Picture this. You stand before Highwic a grand Carpenter Gothic house. It’s 1862. Alfred Buckland a wealthy colonial settler stands proudly before his new home. Highwic his dream. It sits majestically overlooking Newmarket.
Highwic is more than just a house. It’s a piece of Auckland’s history. Built for the Buckland family it stands as a testament to their success. They were influential figures in Auckland’s development. The Bucklands lived here for over a century. Their lives unfolded within these walls. Their story is woven into the very fabric of Highwic.
Imagine the bustle. Eight children raced through the original eight rooms. More came later. The house grew with the family. Extensions in 1874 1883 and 1884 reflected their increasing prosperity. They added modern amenities like inside bathrooms. These were a luxury at the time.
Highwic wasn’t just a home. It was a place of celebrations. The Duke and Duchess of Kent once graced its rooms. A grand ball raised funds for the New Zealand Blood Foundation. The event made headlines in the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly. Highwic hosted elaborate Christmas celebrations. Imagine the lights on the Norfolk Island pines. The 150th anniversary in 2012 was a year-long event.
Highwic’s story continues. The house has been featured in films and television shows. Musicians have filmed music videos here. It even has a ghostly reputation. Whispers speak of a spectral canine and a ghostly figure in a bedroom.
The Buckland family descendants lived here until 1978. Then the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and Auckland City Council bought it. They saved it from subdivision. Highwic opened its doors as a museum in 1981. Now you can explore it. You can walk the grounds. You can step back in time. Today Highwic remains a testament to the past. It’s a vibrant part of Auckland’s heritage. A must-see destination. Enjoy your visit to Highwic.