Norsewood

• The history
• The Forest: Norsewood was founded in 1872 inside a dense, massive forest called the Seventy Mile Bush.
• The Settlers: The pioneers were mostly Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish immigrants who arrived on the ships Høvding and Ballarat. Some of these passengers also went on to settle nearby Dannevirke.
• Hard Times: Families were given 40-acre bush blocks to farm, but the government broke many promises, leaving people to face severe poverty.
• Disasters: The community survived two major disasters: a massive flood in 1880 and a devastating fire in 1888 that destroyed most of the town.

Founded originally as a loggers settlement, the original 372 Norwegians and 11 Swedes  were boosted by a further 369 Norwegians in 1873. 

The keenly anticipated railway that would boost the economy bypassed Norsewood by 6km in 1880, which was corrected in 1966.

The population peaked at over 1000, but sadly is now approx 150.

Things to see and do.

Bindalsfaering
A fishing boat gifted to Norsewood by the Norwegian Government on the 100th anniversary of Norsewood's founding.
Location: Coronation Street, Upper Norsewood.

Historic Churches
St Davids and Epiphany are two Historic Churches in the local area. St Davids is a Presbyterian church located on Coronation Street. Epiphany is an Anglican church located in Ormondville. Each hold services once or twice a month.

Johanna's World
Features a replica Norwegian log cottage (museum) and the first and only Stave Church (Stavkirke) in the Southern Hemisphere. Johanna's World is also the home to Norsewood's Trolls where children can visit the local Troll Caves.

Norsewood Pioneer Cottage Museum
The museum displays the New Zealand heritage of the district, and is furnished in a colonial New Zealand style with original artifacts that have been obtained around the district. The old Ormondville goal, which was in use between 1894 and 1930, is also on site and can be entered

Water Wheel Reserve
A reserve and playground in Lower Norsewood known for its flying fox.
Location: Hovding Street, Lower Norsewood

Stop for lunch, meet the locals and enjoy this small town. Learn the unique history and maybe even stop the night.