Museum & Gallery

Silverdale Pioneer Village

The village grew out of a local effort to save the buildings of early Silverdale, and it now holds four settler houses, a chapel, a post office and a museum on one green block in the old part of the township. Rooms are furnished to their period, from the schoolmaster's bedroom to a kitchen laid out for a working family, and the gardens are planted with what would have grown here in the 1800s. The museum building traces the district's shift from Maori occupation through timber milling, gum digging and farming, taking in Orewa and the Whangaparaoa peninsula. Mature oaks and open lawns give younger children room to run between buildings, and there is a gift shop on site. Volunteers are usually on hand to explain what a room was for, which turns a short look around into a longer one for children who start asking questions. Entry is free, and a koha is appreciated.

How muchTe utu: Free
Ages: 4–89+
WhereKei hea: Silverdale
Rating: 4.6; 54 on Google

Get directions Their websitesilverdalepioneervillage.com

Perfect for

Museums & Galleries Free Things to Do Outdoor Activities

LocationTe wāhi

Silverdale

15 Wainui Road, Silverdale, Auckland 0932

Directions Website

What other parents say

sharon freeth10 months ago

Another of our families ‘happy places’. I have loved this piece of paradise, in the middle of chaos, since a child. Many fond memories were made here. Love looking through the historical houses, church, museum, post office, school house, Frith cottage, miners hut, blacksmiths, annex and especially the gardens in Springtime 🌸🌼🌹🌷🪻all seasons are beautiful here. A lovely place to visit and have lunch at.

Hibiscus Jetski Hire10 months ago

Not a church or castle, yet well worth a visit or stop on the way for a short dip into heritage and historic context of this area. Relax and enjoy the views and amazing grounds, looked after by some amazing volunteers. Thank you!

Read 3 more reviews ↓

Daniel Kinnoch2 years ago

Nice place to visit on a drive up north, they had a “find the heart” activity for kids to do so they stay occupied while adults can browse the exhibits more! With a small treat for completion. Good quality exhibits, donation encouraged and can be done via cash or bank transfer. A good place to learn about the history of the Silverdale area including historical settler land ownership.

Iain Laslett3 years ago

From the road you could easily miss this unique historic village. Kept by a team of dedicated volunteers to a very micro detailed presentation. The landscapes and cottage styled gardens are a joy to look at. The site is larger than you would first envision.

A K5 years ago

A historic site with lovely garden. Thanks to the volunteers who look after it. It's not very big garden but it's a place to ponder about history, reality and future. This village has witnessed the explosive development in Silverdale in the last 10 years. I am so glad that we have a place like this for us to remember the past.

Reviews from Google.