Helpful Information

With a range of community services that are second to none, you’ll find that Akaroa is a small town with a big heart. Find helpful tips and useful tricks here.

Akaroa Pest Control Group

The Akaroa Pest Control Group is a group of volunteers aiming to help protect biodiversity values around Akaroa. There are a number of pest plants on Banks Peninsula that pose a serious threat to the future of regenerating forest and biodiversity values around Akaroa and the surrounding bays. Members of this group hope to help the community by providing education, advice and where appropriate assistance with control work.

Membership
Anyone in the community is welcome to join the Pest Control Group and there is no experience required. Even if you cannot assist the group with field work, you could still provide education or support. Being volunteer based, members of the group are free to opt in and out of events and support the group in any way they can. Events and volunteer days are organised through group email, so if you wish to join, simply email the contact person on this page and your email address will be added to the group.

PLEASE NOTE: Safety is important to us and herbicide (chemical) is used from time to time during pest control, so young members need to be accompanied by an adult.

Old Man’s Beard
The current focus for the Pest Control Group is Old Man’s Beard (Follow link for factsheet) (http://ecan.govt.nz/publications/General/old-mans-beard-factsheet-jan12.pdf ). This exotic climber has received a lot of attention in the past and it is important to revisit the threat posed by this pest as many infestations spread seed into the community. It is important to stay on top of Old Man’s Beard so that it doesn’t become a major problem in the future. Any help with removing this pest plant would be gratefully received. If you have any questions about how to identify or control Old Man’s Beard on your property, please feel free to make contact with the group.

Old Man's Beard Control Days
The Pest Control Group will be working in collaboration with Environment Canterbury to control Old Man’s Beard at selected sites during a couple of control days. Anyone in the community is welcome to come along and get involved. This is a great opportunity to learn how to control Old Man’s Beard and no experience with pests is required. Come along and learn how to control this pest plant and support your community. Keep an eye on this page or join the email group to receive updates for when these days are being held.

Contractors
From time to time, people require the services of a contractor to aid them with the control of plant pests. Especially in areas that pose a hazard or are difficult to access. Please see below a table with contact details for contractors who can assist in the control of pest plants.

Contacts: 
Simon Johnston
(Habitat restoration Services)
03 980 3113
0277337094
Small to medium scale control work

Niall Mugan
(Keystone Ecology)
021 0540849
Large scale control work

Jason Butt
(Wai-Ora Forest Landscapes Ltd)
03 359 2458
0274592011
Medium to large scale control work

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Akaroa District Promotions

Akaroa District Promotions

The Akaroa District Promotions Society Inc (ADP) is a grouping of business operators in the greater Akaroa area. The aims and objectives of ADP are to:

1. Aid the growth of the economy in the ADP region by fostering the development of tourism activities and lobbying for the development and maintenance of necessary infra-structural services.

2. Promote a spirit of community endeavour and engagement.

3. Protect and enhance the local environment.

4.Promote the ADP region as a tourism destination that welcomes, involves and satisfies visitors.

Download ADP's Membership Prospectus here.

For more information on the membership structure please contact adp@akaroa.com 

ADP Board Members 

Roy Borrelli                            (Fox II)

Elise Cailleau                        (Akaroa Waterfront Motels)

Felicity Taylor                       (Akaroa Criterion Motel)

Keith Harris                            (A La Villa) 

Richard Simpson                   (The Madeira & Fishermans Bay Garden)

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Akaroa

Laundries

There are 3 Laundries where you can wash and dry clothes in Akaroa.


1. Akaroa Public Laundry Facility situated at the Akaroa Waterfront Motels, 56 Rue Jolie, Akaroa. Opening hours 9:30am – 7pm. Call in at Motel office first. Charges $4 wash, $4 dry. info@akaroawaterfront.co.nz 03 304 7484. 


2. Akaroa Village Inn Laundry. Situated by the Akaroa Main Wharf. Opening hours 8am – 8pm. Call in at Motel office first. Charges $4 wash, $4 dry. akaroavillageinn@xtra.co.nz 03 304 1111. 


3. Akaroa Laundry. Entrance is off Rue Pompallier, Akaroa. Akaroa Laundry is a commercial laundry where you can leave your clothes there to get washed. Open 10am-2pm Monday, Thursday and Friday, and 10am-12pm Sunday. LAUNDROMAT available daylight hours 7 days per week. Contact 022 040 7511 for assistance outside these hours.

