Ruatuna, the Coates family home at the northern end of the Kaipara Habour, is a lasting tribute to Gordon Coates. Once labelled the ‘Jazz Premier’ in reference to his genial progressivism and breezy manner, Aotearoa New Zealand’s prime minister of the mid 1920s, was also a man of real substance, born to a pioneering Northland farming family and raised on an isolated rural property to be industrious, practical and self-reliant
Ruatuna is open by appointment only.
Opening Hours
Ruatuna is open by appointment only.
Entry
Member Free
Adult $10.00
Under 18 years Free
Groups Guided group tours are available if booked in advance. Please contact us for more information.
* 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
Accessibility
Ruatuna is a one-storey building with some single steps and uneven surfaces.
Please note wheelchair users may find it difficult to move within the house because of the width of the doorframes and the narrow passages. Our visitor hosts can share the history of Ruatuna with you from the front veranda.
There is a drop-off point at the entrance for visitors with limited mobility.
Food and Drink
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic with them to enjoy in our grounds. Please take all food and rubbish with you. There is a local café located at the Kauri Museum which is just a 7-minute drive (6.3km) from Ruatuna.
This is a smoke and vape free site.
More info
Children and whānau
Both inside and out, there are things for kids to do. Inside you can explore the house can you figure out how the family used to play their music in the parlour? Outside, there is plenty of space to stretch legs.
Please note Ruatuna is a small rural homestead located on a working farm, please ensure children are supervised at all times.
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 in the house 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 Spaces
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is proud to be part of the Safe Spaces 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.
Ngā Kōrero
Stories
Photo: Kris Pfeiffer
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We've created a great Northland heritage adventure to get you started on your heritage journey.
Photo: Darryl Ward
