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A special place where the sea and land meet creating an ideal location for human settlement
Long Bay. has attacted people for hundreds of years with its beautiful beach, fresh water streams, spectacular views and sheltering hills. The Maori name is Te Oneroa o Kahu (the long beach of Kahu). The Vaughan Homestead is the oldest remaining structure, having been built in stages, from 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 16th May 2026
The AGM of the Society was held on 16th May 2026, 2pm at the Vaughan Homestead. A special guest speaker. historian David Verran, spoke about the development of transport on the North Shore. Dr David Gray presented his findings about the 'healing waters' at Waiake Beach.
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 $5
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5.00
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Thankyou for your donation to keep the homestead operating.
Annual Membership fee 2026
NZ$
15.00
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Thankyou for your 2026 membership subscription. Using the contact us tab at the bottom of this website please email your name, contact details and areas of interest such as garden, membership & restoration projects. We will be in contact with you. We appreciate it!
Where your money goes
Apart from maintaining the Vaughan Homestead, historical records, museum and gardens. the Society is interested in local history - history is an on-going process. Funds go towards current and new projects. New members and volunteers are most welcome.
The Vaughan Homestead available spaces
The Vaughan Homestead is suitable for a range of events, including weddings, community groups, workshops, business and sports team meetings.
Cost - the hourly rate to hire the Homestead is $25.
Details - there is a full kitchen with crockery, cutlery and tables and chairs for use. You leave the Homestead as you found it, clean and tidy.
The rooms can be configured to suit your event, seminar or family occasion. The maximum number of people inside the Homestead is 40. There is no overnight 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
Verandah with views of the park and beach - with tables & chairs
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, October through to April, subject to weather. Please contact us on the contact us form at the bottom of this web site if you would like view the Homestead outside these hours.
Regular meetings are held with the Auckland City Council Parks Team.
The next committee meeting will be on Saturday 25th July 2026 at 11.30am.
Our AGM was held on Saturday 16th May 2026 at 2pm at the Vaughan Homestead.
The THS has made a presentation to the Local board about the land at 924-6 Beach Road, Waiake. We would like to see this vacant council owned section preserved - perhaps as a wetland and park as it has a rich Māori history.
We are also in discussion with Tohu Whenua whose objectives are (from their website)
" Whether on foot, waka or wheels, Tohu Whenua has something for every explorer.
Follow in the footsteps of extraordinary and ordinary New Zealanders and discover the traditions, triumphs, challenges and innovations that have shaped our country and culture.
Every region has its own unique stories and flavour but all of them are home to treasured heritage places, just waiting for you to visit."
There are 4 regions already being promoted by Tohu Whenua and the Auckland region is the next on their list. We are applying to have the The Vaughan Homestead added to their networks as heritage site.
If successful it will encourage visitors to visit the Vaughan Homestead along with all the other Auckland heritage sites.
