Gothic structure. Bishopscourt is the residence of the Anglican Bishop of Auckland.
Parnell also boasts beautiful parks. Dove-Myer Robinson Park is commonly known as the Parnell Rose Garden. Judges Bay provides saltwater bathing. St Stephen’s Churchyard is one of Auckland’s oldest cemeteries.
The Parnell Railway Station opened in March 2017. It serves the Western and Southern Lines. The station is near the Mainline Steam Depot. It sits to the west of the Parnell commercial area.
Parnell offers a vibrant blend of history and modernity. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine. Take a stroll. Discover the unique charm of Auckland’s oldest suburb.