Historical experiences

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

Akaroa Nature and History Akaroa

Akaroa has FIVE of the most important historic sites in New Zealand, with a "narrative more important than Waitangi". 

You will not find these sites in any guide book, nor on any other tour. The only way to understand these incredible stories is to travel with a seventh generation local, Marie Haley. 

Marie is the #1 expert local guide, historian, ecologist and natural born storyteller. 

The Seventh Generation Reviews are all 5⭐️ : "World Class Tour", "Best Tour Ever, Anywhere", “Best Tour of Our Entire Trip”. “Remarkable”….

Incredibly Insightful Tour

“We had an incredible tour with Marie. She was very knowledgeable of Akaroa and Maori history and she provided unique insights to the land that you can't get on any other tour. I can't recommend this highly enough, this tour is a must-do in Akaroa!!!”

Contact Marie directly on www.theseventhgeneration.org

Schools, Universities and Groups Tour

Flexible Duration | 25% OFF Group Bookings PROMO: LEARN25

Group tours uncover New Zealand’s history, nature and unique ecology. We can tailor trips to your needs and fit the NZ School Curriculum. Learn about some of the most important historical events by visiting and learning about the Brig Elizabeth Te Rauparaha massacre, Onuku Marae, Treaty of Waitangi, and Britomart Monument. Learn first-hand from a French descendant about the race-for-Akaroa and learn about the nature conservation projects and inspiring future of hope that Banks Peninsula has, directly from a conservation ecologist with decades of experience. Learn about the history and nature of New Zealand in an engaging way, so that you leave with more knowledge, a deeper sense and understanding of New Zealand and hope for the future.

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To view all Seventh Generation tour options click here.

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Akaroa Lighthouse Preservation Society

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. 

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

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Historic Buildings Database

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.

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Okains Bay 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 Hours: 1 May 2024 - 27 October 2024

Saturday & Sunday

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Summer Hours: 28 October 2024 (Labour Day) - 30 April 2025

Thursday – Monday

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Closed Christmas Day.

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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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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.

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