What's on / Exhibition / Family / Village

Village

The MOTAT village brings alive Pākehā settler life. You’ll be taken back in time as you explore the original cottages, schoolhouse, chapel, washhouse and forge.

Date & Time

Permanent Exhibition

Location

MOTAT (Directions)

Category

Exhibition Family

INCLUDED IN GENERAL ADMISSION

Please note: The schoolhouse is unavailable until early October due to the development of the new science and technology centre in Building 5. All other aspects of the village are open and can be accessed from opposite the tram workshop.

Ever wondered what it was like to live in Auckland in the 1800s? The MOTAT village brings the colonial Pākehā history alive. You’ll be taken back in time as you explore the original cottages, schoolhouse, chapel, washhouse and forge.

As you wander around the village, imagine yourself in the shoes of the Bagnall Family settling in 1848 Parnell or picture yourself going to Wainui school in 1878 – it was so strict! The 1870s Engineer’s Cottage is the only village building in its original location and was once inhabited by the Pumphouse engineer. On special occasions you can watch the MOTAT blacksmith at work in .