John Vickers
Homestead Architecture Tours
Woodleigh Farm, R.D. 2, Marton, New Zealand
Phone: 64 6 327 7280 : Email: john@historichomes.co.nz
Website developed by: Snap!
1900 - 1914 was a time of great prosperity for agriculture and New Zealand.
The district had many advantages; favourable climate, good schools, access to railways, established families, a 'polite society' in contrast to the pioneer state of much of New Zealand.
Rural homesteads in the main have survived as the centre of commercial enterprise - they have a continuity not given to their urban counterparts.
The Day Tour:
The day tour is led by John Vickers and looks at aspects of New Zealand history, including settlement, lifestyle and design.
The original Rangitikei Tour held in 1992 was soon followed by similar events in the Hawkes Bay and Wanganui districts.
Typically the day begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m.
The tour was a finalist in the heritage section of the New Zealand Tourism Awards in 1995, and has the support of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
The buildings, while in private ownership, are of key importance to New Zealand heritage.
Historic Homes - Homestead Architecture Tours (1992) with John Vickers:
The Homes:
All homes are privately owned and designed by English Architects between 1880 to 1915 in styles concurrent with international trends. 100 years on they are set in mature grounds, hidden away in the beautiful New Zealand countryside.
Why are they here:
The Rangitikei area was early settled (1850's) and it was the first major area of agriculture land available to settlers.
Conducted in the Rangitikei, the Hawkes Bay and the Wanganui district of New Zealand.
How do I join a Tour?
Check our schedule of confirmed tour dates
(this is constantly being added to) or
Groups of 10 or more may contact us to
arrange alternative dates.
The Tour is not dependent on a season and is available throughout the year.
(Minimum numbers may apply)
Links to other sites of interest: