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A special place where the sea and land meet creating an ideal location for human settlement
The area has attacted people for hundreds of years with its beautiful beach, fresh water streams, spectacular views and sheltering hills. The Vaughan homestead is the oldest remaining structure being built in 1862.
About Us
Our Purpose
We are helping to preserve our heritage by maintaining the Auckland City Council owned Vaughan homestead and its gardens. The Vaughan homestead and small museum are open over the summer (most Saturdays 2pm to 4pm subject to weather) for visitors as advertised and are available for weddings, corporate events and groups wishing to learn more about the history of the area. The homestead is not available for accommodation. Please use the contact tab for more information.
Who we are
We are a group of locals who wish to preserve Vaughan homestead and promote the history of the area. The Torbay Historical Society Inc is a Registered Society Incorporation number 559329 . We meet regularly and welcome new members.
Society AGM May 2025
The AGM of the Society was held on 24th May 2025 at the Vaughan Homestead. A special guest speaker was be Julia Parfitt JP a member of our local Hibiscus & Bays local board.
Refreshments will follow the meeting.
Donate and Membership
Individual Donation $2
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2.00
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A $2 donation helps to maintain the homestead.
Family Donation $5
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5.00
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Thankyou for your donation to keep the homestead operating.
Annual Membership fee 2025
NZ$
15.00
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Thankyou for your 2024 membership subscription. We appreciate it!
Where your money goes
The Torbay Historical Society maintains the Vaughan Homestead, historical records, artifacts and gardens. New members and volunteers are most welcome.
The Vaughan Homestead available spaces
Our event rooms and gardens are available for hire, a kitchen is available for tea, coffees etc.
The area's can be configured to your event, seminar and meeting requirements. There is no accommodation available.
This space can be used for family, team, club or group meetings.
— Gum Store Terrace Garden
Event room Oneroa
Event room Motutapu
Event room Rangitoto
Volunteer
The Torbay Historical Society needs membership fees and donations to continue its work.
Donations can be made to our bank account
ASB 12-3059-0342332-00
Should you wish to become a member or require a receipt please complete the donations & subscriptions page, a tax receipt will be sent to you.
Thankyou for considering a donation !
Volunteers
We welcome volunteers and have regular working days to keep the Homestead fresh, clean and to tend the gardens. To find out more about volunteering please complete the contact us form with your details.
— Why join Torbay Historical Society
Long Bay's Learning centers
- The Vaughan Homestead and museum offers a location for events and offers a window to the past history, habitation and development of Long Bay.
- Merc -To provide life changing marine environmental education and outdoor experiences for young New Zealanders
- Vaughan Park Retreat -To be a place of generous hospitality, spacious conversation, and spiritual encounter
— Opportunities
Upcoming events
The Vaughan homestead will be open to the public from 2pm until 4pm on Saturdays from Labour Day , 25th October 2025, subject to weather.
Volunteers on Duty 2 to 4pm- 6th December 2025 R&A, 13th December 2025 , 20th December 2025 R&A and 27th December R&A
Regular meetings are held with the Auckland City Parks Team the next meeting will be on Friday 5th December 2025 at 10am.
There will be an open day for members and the public on Sunday 7th December 2025, this will include a performance from the local choir Vocal Verve from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
