heritage wedding venue Aucklandformer Butter Factory
Historic Auckland Wedding Venue
with Over a Century of Heritage
From Waimauku’s historic dairy factory to one of West Auckland’s distinctive wedding and function venues.
Settlers Country Manor is a stunning historic Auckland wedding venue in Waimauku, with a story that stretches back to 1880, when the site became part of Waimauku’s early dairy industry. The Waitemata Co-op Dairy Company began producing butter in a small wooden structure. Later, in 1909, the site was formally established as a dairy factory by the early pioneers of the area. Specialising in butter production, it remained the heart of a thriving farming community until the late 1950s.
Over the decades, the building has served many purposes — from storing World War II aircraft parts to housing an arts and crafts shop. In 1972, the Jack family purchased the property and began carefully restoring it, transforming the once-industrial space into the distinctive heritage venue it is today.
The restored estate retains many of its original architectural features, surrounded by mature grounds, waterways, arched bridges and expansive gardens. Today, Settlers Country Manor hosts weddings, garden ceremonies, elegant receptions, cocktail hours and corporate events, combining historic character with the flexibility of a modern Auckland wedding venue.
The Manor is also home to Game Keepers Restaurant, a standalone Ă la carte dining experience catering to intimate dining and private events.ceremony
The history of the Waimauku Dairy Factory dates back to 1909, when the Waitemata Co-operative Dairy Company took over the area's earlier butter factory. In 1924, a new reinforced concrete building was opened by Gordon Coates, then Minister for Public Works and MP for Kaipara. The factory cost ÂŁ6,600, including ÂŁ2,000 for machinery, and served over 350 farmers from Kaukapakapa to Avondale, with the capacity to produce up to 1,000 tons of butter annually. In 1927, the factory was taken over by the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company, a predecessor of Fonterra - the largest dairy company in New Zealand.
In its early days it was steam driven. Powering the pumps and churns through a setup of belts and shafts. Large amount of coal were supplied by rail adjacent to the factory. Approximately ten years later it was converted to electricity.
After its closure, during World War II, the factory was re-purposed to store aircraft.
From Butter Factory to Iconic Auckland Wedding & Function Estate
The factory has since been used as a brewery, arts and crafts centre, and functions venue, evolving through many eras while retaining its distinctive character. Built from reinforced concrete with a corrugated iron roof, it features original interior timber roof trusses—now a celebrated architectural highlight. The building was designed by Arthur Lewitt Ferneyhough (1872–1936), an English-born architect known for his residential work, who brought both architectural expertise and farming insight to the project.
Over the years, the building was gradually restored and transformed into the distinctive historic Auckland wedding venue you see today. Set on seven acres of mature grounds with flowing waterways, arched bridges and blooming gardens, the property combines heritage architecture with landscaped spaces used for weddings, private events and gatherings. Its timeless character and expansive gardens also provide countless wedding photo opportunities throughout the estate.
Today, Settlers Country Manor hosts wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, elegant receptions and private functions within one character-filled setting. As a long-standing part of the Waimauku community, this West Auckland wedding venue continues to welcome couples and event hosts looking for a heritage wedding venue in Auckland with established gardens, historic architecture and more than a century of local history.
FAQ
How old is Settlers Country Manor?
The story of Settlers Country Manor dates back to 1880, when the site became part of Waimauku’s early dairy industry. In 1909, it was formally established as a dairy factory and has since evolved through many uses before becoming the historic wedding and function venue it is today.
What was Settlers Country Manor originally used for?
The site has its origins in Waimauku’s early dairy industry and became known for butter production. Over the decades, the property served several different purposes, including storage during the World War II era and later an arts and crafts centre, before being restored and transformed into Settlers Country Manor.
Is Settlers Country Manor a historic Auckland wedding venue?
Yes. Settlers Country Manor is a historic Auckland wedding venue located in Waimauku, West Auckland. The restored estate combines heritage architecture and original character with expansive gardens and modern spaces for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions.
Does Settlers Country Manor still retain its original historic features?
Yes. The Manor retains a number of original architectural features, including its distinctive structure and interior timber roof trusses. These heritage elements are now complemented by mature gardens, waterways and arched bridges throughout the estate.
Can we hold our entire wedding at Settlers Country Manor?
Yes. Couples can host their ceremony, cocktail hour, wedding photography and reception all in one location. The combination of historic architecture, expansive gardens and indoor and outdoor spaces allows the wedding day to flow naturally without guests needing to travel between venues.
Where is Settlers Country Manor located?
Settlers Country Manor is located in Waimauku, West Auckland, within easy reach of central Auckland. Its location offers couples the character and space of a countryside wedding venue while remaining conveniently accessible for guests travelling from across Auckland.
Looking for a Wedding or Function Venue?
Wedding Venue Auckland - Settlers Country Manor is a premier Auckland wedding and event venue, located in Waimauku near Kumeū, Auckland, and renowned for its timeless elegance, beautiful gardens and distinctive celebration spaces.
Phone: 09 411 7809
Email: info@settlersmanor.co.nz
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