Museum
Opening Hours : Public Holidays : 2pm - 4pm (unless booked for a private function)
Entry by donation.
Open at other times by arrangement.

Seminar Room
Available for Seminars & Functions
$18 +GST per hour
(Special Rates for Community Groups)

Gumstore Restoration Project
Photos of the Vaughan Homestead taken at the end of the 19th Century show an outbuilding to the West of the main Homestead. This building was used for storing the gum brought there by the gumdiggers in the area. Bert and Frank Vaughan used to transport the gum by punt along Tohau-a-tawhara stream (so named because of the Tawhara plants growing alongside the stream) to be loaded on an Auckland bound vessel.
The shed below the Homestead, now called the 'Gumstore' was last used by Mr. Lightfoot to house his dogs. This was when Tommy Vaughan was at the Homestead. The walls inside are covered with prize certificates for the Kumeu Dog Show.

How Can You Help?

Become a sponsor
Donate Artefacts
Become a Financial Member
Support Fundraising
Become a Volunteer

History of the Homestead
The history and construction of the homestead in puriri and kauri is indicative of the ingenuity and industry of our pioneers in providing a family home. It was a typical cottage farmhouse of early New Zealand. It is of unique historical significance, there being virtually no other wooden farmhouse of this era remaining on the North Shore. 
 Mr. George Vaughan and his descendants occupied the homestead for around 100 years and farmed approximately 1200 acres of surrounding land, including what is now the Long Bay Regional Park. 
 Additions to the building were made &from time to time to accommodate the needs of the family, resulting in a significant change in appearance &from the original building. 
 The restoration presents the 1890's appearance and the 1940's addition to the east side is used as a resident caretaker's flat. In 1991, the Auckland Regional Council invited community organisations to submit plans for the restoration of the historic Vaughan Homestead, which is situated at the northern end of the Long Bay Regional Park. 
 Our Society made submissions and in 1993, gained a licence to occupy, restore, and manage the homestead. 
 Restoration was commenced in June 1993, by a team of dedicated skilled volunteers and the work was completed in 1995. The restoration included re-roofing and the installation of a fire sprinkler system. Over 12,000 hours of voluntary work, by society members have been given. Assistance was received &from the Lottery Grants Board, North Shore City Council and &from the constant fundraising conducted by the Committee and Society members who have enjoyed strong support & from the local community. 
 The Society's licence requires "full community use" of the homestead and so a seminar room is available as well as kitchen and toilet facilities. The Vaughan Homestead is available for meetings and small seminars. Small private functions can be accommodated and catered for. 
 There is a Museum area and the homestead is open to the public, at specified times and sometimes on request. A small donation is requested. 
 Please contact us on our message centre 
 (09) 473 8176 

Pioneer Histories
 Available on Video or DVD
 Steve Hart Video -  This documentary is an historical look at Long Bay through the eyes of the Vaughan family.
 www.stevehart.co.nz/Vaughan.htm