Akaroa Museum Te Whare Taonga

The Akaroa Museum reflects the culture of the community in all its aspects - historical, social, cultural and contemporary; and all its people - Maori, British, French, German and others.

Three historic buildings, more than 2000 photographs, an audio-visual programme and colonial stories take you through the history of Maori and French settlement in the area of Banks Peninsula. There is also a gallery for changing exhibitions. Other displays deal with whaling, cocksfooting, natural history, and display the rich costume and textile collections. The story of Frank Worsley, Shackleton's Antarctic navigator, who was born in Akaroa, is also featured.

The three historic buildings are the Court House, Custom House, and Langlois Eleveneaux Cottage, one of the oldest houses in the South Island, in pleasant grounds.