In the heart of Tauranga, The Historic Village weaves a tapestry of history and community spirit, transcending the ordinary to become a hub of creativity and celebration. With five distinctive indoor venues – The School House, Durham Barracks, The Village Hall, The Village Cinema, The Village Chapel, and five outdoor spaces, this vibrant community space offers unique and versatile venues for a variety of events, both professional, commercial, and private.
The distinct character of The Historic Village’s indoor venues adds a touch of something extraordinary to any event. These unique spaces and their unique stories embody the lively community Village atmosphere. From small gatherings to community events, The Historic Village venues create a space for connection.
The School House:
Stepping into The School House, relocated in 1975 and recently refurbished, this 1913 relic infuses scholarly charm into events. Equipped with a kitchenette and modern meeting facilities, it accommodates up to 20 guests, providing a space for educational workshops, lectures, and intimate gatherings.
Durham Barracks:
Steeped in historic military tradition, this recently refurbished space accommodates up to 20 guests. Ideal for weddings, team days, and corporate functions, it emanates a timeless ambience. Complete with a kitchenette and air conditioning, it balances historic charm with modern comfort.
The Village Hall:
A majestic venue, hosting up to 150 guests, showcases historical grandeur. With a built-in bar and commercial kitchenette, it exudes an inviting ambiance perfect for weddings, conferences, and community events.
The Village Cinema:
An intriguing gem, doubling as both cinema and event space. Ideal for film screenings, presentations, and themed parties, it accommodates up to 60 guests in a beautiful art deco setting. Armrests that transform into tables for laptops or wine glasses add a touch of cinematic magic.
The Village Chapel:
A serene interdenominational beauty, offering a tranquil setting for weddings and intimate gatherings. Seating in traditional pews and adjacent to the Village Amphitheatre, this beautiful chapel accommodates up to 60 guests, providing a space for reflection and celebration.
In good weather, The Historic Village outdoor spaces are the place to be! With five versatile outdoor event spaces for gatherings of all sizes, there are options to suit every event. From small get-togethers to larger celebrations, these spaces offer practical versatility without compromising on atmosphere.
The Village Amphitheatre:
Surrounded by native trees, this expansive open area features built-in terraces and a 5 x 3-metre stage, creating a stunning setting for outdoor setting for events. Sitting next door to the Village Chapel, the Amphitheatre is a popular location for outdoor weddings and presentations, it caters to 120 guests for ceremonies.
Front Lawn:
Situated at the primary entrance of the Village, the Front Lawn offers a delightful public open space. Pairing it with the Village Hall or the Jam Factory enhances indoor events with a touch of outdoor charm and welcome open space for guests.
Forresters Lawn:
A level, medium-sized lawn coupled with an outdoor stage, complete with power outlets and incredible mural art, makes Forresters Lawn a great choice for bands and performers seeking an outdoor space to perform.
Village Green:
This sizable outdoor space is tailor-made for festivals and larger gatherings and has the capacity to be cordoned off for exclusive ticketed events. With its manicured grounds, the Village Green is a multipurpose space for event planners seeking a vibrant blend of nature and festivity. The Village Green has hosted a tapestry of memorable experiences, from music festivals to cultural showcases.
Village Square, Main, Market & Brook Streets:
All the solid surfaces lining The Village streets are open for reservations. A prime choice for markets or to complement the Village Green for grander events, these spaces offer versatility for hosting expansive gatherings.
Enquire at historicvillage.co.nz or call 07 571 3700.
What’s On
The Historic Village will be bustling with a variety of events this month, kicking off with a Waitangi Day Festival on 6 February celebrates Aotearoa’s cultural heritage.
› The Village will be lit up for the Chinese New Year Festival on 24-25 February brings the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year to life, highlighting the beautiful historical buildings.
› March unfolds with diversity with the Tauranga Fringe Festival on 9 March injecting creativity and avant-garde performances into the atmosphere. The Tauranga Multicultural Festival on 23 March celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures, fostering unity and understanding, and the month ends with Tauranga Jazz Festival’s Jazz Village on 29 March bringing a fun, vibrant festival atmosphere to the Village.
› Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 members are invited to have a drink and explore the five venues spaces on 6 March.