Hurworth, NZ Historic Places Trust

Hurworth Cottage belonged to Taranaki pioneer Harry Atkinson who later became premier of New Zealand. As a young man he sawed the timber for his own house and created the farm, but is better known for being Premier of New Zealand for four terms.

The cottage was donated in 1967 to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and was lovingly and authentically restored to its original size and appearance.

The homestead is surrounded by an attractive garden in a rural setting and contains period furniture and family mementos. Built in 1855 - 1856, the cottage is the only survivor of a settlement called Hurworth, as all the inhabitants had to flee, after burying their valuables, during the New Zealand Wars.