Pompallier is the earliest surviving example of a rammed earth building (pise de terre) and oldest building associated with the history of the Roman Catholic Church in New Zealand. It was built in 1841-42 under the direction of architect Louis Perret, as a printer, tannery and storehouse for the mission as Kororareka.
The building and garden have recently undergone award-winning conservation. In summer, Pompallier operates as a working museum with interpreters demonstrating tanning, leather-work, printing and binding crafts.
