Pioneer Village Kaikohe

17/07/2025

Stop 5 : Kaikohe Jail
Built in the late 1890s, this jail held its last prisoner in 1970.
Inside, you’ll find graffiti that whispers stories of mischief and regret.
Meals were cooked by the police sergeant’s wife—talk about local hospitality!

16/07/2025

Stop 4: Train and Tractor Shed

Our Train and Tractor Shed is loaded with horsepower—from Farmall to Massey Harris, and even a 21hp Lister diesel-powered train! A large selection of restored farm machinery that once tilled Northland’s soil. Wooden rakes, mighty saws and a bee hive.
These machines are part of our districts farming backbone.

16/07/2025

"Interesting experiences during the motor tour of the far North. A northern road which convinced the parliamentary party of the urgent need for improvement. The motorist seeks the aid of a pair of farm horses." Sporting & Dramatic Review, 1917

Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections SDR-19170208-21-04

15/07/2025

Stop 3: Utakura Hall
Built in 1891, this hall served as a school, church, and community hub. This humble building once echoed with the voices of students, sermons, and community gatherings.

Sit at original wooden desks and imagine learning by lantern light. Peek behind the building to find the two-seat long drop toilet—yes, one for kids and one for adults!

Did you, or your grandparents go to this school? we would love to capture your memories for the future generations

14/07/2025

Stop 2: Gammon General Store & Post Office
This building was once a farmhouse —now it’s a time capsule of rural life.

What’s in the Store?
Step inside and discover a story of the past where gum diggers bought supplies and letters were sorted by hand, banking done the old fashioned way, telephone switchboards and a delivery bike built for muddy roads!

📞 Who remembers using a party-line phone? What was your phone number?
Maybe you'd like to look it up in the phone book

14/07/2025

14/07/2025

Step through time with us at Pioneer Village Kaikohe! All this week, we’re taking you on a sneak peek tour. From vintage trains to cannon balls and blacksmiths who still spark magic, we’re sharing stories that helped shape our community.
Stay tuned, comment along, and bring your memories!

Welcome to the Village Tour!
🛤️ Stop 1: The Station House
All aboard! 🚂 Did you know our Station House was built around a safe donated by the Kaikohe Dairy Co-op—and opened with a jackhammer because no one had the key? Inspired by 1930s railway architecture, it marks the arrival of the railway in Kaikohe.
📍 Start your journey here and imagine the hustle of passengers and parcels long ago

10/07/2025

Your Story Belongs Here
Every visit. Every laugh. Every time you lent a hand.
Your story is part of ours. And the next chapter? We want to write it with you.
📮 Come aboard. Share your skills, time, or just your love of community.
Join the Journey—with us, and for the ones still to come.

Put this date in your calendar now!
Saturday 2nd August - PVK working bee - 9.30am - 2.30pm.

09/07/2025

Leave Footprints Worth Following
Volunteers aren’t just preserving the past—they’re shaping the path forward.
Kids who play at the Village today might grow up to be the ones rebuilding it tomorrow.
Let’s inspire a legacy of care, creativity, and connection.
Join the story. Leave your footprints.
It’s not the destination—it’s the journey that takes us there.

08/07/2025

Built by Many Hands
Since 1977, generations have rolled up their sleeves to preserve and protect our shared past.
We’ve used elbow grease, ingenuity, and whatever materials we could repurpose. Every post, roof, and path has a story.
We’re not just saving history—we’re building a future, together.
Come be part of it.
Leave your mark.