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Akaroa Museum

Following a programme of earthquake strengthening and repair, Akaroa Museum has created three new long term exhibitions about the history of Bank Peninsula: Ngā Taenga mai Arrivals, Land & Sea, and Tales of Banks Peninsula. These have been produced in collaboration with Ōnuku rūnanga and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Open:
The Museum is open 7 days a week. 10.30am until 4pm. Entrance is FREE. 

Open:
The Museum is open 7 days a week. 10.30am until 4.30 pm. Entrance is FREE. 

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WIFI in Akaroa

WIFI in Akaroa

Your local Wi-Fi hotspots can be found here

Spark Wifi - Spark customers can get online Rue Lavaud

Akaroa Christchurch city Libray  - Selwyn Ave 

BNZ - cnr Rue Lavaud and Rue Balguerie 

Akaroa Christchurch City Library: Computers available. Free Wifi is available 24 hours in and around the library and café. As Akaroa Library is a school and community facility, sections of the library may be reserved for class visits. Further instructions for Wifi use are in the Library.

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Akaroa Playcentre

Akaroa Playcentre is for babies and children aged 0-6 years old and their families. Many of our parents stay on-session by choice which means we have a high adult to child ratio, however parents are only required to stay on-session when they are on their rostered duty, about twice a term. Staying on-session is a great chance to play and learn alongside their children, and to see other parents and share the ups and downs of parenting.

We are committed to providing opportunities for our families to explore and learn about our Community. We visit all three local schools each year, visit our local environment, eg visits to the Flea Bay Penguin Project, Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum, Garden of Tane and the beach nearby. We invite local people to teach us about all sorts of things eg karate, beekeeping, musical instruments and local predator (stoats, rats etc) control.

Akaroa Playcentre is in the Sports Pavillion building at the Recreation Ground.

Our sessions are Tuesday and Thursday mornings 930am-12.

Short term visitors are warmly welcomed
Three free, no obligation first visits.
Term donations $35 per family for 1 session/ week

Contact Anna Swanson (President)
03 304 8609
email swanson_anna@hotmail.com

Contact the Playcentre by email: akaroapc@gmail.com

Playcentre is a uniquely New Zealand, internationally recognised early childhood organisation. It began as a parent cooperative in the 1940’s and continues to support families and promote new developments in Early Childhood Education.

Playcentre believes in child-led play with choice, and in parents as the first and best educators of their children. It offers children friendships, fun and lifeskills, and many opportunities to learn through paint, art and craft, the sandpit, imaginary play, woodwork, gardening, waterplay and others. Lots of adults are around to support children’s play. Playcentre offers parents and families involvement in their children’s learning, time with their children, friendship and support, fun, free parent education, management and leadership skills, time out from children if they choose not to stay onsession, and confidence in themselves and their parenting skills.

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Akaroa Rubbish & Recycling

For all the Guidelines regarding Recycling and Rubbish that  apply to Akaroa Harbour and Outer Bays’ Residents and visitor please go to the CCC website 

The right stuff to recycle

The only items that can go in the yellow bin are: 

  • Clean plastic bottles and containers numbered 1 are things like soft drink bottles
  • Clean plastics bottles and containers numbered 2 are things like milk bottles
  • Clean plastic bottles and containers numbered 5 are things like yoghurt and ice cream containers
  • Metals: aluminium cans, metal tins or aerosol cans
  • Clean glass: clear and coloured glass bottles or jars
  • Clean cardboard and paper; newspapers, flattened cardboard boxes
  • Remember to put lids in the red bin

    It's important to put any lids from bottles and containers in the red bin.

What goes in your red bin

These items must go in the red bin:

  • Soft plastics such as shopping bags, plastic film, bread, pasta, and rice bags, frozen food bags, courier bags and more.
  • Liquid cartons, such as juice cartons, almond and soy milk etc.
  • Coffee cups and food packaging.
  • Compostable and bio-degradable bags and packaging.
  • Ash, timber and sawdust (let ash cool for at least five days before disposing of it in the red bin).
  • Make sure flax, cabbage trees or anything larger than 70cm in length or 7.5cm in diameter, go in the red bin as they can break the machinery at our organics processing plant.

What can go in the green organics bin

We accept all food waste and garden waste in your green organics bin:

  • food scraps, fruit and vegetables including pips and stones
  • leftover meat, bones and fish
  • bread, pastries and flour
  • garden waste, most cut flowers, pruned branches, leaves and grass clippings
  • coffee grindings and tea bags
  • cheese and butter
  • human and animal hair
  • paper and cardboard used for food, i.e pizza boxes, fish and chip paper,  kitchen paper towels, shredded paper and serviettes
  • newspaper
  • shells and shellfish 

Barrys Bay Transfer Station

Accepts green waste: yes

Accepts recycling: yes

Accepts refuse: yes

Address: 102 Onawe Flat Road, Barry's Bay, Banks Peninsula.

