Pompallier, NZ Historic Places Trust

Overlooking the breathtaking Bay of Islands and surrounded by an attractive garden, Pompallier is New Zealand's oldest surviving Roman Catholic building.

Built in 1841-42 Pompallier was used as a printery, tannery and storehouse for the French Marist mission in Kororareka (now known as Russell). The buildings were sold in 1856 and continued as a tannery before becoming a private home.

Pompallier has undergone extensive award-winning conservation work and is now a working museum where past methods of tanning, printing and bookbinding can be seen.