Preserving Historic Akaroa
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.
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.
The database is currently being updated and will be available online once the updates are complete.
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 $15/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
Akaroa Civic Trust AGM 2026
Members and supporters are warmly invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Akaroa Civic Trust. Date: Sunday, 1 November 20261.30 pm: Gathering at the Catholic Cemetery, Akaroa2.00 pm: Annual General Meeting at the Akaroa Boat Shed, Akaroa The AGM is...