Willow Bank Heritage Village hosts Open Days once a month, usually on the first Sunday, from September through to May. These days are a chance to explore the village and experience a slice of early New Zealand life in a relaxed, interactive setting.

Our village features over 20 historical shop displays, vintage settings, and immersive experiences that reflect life in the late 1800s to mid-1900s. The site is constantly evolving, so each visit may offer something new to discover.

During Open Days, various themed activities run throughout the village:

• Children’s Suitcase Market – A relaxed, no-booking-needed space for children to set up a stall and sell or trade items from a suitcase under our shaded area.

• Barter and Sell Market – Spaces can be booked in advance. This market is ideal for selling unwanted or handmade goods, or for old-fashioned swapping.

• Victorian School Experience – Visitors can participate in short classroom sessions led by ‘Mr Wilkinson’, recreating an early 1900s schoolroom experience. Bookings for each session are taken outside the schoolhouse on the day.

• Cinema Experience – A projectionist runs short vintage films using a Super 8 projector and screen in the village cinema throughout the day.

• Dress-Up Station – Visitors are welcome to dress in period costume from the village dress shop and take on a character for the day.

• Victorian Café – Serves local Sublime Coffee from a restored vintage espresso machine, along with teas, scones, cakes, and tea sandwiches (including gluten-free options).

• 1950s Burger Bar – Hotdogs, chips and drinks from Deano’s Hotdogs.

• 1970s Milk Bar – Milkshakes, spiders, and ice creams.

• Village Open to Explore – This is an awesome experience that you can tailor yourself.

EFTPOS AVAILABLE.
ENTRY $7 per adult / $3 per child.