Opened in 1984, the Huia Settlers Museum stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of this area. The Huia Settlers Museum welcomes you to explore the rich tapestry of Huia’s past. It is owned and operated by the local community. This museum is in a scenic location.
The Huia Settlers Museum primarily features the settler farming history of Huia. It covers Cornwallis, Parau, Laingholm, Whatipu, Manukau Harbour and the Waitakere Ranges. The Huia Settlers Museum’s collection is diverse. It includes artefacts, pictures, photos and documents. Local history books take you through Maori occupation and timber milling. You will discover the history of Centennial Memorial Park and the Auckland Water Supply Reservoir Construction.
Step inside the Orpheus Room at the Huia Settlers Museum. Here, a range of nautical items awaits. The focus is on the story of the HMS Orpheus. It was wrecked on the Manukau Bar in 1863. This remains New Zealand’s worst maritime disaster.
The Huia Settlers Museum was established in 1983. Its mission is to preserve the way of life of early settlers in Huia. It also covers surrounding districts. The Huia Settlers Museum shows how people lived in those early days. You can view photographs of early European pioneers, foresters and saw millers. See the farmers and families who settled in the area.
The Huia Settlers Museum is near the entrance to Karamatura Park. It contains many relics of Kauri felling and milling. It also has artefacts from the wreck of HMS Orpheus. The old school of Huia is past the museum. It opened in 1894 but closed in 1961. The school became the Huia Lodge.
Huia was originally known as Te Huia. The area is thought to be named after a Waikato Tainui chief. His name was Te Huia. He seasonally lived on the northern shores of the Manukau Harbour. Over time, Te Huia decided to remain at the bay. He liked it so much.
In 1853, the Gibbons family arrived from Newfoundland. They set up a mill for kauri logging. The Karamatura Stream was one of the first dammed for this purpose. This was followed by other streams in the 1860s and 1870s.
Construction on the Upper Huia Dam began in 1924. Material was brought by barge to Huia. Then it was taken by tramway to the dam site. The dam was completed in 1929. The tramway remained operational until the 1960s.
Don’t miss the Huia Settlers Museum. It is situated on the northern side of the Manukau Harbour. The address is 1251 Huia Road. This is a 20-minute drive from Titirangi. The Huia Settlers Museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30. Other times are available by appointment. Groups are welcome. Admission is $5.00 for adults. The Huia Settlers Museum offers guided tours and wheelchair access. Parking is available. Museum brochures and tourist brochures are also available.
Before you leave the Huia Settlers Museum, reflect on the stories you’ve encountered. Consider the lives and challenges of those who shaped this community. The Huia Settlers Museum serves as a reminder of the past. It enriches our understanding of the present. It inspires us to preserve our heritage for future generations.