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Learning and Discovery

Iron maintenance poster

Highwic offers a unique insight into the life of the well-to-do Buckland family. Highwic's authenticity provides the perfect opportunity for school groups to learn about how people lived in Auckland in the late 1800s.

From a visit to Highwic students will gain knowledge and understanding about events, places, people and lifestyles significant to colonial New Zealand.

From tactile experiences for Year 1 to social and political behaviour for Year 13, the real objects and surroundings of life provide the student with a sense of immediacy. A contextual based learning experience is opened up, raising questions that link to aspects and activities corresponding to the national curriculum including Social Studies, Technology, Science and Art and History.

Highwic's contents and history comprise a considerable resource for teachers and educators. Small groups can experience hands-on activities and practical demonstrations of butter making, laundry chores, sewing on a treadle sewing machine and writing on a slate.

  • Teacher's educational resources are available
  • Please ring to book your class visit or email highwiceducation@historic.org.nz
  • For younger students please provide parent supervision (1:6)
  • Primary and secondary school groups $3.00 per person.
  • Tertiary and ESL groups $7.00 per person.

Some activities require supplies to be purchased by the teacher prior the visit.

English as a Second Language

For English as a second language students, young and older, Highwic provides an extra dimension to the New Zealand way of life and a window to our colonial heritage. The authentic examples of household technology before electricity open many conversational opportunities. Other language guides are available in Korean and Japanese.

Email  highwiceducation@historic.org.nz to make a booking, or call (09) 524-5729.

Laundry using mangle

Location

Highwic map

Highwic
40 Gillies Avenue
Epsom
Auckland

tel: 09 524 5729
fax 09 524 5575
email: highwiceducation@historic.org.nz 

Find us

Coal on the Range

Coal range at Highwic

Life in the kitchen every Thursday.
Help the Highwic staff with cooking and ironing

Book your school visit now, your visit includes

  • Introduction with the Highwic educator
  • Hands on laundry and kitchen activities
  • Compare irons as they have developed over time
  • See a coal range in action (by arrangement)
  • Exploration of the house and garden
  • Resource material with information and pre and post visit ideas

find out more

Toys and Pastimes

Toys and Games at Highwic - stilt walking

Highwic features toys and pastimes enjoyed by well-off children during the late 19th century

Book your school visit now, your visit includes

  • Introduction with the Highwic educator
  • A chance to try out a range of indoor and outdoor games and activities from the past
  • Exploration of the house and garden
  • Resource material with information and pre and post visit ideas