Nestled deep in the coastal foothills of the Waitākare ranges to the west of Auckland, the McCahon House museum embodies some of Auckland’s most vital historical narratives. It stands now - as it did for the painter Colin McCahon - as a place where art, society, and the natural environment converge. The house retains the hand-tooled additions and innovations made by McCahon himself. As a vibrant example of New Zealand vernacular architecture (a bach), it’s a natural extension of his paintings.

Adjacent to the museum is Parehuia, the McCahon House Artists’ Residency; one of the most prestigious artists’ residencies in New Zealand. Each year, three outstanding professional artists are awarded the opportunity to stay and work in the environment that so inspired McCahon.