Opening hours: 

Summer (during daylight savings): Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: midday to 4pm.

Winter (outside of daylight savings): Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: midday to 4pm.

Closed on: Good Friday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

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Akaroa & Bays Civil Defence

Akaroa & Bays Civil Defence

Akaroa & Bays Civil Defence Info-Christchurch City Council. In a civil defence emergency refer to the back pages of the telephone yellow pages book for information on what to do. Area Co-ordinator- Clive Weir Area Welfare Co-ordinator- Rob Grigg Listen to the local radio statio. Akaroa Radio. Akaroa FM 90.1-90.9 mhz. For local places to meet in an emergency go to 'more details'.

Local Area Welfare Centre: Akaroa Area School on Selwyn Avenue
Takamatua: Old School or Akaroa Holiday Park
Robinsons Bay: Foleys Woolshed
Duvauchelle: Duvauchelle School or Akaroa golf club
Barry’s Bay: Twin gullies Cottage.
Pigeon Bay: Pigeon bay community Hall
Little Akaloa: Little akaloa Community hall
Le Bons Bay: Le Bons bay school
Okains Bay: Okains bay School
French Farm & Tikao bay: French Farm Winery Building
Wainui: Wainui YMCA Camp
Onuku: Contact Meri Robinson
Southern Eastern Bays: Contact Marilyn Masefield

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Church Services in Akaroa

Church Services in Akaroa

Church services in Akaroa

Akaroa has Catholic, Anglican and Presbyterian Churches

St Peter’s Anglican, Rue Balguerie  1st and 3rd Sundays 10.00am

Trinity Presbyterian, Rue Lavaud 2nd and 4th Sundays 10.00am

For more details visit   akaroachurches.co.nz

St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 29 Rue Lavaud, Mass every Sunday at 9.30am

For more details visit   https://www.akaroacatholicparish.co.nz/mass-times/

ALL SERVICES AT 9.30 am

St Peter’s Anglican, Rue Balguerie

Trinity Church, corner Rue Lavaud and Rue Brittan

https://www.akaroachurches.co.nz/services/

Every Sunday

Mass at St Patrick’s Catholic Church

29 Rue Lavaud

https://www.akaroacatholicparish.co.nz/mass-times/



We would love you to join us!

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Akaroa Library/Te Kete Wānanga o Te Ao Marama

The Akaroa Library offers free membership for ratepayers and residents. Visitors welcome. Free wifi, email and internet access. Hours  10.00 - 4.30  Weekdays,  10.00 - 1.00 Saturdays. Akaroa Library is a joint use school and community library and is part of the Christchurch City Libraries network. Visitors in the library are welcome to browse the Christchurch City Libraries online databases. Printing/photocopying/scanning/laminating and book sales are also available. Skinny Jump ( https://www.skinny.co.nz/jump/about/ ) we can sign them up and give them the modem straightaway.

Web page HERE.

Services include:

    Toilets off library foyer – wheelchair access
    Wheelchair access to library
    Parking across the road

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Marquee For Hire

Large marquee for hire within Banks Peninsula. Akaroa and Bays Lions Club have a framed marquee available for hire for all occasions. Particulary suitable for weddings and private functions. 

Details: 

  • 21m x 9m size :  hire fee $1750*
  • 15m x 9m size :  hire fee $1500*
  • 9m x 9 m size  : hire fee  $1000*

*The hire charges above are for hire in Akaroa Inner Harbour locations. For Outer Bays and Little River locations, an additional charge applies. 

*The Building Act requires a Building Consent for any Marquee of more than 100 square metres. The consent fee at March 2021 was $590 and is payable to Christchurch City Council in addition to the hire fee. Lions Club obtains the Building Consent on behalf of the hirer.

The 9m x 9m size does not require a Building Consent.

Hire includes delivery, set up, and dismantle.

For all enquiries please call Mark Smith on 027 2206835
email :ms.cm.smith@xtra.co.nz

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR HIRE; GAZEBO

Size 6 m x 3 m with 4 sides suitable for use as a catering or refreshment tent, Formal entry to the Marquee, Cover for bands, discos etc.
For hire within Akaroa Inner Harbour locations, the fee is $400. For other Peninsula locations an additional charge will apply. 

If hired in conjunction with the Marquee, the fee is $200. 

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Akaroa 4 Square Supermarket

Welcome to our Four Square store! We're proud to be part of the long-standing iconic Kiwi brand that has been the local for New Zealand communities since 1924. So whether you're keeping it local, or on tour, we're here to make it easy for you. Become a local, and shop where all Kiwis love to shop. Always welcome. Always local. Always Four Square.

