Whitford Village

Whitford Village, with its little cluster of shops, marks the start of your journey. Much has changed since the first settlers arrived in 1843 but the rustic country charm of the village still remains. The gently contoured lush pasture makes Whitford ideal horse country with an active Pony Club, many stables and stud farms.

Although the country settlement of Whitford has seen many changes since the first European settlers arrived in 1843 it has still managed to retain its rustic charm.  A service centre for the surrounding farms and the heart of equestrian related activity, Whitford is also a focus for an emerging local arts and crafts cottage industry.  Journey down Wharf Road and browse through the art and craft centres here.  If it's the third Sunday in the month chances are you'll find a market selling local crafts and fresh product in the Whitford Hall just around the corner.

In pre-European times, Maori used the waterways in the area as transportation routes to access various settlements and resources.  Behind the township, the wharf on Turanga Creek, now a favourite fishing spot with local children, was once a bustling hive of activity.  A regular passenger boat service and mail delivery from Auckland operated from 1848 to 1927 until improved roading put an end to this more leisurely mode of transport and commerce.

Opposite the hall, on the corner of Wharf and Whitford Roads, is the village's former General Store built in 1910.  Since ceasing business as a store in 1965, the building has had a chequered career having been, at various times, a private residence, an art and craft shop, saddlery and, since 1986, a licensed restaurant.  Why not take the time to enjoy a meal here?