The couple had four children together, however the marriage ended and in 1853 Moore emigrated to New Zealand alone, purchasing what would become Glenmark Estate in the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury, with funds from his ex-wife's family.
She bought the Karewa homestead and property in Fendalton Road from the Waymouth family, and renamed it Mona Vale after her childhood home in Tasmania.
[2][5] Townend donated land from the former Glenmark Estate to the Waipara community and funded the construction of St Paul's Church, a 12-room vicarage, and space for a cemetery in memory of her late father.
She lived there for a time before having the house moved by traction engine to Macmillan Avenue in the Cashmere Hills, where she renamed it Glenhome.
[6] In her will she left gifts to servants, family members and charities including the Salvation Army, Barnardo's and Nurse Maude.