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NPD Akaroa Motor Garage

Automotive Repairs, Service Station, Motor Accessories & Spare Parts and Retail. Call Clint, Nina and the team.

Summer Hours:

Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday 7.30am - 7pm
Sunday 7.30am - 6pm
Closed on Christmas Day ONLY but 24hour fuel will still be available

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Akaroa Volunteer Fire Brigade

Akaroa Volunteer Fire Brigade

PHONE: 111 (ask for FIRE)
CHIEF FIRE OFFICER: M Thomson
ABOUT US: The Akaroa Volunteer Fire Brigade has been serving the Akaroa and Bays communities proudly since 1877.
Our brigade is made up entirely of volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.


 

SIREN:
There are two sirens located at either end of the Akaroa township.
The siren will only sound when the brigade is called out to an incident.
The siren is NOT a warning system for a tsunami or any other hazard.
Note: If you are driving and see one of our flashing lights in your rear vision mirror, don't panic, just pull over to the left when it is safe to do so to let the appliance past.

OUR TEAM:
All of our members are Volunteers who give up their time to train and keep our brigade running.
We are very lucky to have the support of local employers who allow brigade members to attend calls. Employers names are listed on the employer recognition sign situated on the front of the station.

OUR STATION:
Our current station was opened in 1982 replacing the original fire station which was situated to the left of the current station site.
Our station houses our three appliances, 461 (pump tender), 467 (rescue tender) and 4611 (water tanker).

OUR COMMITMENT:
We are committed to keeping our community safe day and night. 
We will respond to any emergency in the quickest and safest way possible to protect life and property. Weather it be a fire, motor vehicle accident, a weather related call, a medical assist or any other kind of emergency. We will be there.
If you need us  ring 111 and ask for FIRE.

FACEBOOK PAGE. 

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Akaroa Heartlands

To promote, support and provide charitable services that are beneficial to the community within Akaroa and surrounding areas and in particular, promote services relating to employment initiatives, aged peoples' welfare, environmental concerns, youth activities and initiatives with emphasis on needs of youth at risk, artistic and cultural education.

Akaroa  Resource Collective trust @ Heartlands
Who we are and what we do
Akaroa Resource Collective Trust (ARCT) provides, promotes and supports charitable services that benefit the Akaroa community and surrounding areas. ARCT provides a safe, confidential central drop in space, and facilitates social related services in a holistic way across the community.
Due to its small size and unique community contacts ARCT has the capacity to organically adapt and change to meet the evolving needs of the community.
ARCT is spiritually symbolised by an ARK or waka. A supportive structure sailing safely over the currents of life. A place of protection, but also a place to connect with others, learn effective team work and new life skills to increase quality of life. 

Click here  for our Website and to keep up to date with community events Click here  

POSTAL: P.O.Box 52, Akaroa. or

Heartland Service Centre
39 Rue Lavaud
AKAROA 7520


CONTACT: Kerry Little
Monday - Thursday 10:ooam - 4:00pm
PHONE: 03 304 8659
FAX: 03 304 8659

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Akaroa Police

NOTE: 111 calls are free. You can call this number on a mobile phone even if the phone is out of credit.

The operator will ask you which service you need and connect you to the right service.

Call 111 and ask for Police when:

  • Someone is breaking into your house right now
  • There is car accident where people might be hurt, or cars are blocking the road
  • Someone has been assaulted and the offender is still there
  • You are afraid for your safety and or for those around you
  • You need an emergency Police response

If you can't decide if it's a real emergency and you're still worried, call 111 and ask us. We'll help you work out what to do.

111 emergency calls – when an emergency Police response is needed.

105 non-emergency calls – for incidents that don't require immediate Police or Emergency Services attendance and for general Police enquiries.

*555 traffic calls – for traffic matters that don't need an emergency Police response.

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Akaroa & The Bays Map

Akaroa & The Bays Map

Your Akaroa & The Bays map can be found here OR find a hard copy in one of our local stores.

Download the map here.

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St John

St John is a charitable organisation that provides emergency ambulance services in 97% of New Zealand’s geographic locations, as well as a portfolio of complementary health services designed to build resilient communities. The St John NZ vision is enhanced health and well-being for all New Zealanders. St John have provided ambulance services in New Zealand since 1885 and we are playing an increasing role in meeting the broader health needs of our communities, in partnership with other organisations. We would love to have your support for our Ambulance services in Akaroa. Your support will help us to care for people and the community.

