For the more than 800 visitors who walked through Stratford's Pioneer Village on Sunday, it was a step back in time.
From the moment visitors walked in, their senses were assaulted with the sound, smells and sights of life during the war years.
Air raid sirens gave just seconds of warning before the skies were filled with low-flying aircraft, while tanks rolled into action firing at them.
Members of the Armed Constabulary re-enactment group, which has members all around the North Island, gave chase to bushrangers around the village, firing shots, calling to each other and making arrests as people watched.