Planning Your Visit

Where to come?

When you arrive, come to the education entrance. This is by the ‘Bus Stop’ sign, which is past the main building towards the rugby club (don’t go to the main building). Outside the education building, there is plenty of parking for additional visitors and buses. You will be greeted at the gate by your educator, if you are very early, we may still be setting up the day’s activities so please wait on the bus and we will be there soon.

What to expect?

Sessions are structured depending on the number of students and activity choices. We work with 30 students to one educator. Each session will include the following:

10am - Welcome, orientation & morning tea

3 Educator-led sessions, each 30-45 minutes with varying activities

Lunch

Self-guided tour of the museum, students can explore inside all the buildings

2pm - Depart Howick Historical Village

What to wear?

The Howick Historical Village is mainly an outdoor experience. It may rain, so make sure you have your rain jacket and in the summer ensure you have sunscreen and sun hats.

We encourage children and adults to come dressed for the 1840-1860 period, this can be achieved by adapting clothing already found at home. Some ideas include:

  • BOYS: Boys wore long trousers (jeans, corduroy, cotton drill) with optional braces and long-sleeved shirts with a scarf or floppy bow tie at the neck. Shirts were tucked in or worn over trousers with a belt. Optional waistcoat or jacket. Boots or lace-up shoes. Cap.

  • GIRLS: Girls wore dresses at mid-calf length, not full-length. (A skirt and blouse give a similarly authentic look). Optional petticoat and pantalets. Optional apron or pinafore. Stockings or long socks. Boots or shoes. Cape or shawl, tied at the front or pinned with a non-valuable brooch. Bare head, bonnet or straw hat.

  • MEN: White shirt with normal collar standing up with a cravat or small scarf tied in a front bow. Leather shoes or boots plus either a suit with a coloured vest, top hat or felt hat. Light-coloured trousers.

  • WOMEN: Bonnet or straw sunhat, gloves, white stockings, leather shoes or boots. Long full colourful dress (not black), or a long full skirt and blouse covered by a large shawl.

Booking process

  • Book a programme with us via the online form and choose three activities
    Your visit includes a self-guided tour.

  • Receive confirmation and your village pack. If you do not receive this within the week please email education@historicalvillage.org.nz

  • Book a pre-visit (if required).

  • One week before your visit, send your completed pre-visit form to us. (education@historicalvillage.org.nz) so that we can confirm your learning goals and final numbers.

Cancellation policy

All bookings will incur an administrative fee of $100 if a cancellation notice is given less than five working days before the visit date. If the booking is postponed within five working days of the original booked date for another date within the same school term then the cancellation charge will not apply.