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Fringed by the magnificent Waitemata (“sparkling waters”) Harbour and the 136 hectare Domain, Parnell is Auckland’s oldest suburb. It has a vibrant history best evidenced by its distinctive collection of stone and timber historic buildings, as remarkable as any in the country. Several of these were built for the Church of England in Victorian Gothic style, from the collaboration between Bishop Selwyn and the illustrious architect, Frederick Thatcher. Parnell had been chosen by Bishop Selwyn to be the focus of the Church in New Zealand and as early as 1842 he had selected the site for its future cathedral. In 1857 he established the recently restored Deanery in St. Stephens Avenue and a few years later a group of outstanding wooden buildings now known as Selwyn Library and Bishopscourt, was built further up the Avenue. Across the street is the imposing Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, a unique blend of gothic and Pacific styles. The central stained glass window features a Polynesian Christ and striking Pacific motifs. The cathedral regularly hosts concerts and recitals throughout the year. Next door is St. Mary’s Church built between 1886 and 1897 and widely regarded as one of the finest wooden churches in New Zealand.
Examples of early colonial houses along with spirited designs in the classical and Arts and Crafts styles are to be found dotted through-out the neighbourhood, and together with the charming colonial-style shops and funky cafes and restaurants, they have made Parnell Village one of Auckland’s most popular attractions. The atmosphere and character of the Village make it a fascinating shopping spot for those in search of something unusual. Many of the smaller boutique shops specialise in locally made arts and crafts, with items ranging from designer jewellery and clothing to paintings and sculpture. At the top end of Parnell Road is Newmarket, one of Auckland’s fastest growing shopping areas with its wide range of stores offering everything from fashion accessories to the latest in home furnishings. Newmarket also has a number of movie theatres, a public swimming and fitness center and many cafes. Auckland Domain is the city’s oldest park and one of its most popular. It has a mix of formal gardens, statuary and expansive green clearings edged by century-old trees. Features for visitors include the outstanding fernery and Winter Garden with its giant palms, lush plants and brightly coloured blooms found in tropical conservatories.
The Auckland Museum set in the midst of the Domain is an impressive neo-classical building and one of Auckland’s main attractions. The Museum, which has recently undergone a $43 million refurbishment, is internationally renowned for its collection of Maori and Pacific Island artefacts. In the natural history galleries, special habitats have been recently created to display flora and fauna, including glow-worm caves, a rock pool with crabs and a giant, three-storey high kauri tree. There is also a permanent exhibition ‘Scars on the Heart’, which revisits New Zealand at war. Maori culture displays at the Museum take place twice daily. A
few minutes walk from Below the gardens lies Judges Bay, which was home to many of Auckland’s wealthy early settlers, and the popular salt-water Parnell Baths. This is also an ideal point to set off on a walk or cycle along the city’s scenic waterfront. Photos used with kind permission from Auckland Tourism |
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ST STEPHENS AVENUE, PARNELL, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
TELEPHONE: 64 9 309-7788 FAX: 64 9 377-9600 |
Villa Hotel is ideally located for both the corporate and leisure
markets, being no more than a 5 minute drive from the CBD of Auckland,
New Zealand’s gateway city and within easy walking distance of Parnell
Village and many of the city’s most popular attractions, such as the
Auckland Domain and Museum, and the Parnell Rose Gardens.
