A Brief History of Waitakere Estate
DECADES OF DEDICATION
The 1940’s
The estate was first built by Captain J Nevill-Jackson and his family. A retired airline pilot, Captain Nevill-Jackson had been all over the world, had made many friends in many countries and was familiar with some of the world's most beautiful spots.
In 1940, he purchased an initial block of land of around 35 acres (14 hectares). It took three days for Captain Nevill-Jackson to cut his way from Opanuku Road to the location where the hotel is now located. At the time of the Second World War, building materials were in short supply so Captain Nevill-Jackson built his bachelor's pad out of aeroplane packing cases.
The 1950’s
In 1953 Captain Nevill-Jackson married Monica and during the 1950’s had three children, Reg, Hugh and Thelma. During the 1950’s the original bachelor’s pad was substantially added onto to create the family home. Today this Building is the location of the Restaurant, Fantail and Tui conference facilities. During the 1950’s an additional 16 hectares of adjoining land was also purchased giving the 30 Hectares the Hotel is located on today.
The Family home in the 1950’s
Waitakere Resort & Spa in 2020
The 1960’s
In the 1960’s, due to the relatively young age of enforced retirement for airline pilots, at 55, Captain Nevill-Jackson decided to start building some accommodation and some facilities on the property. He started with 3 motel style units, a Squash Court and Swimming Pool.
The Deluxe rooms under construction in 1978
The 1970’s & ‘80’s
Following on from the completion of the above projects in the 1970’s Captain Nevill-Jackson commenced the construction of the large lounge and the 12 hotel rooms attached to the main building. At this time Captain Nevill-Jackson was in his sixties and laid over 10,000 concrete blocks as part of the construction process. His sons, Reg and Hugh spent their weekends pouring concrete floors and assisting with other construction work. The complex was substantially completed in the early 1980's.
A New Millennium & 80 years of ownership
In 2018, in order to be able to accommodate larger groups and to update facilities to current guest requirements, the Squash Court Building was demolished to make way for a new South Wing. Construction of the South Wing commenced in May 2018 and along with a sky walk connecting it to the main Hotel Building, was completed in February 2019.
The South Wing includes 8 Premier Rooms, the Wairua Day Spa, dry sauna and gym facilities. The rooms offer unsurpassed views across the rainforest and out to the Auckland city and the Hauraki Gulf. A visit to the Day Spa will leave you feeling pampered and ready to kick back, relax and enjoy then native birdsong which fills the air around us.
2020 marked the 80th anniversary of Waitakere Resort & Spa being owned by the Nevill-Jackson family.
The Nevill - Jackson Family in the mid 1990’s.
Front row (L-R) Monica & Joseph. Back row (L-R) Reg, Thelma, Hugh.