Delve a little deeper and the playful peninsula will reward you with an abundance of unexpected delights. Breathe in the ocean air from a seaside café and admire the town’s history and architecture as you explore the township’s vibrant gardens and boutiques.
OUR HISTORY
Open hearts
and open minds.
Akaroa is one of New Zealand’s first
European settlements with a rich Māori
and French history.
AA treasure
and an icon.
Well before Captain Cook set his sights on Akaroa Harbour in the 1770s, Ngāi Tahu Māori had already established a vibrant and thriving way of life amongst the beauty of two extinct volcanoes.
BIn 1840, Akaroa became New Zealand’s only township to be established by French settlers becoming the region’s first substantial European settlement. The area became well known as a safe haven for early whalers and sealers braving the southern oceans beyond its headlands.
CPhoto Credits: Akaroa Museum Collection.
A) Regatta Day, J.L. Buckland, 1931. B) Akaroa Post Office, J.L. Buckland, c.1930. C) T.E. Taylor Merchant Premises, T.E. Taylor Studio, c.1900.
What's on
Akaroa Farmers Market
Exhibition at the Akaroa Museum
This exhibition discusses the architectural and furniture design of J. H. Menzies.
It features six pieces of his furniture, including the magnificent Stanford...
Akaroa Art Gallery Events
Waitangi Day Commemorations
Full Moon Meditation at the Meditation Temple
La Grande Swim
– 22 February 2020After a few years exploring other locations around the country, we’re thrilled to be returning to the simply beautiful Akaroa Harbour for the Generation Homes La Grande Swim!
Events...