St John provides emergency ambulance services to nearly 90% of New Zealanders.

We operate 111 Clinical Control Centres in Auckland, Christchurch and (in partnership with Wellington Free Ambulance) in Wellington, answering 455,000 111 calls for an ambulance each year and dispatching air ambulances, road ambulances and other resources. 

In the 2014/15 year, our ambulance officers treated and/or transported 428,000 patients, working out of 200 ambulance stations situated throughout New Zealand.

Our team in Akaroa need support. More ambulance volunteers are required to help us deliver services to the community. 

Volunteering as an Ambulance & Events volunteer (also referred to as operational volunteer) is a big commitment that is extremely rewarding. By working on both community events and on an ambulance your role is quite varied but the focus is always on providing quality care to patients. 

When volunteering at events, your role is to provide medical services to patients. At one end of the event spectrum, you could be covering local sports games and school fairs. At the other extreme, it might mean working at an international sporting tournament or rock concert.

When volunteering on an ambulance, depending on the size of the community, you will either provide a first response to 111 calls in your local area or be part of an ambulance crew that see’s the patient through their journey from calling 111 to either being referred to another health care provider, treated on scene, or transported to a medical facility.
Specialised training is provided by St John and reimbursements are provided for out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel and meals. Ambulance & Events Volunteers are provided with a full uniform. 

Contact Bradley Shuttleworth
Email: 
bradley.shuttleworth@stjohn.org.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stjohnakaroaandbays/ 

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Akaroa Health Centre

Our team of health professionals provide General Practice services, rehabilitative, respite and palliative care, and rest home and hospital level care for residents and visitors to Akaroa and the Bays.

To contact Akaroa Health, please email reception@akaroahealth.nz or call 03 304 7004.

We are open Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm, however a health professional is available 24/7 for any urgent assistance.  

In the case of EMERGENCY dial 111 

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Electric Vehicle Recharging Stations Akaroa

Orion, in partnership with the Christchurch City Council, has installed two public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Akaroa. One is located at Rue Brittan and the other on Beach Road near the Fire Station. These public chargers are available 24/7 and are free to use. To start using the chargers, you will need to create an account and order a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag at charge.net.nz. In line with New Zealand guidelines, charging cables aren’t attached to the chargers so you will need to provide your own cable, specific to your electric vehicle.

If you would like to know more about EVs or EV charging, please visit the Orion website.

Two identical EV chargers are now open in Akaroa, one at Rue Brittan and the other located in Beach Road by the Fire Station.

EV chargers open in Akaroa
Orion Media Release, 20.12.2016

Two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have now opened in Akaroa. These EV chargers, along with the recently installed chargers in Little River, will make the scenic trip to and from Akaroa an easy, relaxed and ‘range anxiety’ free driving experience for EV owners.

The chargers were installed by Orion, the electricity network company, in partnership with the Christchurch City Council and are the latest in a network of EV charging stations being rolled out across Christchurch and central Canterbury. The Akaroa chargers will be free to use for the foreseeable future.
Orion Chief Executive, Rob Jamieson said: “We’re very happy that our public charging stations make it possible for EV owners to relax and enjoy the quiet, smooth and CO2 emission-free drive to scenic Akaroa.”

“More of our public charging stations will be opening in the coming months giving EV drivers even more flexibility in their choices of destination throughout our region.”
The two EV chargers in Akaroa are standard chargers which typically take a few hours to fully charge a car. This suits those drivers day tripping to Akaroa.
EV owners will need to open an account at charge.net.nz to be able to use the chargers and, in line with New Zealand guidelines, cables aren’t attached to the chargers. EV owners will need to provide their own cable which is specific to their vehicle.

Council Banks Peninsula Community Board Member, Pam Richardson says, “We’re delighted to be able to work with Orion to get electric vehicle chargers installed on the Peninsula. Electric vehicles have great environmental benefits and it is exciting to have them as part of Christchurch’s transport future.”
Those interested in learning more about electric vehicles or Orion’s EV charging stations can visit the website at oriongroup.co.nz/electric-vehicles.

Val Groufsky
Communications Advisor

DDI: +64 3 363 9808
Mob: 027 704 9603
val.groufsky@oriongroup.co.nz
oriongroup.co.nz

Orion New Zealand Ltd

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Akaroa Area School

Akaroa Area School is a small school with strong community links and a family atmosphere. Students from Year 1 to Year 13 mix naturally and harmoniously with each other in an environment where we embrace whanaungatanga (familyness) as the foundation for akoranga (learning) where our tuakana (seniors or older siblings) mentor, support and care for our teina (juniors or younger siblings).

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