Unlock Pompallier Mission’s original printing press in a beautiful waterfront setting. This Russell based property is a fascinating step-by-step insight into nineteenth-century printing and bookbinding.
Opening Hours
Early Closing - Thursday 7th December (Cafe, Shop & Guided Tours)
Open 10.00am - 2.00pm. Tours available 10.00am, 11.00 am, 12.00pm and 1.00pm
Daily
10.00am - 5.00pm
Guided Tour Times
10.00am, 11.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm (subject to availability)
French Coffee House Café
10.00am - 3.00pm
Closed Christmas Day (All day), Anzac Day (25 April until 1.00pm)
Entry
Member Free
Adult Guided Tour $20.00
Adult Garden Self-Guided $10
Coffee Croissant and Culture Tour $29.50
Under 18 years Free
* Surcharges may apply for special events
Step back through time at this historic place in Northland. Want to find out more? Click to read more.
Parking
We have a small carpark onsite located at the end of The Strand. There is also free on-street parking in Russell (see parking signs for times). Bus parking is also available nearby in Russell. There is one designated accessible parking space behind Pompallier Mission and Printery (pop into the Café to arrange or call ahead); visitors are also welcome to use the carpark to drop-off and pick-up visitors for easy access.
Accessibility
Pompallier Mission and Printery has a range of buildings on site.
Café
The French Coffee House (housed in Clendon Cottage) is a one-storey building, there is wheelchair access through the heritage store, just ask our staff for assistance or call ahead. There is access for people with wheelchairs to all areas of Clendon cottage and a drop-off point at the back entrance for visitors with limited mobility.
The Printery
The Printery is a two-storey building, there is wheelchair access to the lower level of the printery via a ramp. Unfortunately, there is no access to the upper level.
Grounds
The award-winning heritage garden is accessible by wheelchair. Please note there are shell paths throughout the property.
Food and Drink
Situated in the grounds of Pompallier Mission and Printery, the French Coffee House offers a variety of cabinet food and pastries, along with tea, coffee and other refreshments. Gluten free options available.
This is a smoke and vape free site.
Open daily | 9.00am – 3.00pm.
Garden
Visitors are welcome to enjoy Pompallier’s peaceful beachfront gardens. Landscaped and added to between 1879 – early 1900’s in a Victorian and Edwardian style, it features resplendent lawn, colourful borders, a variety of roses, a fragrant orchard, and a hillside parkland walk with spectacular views and various specimen trees. We don’t want to give away too many secrets before you see it for yourself, but there is even a rare plant (best seen in spring!), and make sure to check out the curved hedge, very unique for it’s time!
The Pompallier gardens have a five-star rating from the New Zealand Gardens Trust.
More info
Children and whānau
Both inside and out, there are plenty of things for kids to do. On tours you can explore the printery and take part in a hands-on demonstration. Outside, there is plenty to discover throughout the heritage garden, you can even walk up the hillside parkland walk!
We have baby change facilities available.
Things to remember
We care for some important taonga (treasures) in our collection and our heritage buildings have lived a long life, so some rooms or items may be off limits at times for conservation and maintenance.
Some rooms may be dimly lit depending on the weather and time of year.
Safe Space
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is proud to be part of the Safe Space Alliance, offering safe and inclusive spaces that welcome and support the LGBTQI+ community.
A safe space is a space where the LGBTQI+ community can freely express themselves without fear. It is a space that doesn’t tolerate violence, bullying, or hate speech towards the LGBTQI+ community.
Venue Hire
With our award-winning gardens and beautiful seaside location in Kororāreka Russell, Pompallier Mission and Printery is the perfect unique setting for your wedding. We can accommodate up to 160 people for ceremony and photography in our glorious grounds. Available for hire year round. Contact us for more info.
Pompallier Mission and Printery is idenitified as a Tohu Whenua heritage site. Tohu Whenua are the places that have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand. Located in stunning landscapes and rich with stories, they offer some of our best heritage experiences. See more on the Tohu Whenua website.
Not sure where to start?
We've created a great Northland heritage adventure to get you started on your heritage journey.
Photo: Darryl Ward
