The House With The Golden Eyes

Hinemihi was the famous building at Te Wairoa in which many sheltered in the dark frightening hours of the eruption.

It was often called ‘Hinemihi of the Golden Eyes’, which tourists paid a shilling to view and where golden sovereigns took the place of paua shell in the eyes of the carvings. 

Hinemihi meeting house at Te Wairoa prior to 1886 eruption.
For some time after the terrible event Hinemihi stood forlornly, deep in hardened mud, deserted like the rest of the valley of Te Wairoa. 

In 1891 the new Governor General of the time was looking to purchase some Maori carvings and it is understood that he purchased the building for 25 pounds.

Shipped to England it was re assembled in Earl Onslow’s grounds at Clandon Park , Surrey where it remains today.

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