Beaufords is a wedding and functions venue set within the scenic grounds of Totara Park in South Auckland, built around a stunning 1920s homestead surrounded by lush private gardens. Just two minutes from Auckland's Southern Motorway, it offers a full-service, all-weather setting for weddings, private functions and corporate events.
The homestead itself carries real history: it was originally built for Sir James Gunson, who served five terms as Mayor of Auckland from 1915 to 1925, and was designed in collaboration with the renowned architectural firm Gummer and Ford. Today the property is recognised as a Category A* scheduled historic heritage place, combining timeless charm with modern amenities.
Events at Beaufords benefit from flexible all-weather spaces, including a brand-new all-clear marquee whose transparent walls frame the gardens in every season, and menu options designed to cater to a variety of cultural traditions. With ceremony, reception and dancing all possible in one location, and personalised service throughout, the team aims to make each celebration — from intimate weddings to conferences and birthdays — truly memorable.
Tucked into the scenic grounds of Totara Park in South Auckland, Beaufords is one of those rare venues where history, gardens and genuine hospitality meet. At its heart is a beautiful 1920s homestead — a Category A* scheduled historic heritage place — surrounded by lush private gardens and, more recently, a brand-new all-weather clear marquee. Just two minutes from Auckland's Southern Motorway, it manages to feel a world away while remaining remarkably easy for guests to reach.
Beaufords began life as the homestead of Sir James Gunson, who served five terms as Mayor of Auckland from 1915 to 1925. Gunson owned all of Totara Park, using the surrounding land as farmland — complete with sheep, cattle, horses and dogs — with the homestead as the centrepiece of his estate. The house was designed in collaboration with the renowned architectural firm Gummer and Ford, whose work shaped some of Auckland's most iconic landmarks, including the Auckland Museum, Tamaki Drive and the monument atop One Tree Hill.
In 1947 the property passed to Charles Prevost, a wealthy wool merchant, who along with his wife Yvonne transformed the house into a luxurious holiday retreat. Yvonne became known for hosting glamorous — and often scandalous — parties on the property, adding a touch of intrigue to its story. In 1968, Beaufords was sold to the Manukau City Council, and today it stands recognised as a Category A* scheduled historic heritage place, its classic architecture carefully paired with modern amenities.
What makes Beaufords especially practical as a wedding venue is that everything happens on one site. The team describes the experience as seamless: ceremony, reception and dancing can all take place within the same grounds, so guests never need to travel between locations. The venue accommodates up to 140 guests, making it suitable for everything from large celebrations to more intimate weddings.
The brand-new all-clear marquee is a standout feature. With transparent walls that frame the surrounding gardens, it offers an elegant space that stays comfortable in every season — equally suited to a summer celebration or a winter wedding, with the greenery of Totara Park on full display whatever the weather. On fine days, the private gardens themselves provide a tranquil backdrop for ceremonies, photographs or a quiet moment away from the festivities.
Beaufords has made cultural weddings something of a specialty. Menu options are designed to cater to a variety of cultural traditions, from traditional dishes to familiar favourites, so couples can celebrate in a way that feels authentic to them and their families. It's a thoughtful approach that has made the venue a welcoming choice for Auckland's wonderfully diverse communities.
Beyond weddings, Beaufords is a versatile setting for private functions — birthdays, anniversaries and personal milestones — as well as corporate events and conferences. Flexible event spaces and seamless service make it work for everything from intimate meetings to large-scale corporate gatherings, with the gardens offering a peaceful atmosphere that's hard to find so close to the city.
Enquiries can be made directly through the Beaufords website, and the team offers a booking calendar for viewing the property in person — highly recommended, as the homestead, marquee and gardens each have their own character. Contact is straightforward: phone 022 511 9090 or email [email protected], and you can follow along at @BeaufordsTotaraPark on Instagram.
Whether you're picturing a garden ceremony beneath century-old trees, a marquee reception that glows after dark, or a corporate day with a difference, Beaufords offers a blend of heritage charm, natural beauty and genuine convenience that few Auckland venues can match.