Cobblestones
Learn About Us
History comes alive at Cobblestones
Cobblestones is Wairarapa’s living Victorian village, named after its beautifully preserved cobblestone courtyard—originally used for horses, carts, and travellers visiting the original stables. Step back in time and explore six authentic heritage buildings, all listed as Category 2 by Heritage New Zealand, which along with many other buildings each recreate the daily lives of Wairarapa’s early families in the 1800s to early 1900s.
Through immersive exhibitions, original artefacts, guided tours, and hands-on education programmes for schools, Cobblestones brings these stories to life—revealing how the experiences and ingenuity of the past continue to shape the world we live in today.
The Museum
The museum explores the relationship between people and the land that defined their daily lives.
The original cobbled site of the Hastwell Stables (1857) still exists, serving as the anchor for other heritage buildings that were relocated to the site, creating the village’s atmosphere and era.
The museum is thoughtfully and professionally curated and has a fine collection of agricultural machinery, medical equipment, furniture, cups, plates, clothing, horse-drawn carriages, and the stories behind them.
Cobblestones Museum is managed by the Cobblestones Charitable Trust. Thanks to the enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer work of the Friends of Cobblestones, the museum has been welcoming visitors for more than 50 years.
Just over an hour north of Wellington, Cobblestones is easy to find and is only a ten-minute stroll from the centre of Greytown. There are plenty of places in town to stay, eat, and shop.