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Howick Historical Village
Auckland
Every third Sunday of the month (except December), the village holds 'Live Days', where actors dress up in period costume and go about the daily business of the Fencible families.
Step back to the 19th century and explore this fascinating recreation of a colonial village. Walk amongst costumed 'villagers' and experience how Howick used to be.
All the buildings in Howick Historical Village are original dwellings, moved timber-by-timber to the present site, where the settlement looks pretty much how it would have done back in the 1850s. It was founded by retired British soldiers - known as the 'Fencibles', sent here with their families to defend Howick against French usurpation, and were responsible for turning Howick into the thriving community it still is today.
The village has been painstakingly recreated in every detail, from the writing on the blackboard in the School House to the layout of the pathways linking the houses. Visitors can enter each dwelling and get a very real sense of how the Fencibles used to live.
The church is a working building, popular for weddings and naming ceremonies, and the whole village can even be hired for special events, and features regularly as a backdrop for fashion shoots and historical documentaries and dramas.
The only concession to modern life, is the Homestead Cafe, serving hot and cold drinks, beer and wine, and a menu of heartwarming food totally in keeping with the village atmosphere. So, expect plenty of stews, soups and hot crusty bread!
Opening Times:
Howick Historical Village is open seven days a week from 10.00am, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day. Last admission is at 4.00pm.
Opening hours:
Monday - 10am–4pm
Tuesday - 10am–4pm
Wednesday - 10am–4pm
Thursday - 10am–4pm
Friday - 10am–4pm
Saturday - 10am–4pm
Sunday - 10am–4pm
Budget
- Moderately Priced
Best For Whom
- Mature Travellers
- Families With Children
- Couples
Best For What
- The Local Experience
- Cultural Experience