The Arts House Trust

Top choice in Auckland


Housed in a gorgeous 1879 mansion with views to One Tree Hill and the Manukau Harbour, this arts centre is endowed with contemporary NZ art from an extensive private collection, which is changed every four to six weeks. Have lunch on the veranda at the excellent Homestead Cafe and wander among the magnificent trees in the surrounding park. The art is also very accessible, ranging from a life-size skeletal rugby ruck to a vibrant Ziggy Stardust painted on glass.

Bus 305 or 295 (Lynfield) departs every 15 minutes from Queen St – outside the Civic Theatre – and heads to Hillsborough Rd ($5.50, 40 minutes).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Auckland attractions

1. Stardome

0.96 MILES

Near the excellent children’s playground, this observatory offers regular stargazing and planetarium shows that aren’t dependent on Auckland’s fickle…

2. One Tree Hill

1.49 MILES

Maungakiekie was the largest and most spiritually significant Māori pā (fortified village) prior to British arrival. At the top of this volcanic cone (at…

3. Mt Eden

2.51 MILES

From the top of Auckland’s highest volcanic cone (196m), the entire isthmus and both harbours are laid bare. The symmetrical crater (50m deep) is known as…

4. Eden Garden

2.61 MILES

On Mt Eden's rocky eastern slopes, this mature garden is noted for its camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas.

5. Alberton

2.72 MILES

A classic colonial mansion (1863), Alberton featured as a backdrop for some scenes in The Piano. It's a 1km walk from Mt Albert train station.

6. Maungawhau Visitor Experience Centre

2.74 MILES

Opened in late 2019, this excellent visitor centre showcases the geological and Māori cultural history of Maungawhau/Mt Eden. Highlights include an…

7. Highwic

3.01 MILES

A marvellous Carpenter Gothic house (1862), sitting amid lush, landscaped grounds.

8. Auckland Domain

3.67 MILES

Covering about 80 hectares, this green swath contains the Auckland Museum, sports fields, interesting sculpture, formal gardens, wild corners and the…