Skip to content
All articles

Our residents step back in time to the Victorian era

Howick Historical Village is one of the most charming attractions in Auckland. It’s a living history museum that depicts a Fencible settlement as it looked in the mid to late 1800s, surrounded by seven acres of grounds and gardens.

Pakuranga Park residents are very lucky because Howick Historical Village is at walking distance from their home. They can visit the village very easily and many of them love to pop in for a quick treat and coffee at their lovely Café.

The second Sunday of each month, the Village comes to life with its Live Days, when costumed volunteers re-enact daily life in Victorian New Zealand times. The last Live Day was the Village Fete on the 12th of March, a fantastic sunny day that saw a record-high turnout of visitors.

Two of these visitors were Jim and Mary, residents from Pakuranga Park who love visiting Howick Historical Village. Jim and Mary came early to the village to wander through all the attractions when it was still quiet. They loved checking out the delicacies at the Village Market and they had a go at their traditional fair games.

Jim and Mary saw blacksmiths at work at the forge, they visited the church, and they had a go at re-enacting their own Victorian lesson in the charming little school. The village offers the chance to get hands-on with lots of activities and the conversations with costumed volunteers make it very easy to imagine that you’ve travelled back in time to the Victorian era.

Jim and Mary were very interested in the talk at the bread oven, where a professional baker told them everything about how to make sourdough. They also had the chance to see the Auckland Morris Dancers performing, one of the most successful shows of the village’s Live Days.

Howick Historical Village is located at Lloyd Elsmore Park, one of Auckland’s largest sports parks. Pakuranga Park residents are very fortunate to live near such a big open space that is also home of a public swimming pool and the Howick Little Theatre. Location is very important for our residents and Pakuranga Park Village certainly ticks all the boxes in regard to proximity to so many facilities.

If you’d like to know more about joining our community contact Syvlie on 027 314 5767 or email sylvie.borrett@realliving.co.nz

Latest articles

All News
A Morning with Chef Michael Van de Elzen
Remuera Gardens
Events
Remuera Gardens
Events
05 November 2025

A Morning with Chef Michael Van de Elzen

We’re cooking up something special at Remuera Gardens! Join us next Wednesday as acclaimed Kiwi chef Michael Van de Elzen visits the Avenue Apartments for a fun, inspiring cooking demo. Michael will share simple, healthy, and delicious recipes — perfect for entertaining friends, family, or those spontaneous drop-in moments! Part of our Real Living 40th Anniversary celebrations, this event celebrates what we love most — great food, good company, and the joy of living well at every age.
Read more
See It, Love It, Live It
Epsom Village
News
Epsom Village
News
03 November 2025

See It, Love It, Live It

Epsom Village has some Open Days coming up — come along and experience the warmth of a truly family-owned retirement community. Join the team for a tour of our sought-after apartments, starting from $520,000, with some offering stunning views all the way to the Sky Tower. Every visitor receives two Lido Cinema tickets after their Open Day visit!
Read more
In conversation with Judy Bailey
Remuera Gardens
News
Remuera Gardens
News
23 October 2025

In conversation with Judy Bailey

Remuera Gardens was delighted to welcome beloved broadcaster Judy Bailey for a special Q&A marking Real Living’s 40th Anniversary. With warmth and humour, Judy shared insights from her career and her journey of “evolving” in later life — encouraging everyone to stay active, curious, and connected. Judy is a big fan of retirement villages herself, describing them as wonderful communities where you can find your people and your purpose.
Read more