Map of Silverdale

Silverdale has plenty to interest visitors who are passing through to pick up provisions for a day away or who want to stay longer and explore this fascinating slice of Rodney that’s just a stone’s throw from Orewa’s wonderful beaches.

Silverdale Pioneer Village, at the top of Silverdale Street, features period houses, historic displays, archives and an interesting collection of photographs from days gone by. It is the perfect place to take a trip through Silverdale’s past.

Greater Silverdale though offers everything from shopping to the excitement of indoor skiing – great for those wet days and cheaper than a flight to Queenstown. And there’s the luge track for downhill fun followed by a gentle ride back to the top on a 330m travelator.

Silverdale offers a tremendous mixture of history, fun, fashion, fast food, fine dining and alfresco refreshments and snacks.

The area is well known as the place that top fashion houses sell their discontinued lines and seconds. Expect to see brands such as Bendon, Moontide and North Beach among the cut price lines on offer.

Saturday morning provides visitors with a tremendous opportunity to pick up fresh produce at the farmer’s market along Silverdale Street. From essentials such as fresh fruit to arts and crafts, this buzzing market is not to be missed.

A range of boutique shops complete the picture and sit among a range of well-known brands that together provide a full shopping experience.

Apart from great shopping and the charming Holy Trinity church, the town of Silverdale offers visitors plenty of opportunity to relax in the gardens and grounds of its famous Pioneer Village.

Sitting on the site of the old Wade School you’ll find the Silverdale & Districts Historical Society and the Pioneer Herb Societies working together to keep history and plants alive for future generations and visitors to enjoy.

The beautiful grounds of the Pioneer Village have been developed during the past 30 years by a band of dedicated volunteers. Visitors can almost walk through time by starting at the time trail at the village’s entrance.

Of great interest is the Wesleyan (methodist) Chapel that is thought to have been transferred to the site from Auckland by barge. It opened in Silverdale at Easter in 1860 and is a favourite of Hibiscus Coast brides for their wedding day.

The Pioneer Village has rest rooms and is open every day during summer (except Tuesday) 10am to 3pm and during winter Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm.