Secondary School Programme

Our secondary school programme is designed for years 7 – 13. The students will enjoy the rich learning experience developed and delivered by our dedicated educators. Howick Historical Village’s education programme is designed to provide hands-on, interactive learning activities that support the New Zealand Curriculum.

We have a variety of programmes, and activities available to best cater to you and your students.

We will provide your students with a fully immersive, fun, and stimulating experience designed to help encourage your students to take their learning to the next level by encouraging students to think critically, creatively, and reflectively.

Programmes

  • Total time: 2.5 hours | Max group size: 60 | Year 7-13


    Step back in time and explore the daily life of early New Zealand with Living History. This engaging programme immerses students in the routines and tasks that defined the 1800s, offering a hands-on experience of history. Through interactive activities like old-fashioned washing techniques and games, students will connect with the past in meaningful ways.

    The programme also includes a guided tour around the Village, where students can see historical buildings, artefacts, and exhibits that tell the stories of early settlers. It’s a unique opportunity to experience New Zealand’s rich history firsthand.

  • Total time: 2.5 hours | Max group size: 60 | Year 7-13


    Discover the journey of early settlers to Auckland and their first interactions with Māori in The Road to Aotearoa. This engaging programme explores the migration process, highlighting the experiences of those who arrived in Aotearoa in the 19th century.

    Students will learn about the early connections between settlers and Māori, following the historical discussion, a garden talk explores the transformation of the land during this period, including the effects of European farming practices and settlement. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how colonization shaped Auckland’s landscape, society, and the relationships between Māori and settlers.

  • Total time: 1.5 hours | Max group size: 30 | Year 7-13 | Term 1 & 4 only


    In this hands-on Woven Stories workshop, students will explore the deep connection between Māori culture and the natural world. They will learn about the whakapapa (genealogy) of the environment, as well as Māori concepts of preservation and protection of the land.

    Students will discover how weaving practices are tied to these values, reflecting sustainability and respect for the environment. After learning about these cultural practices, students will have the opportunity to weave a simple object using flax harvested from our Village garden, bringing Māori traditions to life through craft.

Alternative Programme Activities

This programme starts from 10am – 12:45pm. Educators will deliver up to 2x 45-minute activities for your group per visit.

Butter Making

  • Students take turns to churn cream into butter and observe the process of butter-making. They learn about its importance to 19th century families - a far cry from getting the margarine pot out of the fridge. The remainder of the butter is sent back to the school with the teacher. If the children are lucky, the teacher may do some baking!

Jolly Trolley

  • It's a race! Students work as a team to assemble a trolley in the time given.

    This is an exciting technology-based activity where children cooperate to find the best and quickest method of construction.

    The trolley is assembled using a picture as a guide. The nuts, bolts, pins, wheels, and axles are supplied.

Outdoor Games

  • Some children have never walked on stilts, thrown a quoit or played with a skipping rope! For this dry-weather activity, students get the chance to learn how to play with a wide range of Victorian outdoor toys such as log-walkers, diabolos, graces, and hoops & skimmers. At the same time they will learn how toys were made and leisure time was utilised in the 1800s.

Rag Rugging

  • A relaxing and therapeutic activity which gives students the chance to start making their own mini rag rug on hessian. A question and answer session encourages the students to consider the reasons behind rag rug making and the origin of the resources used. This sociable activity is enjoyed by students of all ages.

Get in touch.

Looking for a fun, engaging way to bring history to life? We’ve got you covered. Whether it’s a class trip or a special program, we offer hands-on learning experiences your students will love.

FAQs

  • Social Sciences, History, Technology are our programmes main focus areas.

  • 20% off the cost for schools in the first and last week of term. To see if you qualify for this offer, please contact our Education Manager here.

    Please note: Eligibility requirements are based on school’s EQI.

  • Minimum 25 students per visit. Maximum 80 students per visit.

    Up to four activities per visit.

    Additional adults $10.