Living History

Howick Historical Village is an award winning heritage attraction situated in surrounding Auckland suburb of Howick. This is a living history museum shows the history and life as it was for Auckland’s early settlers in the period 1840-1880. It comprises thirty original buildings set in 7 acres of grounds and gardens. The streets, the pond with ducks and geese, and the village gardens are faithful reconstructions of Victorian fashion, and there’s a cafe with homemade goodies as well.

A costumed guide will introduce you to over 30 European and Maori buildings containing many interesting artefacts and displays. The collection at this fascinating living museum ranges from art to furniture, textiles to archives and aims to show the period of early Auckland life between 1840-1880 and each cottage tells a different story of immigrants who traveled halfway around the world, and of their struggles to build a new life.

Today the museum has an enviable reputation as a popular tourist destination. On the third Sunday of each month (except December) Live Days are held, when the whole village comes to life with costumed volunteers re-enacting daily life in Victorian New Zealand times. On these days the village bustles with a working forge, cooking over open fires, forgotten crafts and activities for the kids.

The museum is a popular destination for a wide range of local activities such as corporate workshops, plays and musical recitals, special family celebrations and weddings. It is open to the public every day of the year (except Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, ANZAC day, and Good Friday) from 10am-4pm.