OngaOnga Historic Village
Nestled in Central Hawke’s Bay, Ongaonga Historic Village offers a captivating journey into New Zealand’s colonial past. Established in 1872 by Henry Hamilton Bridge, the village flourished as a hub for the surrounding farming community, with its heritage preserved today through a collection of meticulously maintained buildings and artifacts.
At the heart of the village stands the Coles Brothers building, a Category 1 heritage-listed joinery factory constructed in 1878. This remarkable structure once housed a diverse range of trades, including carpentry, coffin-making, and plumbing. After years of restoration led by the Ongaonga Historical Society, the factory now showcases original machinery and offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century craftsmanship.
The Ongaonga Museum, managed by the Historical Society, encompasses 13 historic buildings, such as the original schoolhouse, jail, butcher’s shop, and settler’s hut. Visitors can explore these structures at their own pace, immersing themselves in the daily lives of early settlers.
Open Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm, the village invites guests to enjoy self-guided tours, interact with knowledgeable locals, and relax with refreshments at the Ongaonga General Store. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, Ongaonga Historic Village offers a unique and enriching experience.
83 Bridge Street
OngaOnga 4278
+64 2 0468 7387
At the heart of the village stands the Coles Brothers building, a Category 1 heritage-listed joinery factory constructed in 1878. This remarkable structure once housed a diverse range of trades, including carpentry, coffin-making, and plumbing. After years of restoration led by the Ongaonga Historical Society, the factory now showcases original machinery and offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century craftsmanship.
The Ongaonga Museum, managed by the Historical Society, encompasses 13 historic buildings, such as the original schoolhouse, jail, butcher’s shop, and settler’s hut. Visitors can explore these structures at their own pace, immersing themselves in the daily lives of early settlers.
Open Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm, the village invites guests to enjoy self-guided tours, interact with knowledgeable locals, and relax with refreshments at the Ongaonga General Store. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, Ongaonga Historic Village offers a unique and enriching experience.
83 Bridge Street
OngaOnga 4278
+64 2 0468 7387
