Hurstmere (288 Hurstmere Road)

The homestead at left was built in 1860 for prominent Auckland businessman and mayor, William John Hurst. The house, called Hurstmere, originally stood on what was known simply as The Drive. It is built of pit sawn heart kauri using handmade nails and originally had a shingle clad roof. When the shingles began to wear, they were covered with the present corrugated iron roofing. The veranda, garage, upper storey, and window awnings were added later. Built early in Auckland’s history, the house predates many of Auckland's historic houses, including the Alberton House, Highwic House, and Ewelme Cottage, all overseen by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

Hurst owned all of the land from Killarney Street to the Wairau Stream. He covered the seaward side of the road with trees, many of which still stand today. This part of his estate, called The Plantation, had a large orchard, pine grove, and native trees. Hurst’s neighbours at the time were John Roberton, the original owner of Earnoch; Rev. Houchen, an Anglican priest; and George Pierce, the general manager of the New Zealand Fire Insurance Company. After Hurst’s death in 1886, his widow subdivided the land twice. The Nicks and O’Neill families bought sections of the land in the early 1900s and became long-term residents in the area.

Cross Minnehaha Avenue and turn to the right.