Ruatuna

25/04/2026

A big thank you to all the very interesting and interested people who visited Ruatuna today. We hope you enjoyed your time at the property as much as we enjoyed having you and telling you some of the amazing stories of the people who lived here.

Sorry there are no images to go with this post, but we were so busy, we forgot to get the camera out!

Thank you again from the team at Ruatuna.

23/04/2026

The team at Ruatuna last week building a post and rail fence around what we now call "the Anzac trough". Built in April 1941, the inscription around the rim records that when it was built the Anzacs were fighting Hi**er in Greece.

Ruatuna will be open for visitors from 10am- 2.30pm on Saturday, Anzac Day.

17/04/2026

William Coates of Ruatuna went to WW1 as a Sergeant in the Mounted Rifles. After service at Gallipoli, he fought in the desert with the rest of the Rifles after other regiments were sent to the Western Front. With a background in engineering, he saw that flying was where the future lay so managed to be seconded to the Royal Flying Corps. Learning to fly in Egypt, he was sent to England and then to France. Alas, he was shot down and posted missing and then dead after three weeks of action as a 'scout'.

On Anzac Day we will be commemorating William and his more famous brother, Gordon, who was twice decorated in WW1 and later became 21st Prime Minister of NZ.

Ruatuna will be open 10am - 2.30pm on Anzac Day. Adults $10pp.

Some of William and Gordon's W memorabilia will be on display. Learn more of their stories and WW1 contribution and see the homestead and farm where they spent their early years.

For more information, ph. 027 238 3510

The photo is of William in his flying gear at his training base in England

06/04/2026

Due to the weather conditions forecast for the next few days, the RUATUNA GAMES DAY has been cancelled. Thank you for your interest.

29/03/2026

24/03/2026

This simple, homemade board used in the card game cribbage is one of the items in the Ruatuna collection. Belonging to Gordon Coates it has his signature on one side. This plain piece of wood would have been part of the family's entertainment during long evenings before the advent of electricity and modern digital devices, when families amused themselves playing games, music and writing letters.

In April, during the school holidays, we will be holding an old fashioned games day for children aged 5 - 12 years with both indoor and outdoor activities. More info coming soon!

13/03/2026

Taking tea and eating outdoors was a part of everyday life at Ruatuna. Here is the table set for tea under the grape arbour in 1914. Hopefully the sun will be shining like this for our visitors coming for tea and cake tomorrow!

12/03/2026

Cup and saucer, part of a Shelley fine bone china (UK) teaset in the Ruatuna Collection. This is the Queen Anne shape, beautiful to look at but not very practical to drink from!

10/03/2026

Dr Tracey Wedge, Textile Conservator, unboxing one of Eleanor's silk ensembles ready for display during our open hours this Saturday 14 March.

04/03/2026

This is Eleanor Aickin prior to her marriage to Edward Coates in 1877. Edward built Ruatuna Homestead in preparation for their marriage. Eleanor was Irish having come from Dublin with her family as a child.

Come and join us at Ruatuna on Saturday 14 March to learn more of Eleanor's story . There will be tours of the homestead followed by tea and cake on the verandah. Tours start at 10.30am and 1pm and are limited to a maximum of ten persons. Two of Eleanor's silk ensembles from the early 1870s will be on display

Descended from Dr John Patten, surgeon to Captain Cook on HMS Resolution on Cook's second voyage, Eleanor was also cousin to Sir Roger Casement, Irish diplomat and humanitarian. Casement was executed for treason in WWI for seeking German aid for an Irish uprising but is now regarded as an Irish hero.

Cost: $20pp Phone/text 027 238 3510 to book a slot