Preserving Historic Akaroa Since 1969

Akaroa Civic Trust

The Akaroa Civic Trust protects and celebrates one of New Zealand's most beautifully situated and architecturally significant colonial towns, for residents, visitors, and generations to come.

Preserving Historic Akaroa Since 1969

Founded by local residents to preserve and celebrate Akaroa's rich bicultural history, unique architectural heritage and spectacular harbour setting for future generations of New Zealanders and visitors.

Years of Advocacy

Heritage Registration

Of Town History

Historic Akaroa

A Story of Settlement, Culture & Character

Historic Akaroa

Explore Akaroa’s rich history, from its Māori heritage and early European encounters to its unique French settlement and the development of a distinctive colonial town.

Maori: Tangata Whenua

Discover the deep Māori heritage of Banks Peninsula, including Ngāi Tahu traditions, early settlements, ancestral landmarks and the enduring significance of Ōnuku.

The Early Europeans

Learn about the first European explorers, sealers and whalers who visited Banks Peninsula, and the events that shaped early European contact and settlement in the region.

The French Settlement

Discover how French settlers arrived in Akaroa in 1840, establishing New Zealand’s only town founded by French settlers and leaving a lasting legacy in its identity and character. Their descendants still call Akaroa home today.

The Colonial Town

Explore Akaroa’s growth during the 19th century, when farming, fishing, shipping and tourism shaped the town and its distinctive collection of historic buildings.

Akaroa in the 20th Century

Trace Akaroa’s transformation into a popular holiday destination, as tourism grew and the town balanced its evolving economy with the preservation of its historic character.

Preserving a Historic Town

Discover the ongoing efforts to protect Akaroa’s nationally significant historic buildings, distinctive streetscapes and colonial heritage for future generations.

French Farm House(1)

Historic Buildings Database

Akaroa's Architectural Heritage

A comprehensive record of every significant historic building, structure and site in Akaroa, researched and maintained by the Akaroa Civic Trust.

This database has been created by the Akaroa Civic Trust and is copyright. The database may be used by individuals for the purposes of private study or research. Otherwise no part of the database may be used or stored or reproduced in any form or by any process without prior written permission from the Akaroa Civic Trust

Akaroa Civic Trust

Public Buildings
Commercial Buildings
Dwellings
Structures and Sites

Guardians of Akaroa since 1969

Help Us Protect Akaroa's Character

guardianship | Kaitiakitanga

Join the Trust for as little as $20/year. Your membership funds advocacy, heritage research and community engagement.

Enjoy

Celebrate Akaroa’s outstanding heritage, its historic streetscapes, and the dramatic natural beauty of the harbour and surrounding hills.

Prosper

Support a thriving, sustainable economy built on the authentic charm that draws visitors from across New Zealand and overseas.

Protect

Advocate with councils and Heritage NZ to preserve Akaroa’s fragile historic fabric, its buildings, streetscapes and harbourfront, for future generations.

News & Updates

Latest from the Trust

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