Rare older houses including the red A.H. Nathan Warehouse and Condiments Factory building on Customs St East in Britomart area of Auckland CBD, New Zealand

Australis House

Australis House Auckland Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to Australis House Auckland

Located within Auckland’s lively Britomart precinct, Australis House is a distinguished symbol of the city’s commercial heritage and architectural elegance. Originally constructed in 1904 as the Entrican Building for leading merchant Andrew Jack Entrican, this Edwardian Baroque landmark has witnessed Auckland’s transformation from a bustling port town to a modern metropolis. Today, Australis House stands proudly restored, seamlessly blending preserved historical features with contemporary city life. Its location amid Britomart’s dynamic retail, dining, and cultural scene makes it an essential stop for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and casual explorers alike.

The building’s public areas are freely accessible during standard business hours, with its upper floors serving as commercial offices. Visitors can enjoy the meticulously restored facades, participate in heritage walking tours, and experience the precinct’s vibrant community events. The restoration, which also included the adjacent A. H. Nathan Warehouse, reflects Auckland’s ongoing commitment to heritage conservation, ensuring that the city’s architectural treasures remain vital parts of urban life (Britomart, NZ Herald, Trendsideas).

For the latest visitor information, including opening hours, accessibility, and upcoming events, consult the Britomart website or explore virtual tours through the Audiala app.

Quick Visitor Information

Location: 62 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, within the Britomart precinct.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (some tenants may have varying hours; weekend access may be limited).
Admission: Free entry to public areas; no tickets required.
Guided Tours: Not routinely offered, but Australis House features on several Britomart heritage walking tours.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible (ground floor), lifts and accessible restrooms available.
Getting There: Steps from Britomart Transport Centre (Auckland’s main train and bus terminal).

History and Heritage Significance

Origins and Early Development

Australis House, originally the Entrican Building, was commissioned in 1904 by A. J. Entrican & Company—a major importer of preserved foods, coffee, and pharmaceuticals. Strategically located on reclaimed land near Auckland’s wharves, the building was at the heart of the city’s trade and export activity. Its robust design included vermin-proof upper floors and a basement for packing dairy exports.

Architectural Features

Designed by architects John Mitchell and Robert Watt, Australis House exemplifies the Edwardian Baroque style with ornate cornices, decorative pilasters, and a balanced window arrangement. The building’s dual facades—facing both Customs Street and Takutai Square—showcase intricate lime plaster sgraffito work, restored using traditional techniques.

Connection with the A. H. Nathan Warehouse

The neighboring A. H. Nathan Warehouse (1903), constructed for another prominent merchant, forms a striking architectural pair with Australis House. Together, these buildings anchor the heritage character of the Britomart precinct. Both were restored and unified in a major redevelopment during the 2010s.

Heritage Status

Australis House is registered as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand, denoting its exceptional cultural and historical value. The A. H. Nathan Warehouse holds Category 2 status. Both buildings were preserved through public advocacy and underwent award-winning restoration in 2016 (NZ Herald).

What to See and Do at Australis House

Admire Heritage Architecture: View the restored facades, original brickwork, and heritage details along Customs Street and Takutai Square.
Explore Retail & Dining: Enjoy boutique shopping and acclaimed eateries on the ground floor and throughout Britomart.
Experience Cultural Events: Attend art installations, heritage festivals, and pop-up markets hosted in the precinct.
Join Heritage Walks: Discover historical context via self-guided or organized walking tours that include Australis House and neighboring landmarks.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Public Transport: The Britomart Transport Centre is adjacent, offering train and bus connections across Auckland.
Parking: Limited; public transport or walking is recommended.
Nearby Sights: Takutai Square, Auckland Ferry Terminal, Queen Street, Auckland Art Gallery, Albert Park, and the vibrant waterfront are all within walking distance.

Restoration and Adaptive Reuse

Project Overview

The 2016 restoration of Australis House and the Nathan Building was a landmark heritage project, revitalizing over 4,000 square meters of historic space. The redevelopment created contiguous office floors above lively retail areas, making the site a benchmark for adaptive reuse in New Zealand (NZ Herald).

Conservation & Modernization

Facade Restoration: Heritage plasterwork and brick facades were meticulously restored, including sgraffito lime plastering on Australis House’s Takutai Square frontage, echoing its original design (Trendsideas).
Interior Features: Original timber beams and columns were retained, with structural upgrades concealed to preserve the heritage aesthetic.
Material Reuse: Salvaged materials from the original building, such as timber and decorative elements, were incorporated into the renovation.
Modern Amenities: New lifts, air conditioning, accessible bathrooms, and sash windows were added, meeting contemporary standards without compromising heritage value (Peddle Thorp).

Integration with Britomart

The restoration was central to Britomart’s $1 billion precinct redevelopment, supporting a vibrant urban environment that honors Auckland’s past while serving current needs.

Facilities and Amenities

Restrooms: Available within the precinct and accessible to all visitors.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi offered by many retailers and cafes.
Seating: Outdoor seating at Takutai Square and in surrounding laneways.

Accessibility

Australis House’s restoration included comprehensive upgrades for accessibility, with step-free entrances, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Ground-floor areas are fully accessible; access to upper floors depends on tenancy arrangements.

Visitor Information and Practical Tips

Best Visiting Times: Weekdays for bustling city life; evenings for illuminated facades and a relaxed atmosphere.
Dress Code: Casual, comfortable clothing recommended; smart-casual for fine dining or boutique shopping.
Weather: Auckland’s weather can change quickly—carry a light jacket or umbrella.
Safety: Britomart is well-patrolled and generally safe. Remain aware of personal belongings, especially during busy periods.

Shopping, Dining, and Events

Australis House and the Britomart precinct offer a curated selection of designer boutiques (including international and local brands), award-winning restaurants, and specialty retailers. Regular events, markets, and art installations bring additional vibrancy, especially in Takutai Square (Britomart events calendar).

Cultural Insights

Respect for Heritage: Avoid touching restored features and observe any posted guidelines.
Language: English is the primary language; basic Māori greetings such as “Kia ora” are appreciated.
Māori Culture: While Australis House itself does not host dedicated Māori experiences, central Auckland offers many opportunities to engage with Māori art and culture (Auckland Visitor Survey).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Australis House?
A: Public areas are open 9:00 AM–5:30 PM weekdays. Weekend hours vary by tenant.

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit?
A: No—entry to public spaces is free.

Q: Is the building accessible?
A: Ground floor is wheelchair accessible; lifts and accessible restrooms are available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Not regularly, but Australis House is featured in Britomart heritage walking tours.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Photography is permitted in public areas and exteriors; some retailers may restrict photography inside.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Takutai Square, Auckland Art Gallery, Sky Tower, Queen Street, Ferry Terminal, and more—all within walking distance.

Map and Visuals

Image credit: Auckland Heritage Trust

Responsible Tourism

Help preserve Australis House and the Britomart precinct by respecting heritage features, supporting local businesses, disposing of waste responsibly, and keeping noise to a minimum, especially during evenings.

Summary and Final Tips

Australis House is a remarkable example of Auckland’s successful integration of historical preservation with modern vibrancy. Its restoration and adaptive reuse, alongside the A. H. Nathan Warehouse, have transformed this corner of the city into a lively hub for retail, dining, and heritage appreciation. With free public access, inclusive facilities, and proximity to major attractions, Australis House is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the story and evolution of Auckland.

For up-to-date information, virtual tours, and event listings, download the Audiala app or visit the Britomart official website. Enjoy your exploration of this living piece of Auckland’s heritage!