A rich tapestry of French and Māori culture, Akaroa is a place like no other. Explore one of New Zealand’s first European settlements and how history has shaped Akaroa into the destination it is today.
To Read More about the History of Akaroa click Here
Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum
Visit the Museum at the heart of historic Okains Bay, just over the hill from Akaroa.
Enjoy the relaxed environment and open spaces as you learn about life on Banks Peninsula in former times. Significant taonga Māori and early Pākehā items are among the exciting range of treasures on display in the museum’s diverse complex of heritage buildings.
Winter Opening Hours: May - September
Saturday & Sunday Only 10am - 4pm
Akaroa Generator
The Akaroa Hydro Power Station was opened on the 9th of September 1911 in the purpose built building that still exists on Rue Pompallier, Akaroa. It had an output of thirty five kilowatts - fifty horsepower, and was supplied from a reservoir, also purpose built, behind and three hundred and fifteen feet above the station. Learn more about the history visit our website.
Historic Buildings Database
The Akaroa Civic Trust has developed a database of all the historic buildings and sites in the Akaroa historic area. If you would like to find the location of the cottage that used to be in your family way back or find the name of the person that build your family bach, the database is a great place to start. The database is fully searchable from the Akaroa Civic Trust website.
Akaroa Lighthouse Preservation Society
The Akaroa Lighthouse Preservation Society moved the lighthouse from the Akaroa heads to its present location on 2 August 1980. Today a roster of volunteers 'man' the light house to enable the public to visit and view this iconic historic Akaroa landmark. All funds raised are reinvested into maintaining the lighthouse for all to enjoy. Opening hours are 11am – 2pm both Sundays and cruise ship days. 10 minutes walk along water. $2.50 Adults, 50c Children to go up.
For more information on the Akaroa Lighthouse please phone Ben Hutchinson on 03 304 8008 or Kevin Templeton on 03 304 7508 or 027 4346971 or email ktempletonbuilder@xtra.co.nz
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.