Exploring Monte Cecilia Park and Pah Homestead
Monte Cecilia Park is situated in the Auckland suburb of Hillsborough. Established after 2002, this park is a notable addition to Auckland's green spaces. Adjacent to the park is the historic Pah Homestead, located on a ridge at the park's western end. This area is historically significant, believed to have been the site of Whataroa Pā during the 1600s and 1700s.
Park Features and Attractions
Spanning 15 hectares, Monte Cecilia Park is characterised by its expansive lawns, large exotic trees, and a wetlands area. The park slopes gently downhill from the homestead, with a path encircling its perimeter. From the ridge near the homestead, you can enjoy impressive views of Cornwall Park Maungakiekie, Manukau Harbour, and Māngere Mountain. Notably, the park is home to New Zealand's largest hoop pine and Morton Bay fig trees.
The Pah Homestead enhances the park's appeal with its art gallery, café, and sculpture garden. The café's outdoor seating and the sculpture garden provide a pleasant overlook of the park, making it a popular suburban destination.
Historical Context
In 1844, William Hart acquired much of the land that is now Monte Cecilia Park from the Ngāti Whātua iwi. He built a Regency-style villa, which was later sold to James Williamson in the 1870s. Williamson demolished the villa to construct the current homestead in an Italianate style, inspired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. He also farmed the land and planted many of the exotic trees that remain today.
Changes in Ownership and Development
Before his death in 1888, Williamson was forced to sell much of the land. The Bank of New Zealand took over the remaining property, leasing it to the Anglican church. In 1913, the Sisters of Mercy purchased the homestead, renaming it after Cecilia Mahler, the first of their order to arrive in New Zealand in the 1850s. From 1982, the homestead served as emergency housing for low-income families and immigrants.
In 2002, Auckland City acquired the property to develop it into a park and refurbish the homestead as an art gallery, which is its current use.
How to Get There
To visit the Pah Homestead, you can enter via Delargey Avenue from Hillsborough Road on the park's west side, where ample parking is available. Monte Cecilia Park is also accessible on foot from Herd Road and Mount Albert Road.
Nearby, you can explore other significant parks in central Auckland, such as Ōwairaka / Mt Albert, Maungawhau / Mt Eden, Pukekawa / Auckland Domain, and Western Springs.
