Folklore and Fairytales

Howick Historical Village transforms into a storybook world for this special live day, with costumed villagers animating the historic buildings and heritage gardens. Families can follow a fairytale trail through the gardens, catch a live puppet show of Jack and the Beanstalk, and try calligraphy or candle making. Tutors from Corban Estate Arts Centre lead enchanted forest crown-making sessions, and the sweet shop stocks old-fashioned lollies and fudge alongside freshly baked goods from the coal range at Puhi Nui Homestead.

The blacksmith works the forge, woodworkers occupy the carpenter's workshop, and the schoolmistress takes Victorian school lessons. Outdoor entertainment includes Morris dancing and a bagpipe band, with Homestead Café on hand for brunch or lunch. Children under five enter free, making it a genuinely easy day out for families with a wide spread of ages.