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THE BOATSHED

This waterfront building testifies to the popularity of the waters of Akaroa Harbour for recreational boating.

Category: Public Buildings
Date: 1914
Street Address: Beach Road
HPT registered? No
District Plan Listed? Yes

The sheltered and expansive waters of Akaroa Harbour have long been popular for all sorts of recreational boating.

A rowing club was formed in the town in 1881-82. It languished for a few years, then was revived in 1887. This is the club’s third shed – its two predecessors both burned down. The two-storey shed, built immediately after the second fire, had boat storage downstairs and a dance hall upstairs.

A large, rather plain building, it has an attractive balcony on its sea frontage. In the early 1950s, the rowing club amalgamated with the Akaroa Boating Club and the shed was repaired. After falling into a state of disrepair, it was put back into good order for a second time in 1977. The upstairs hall, once used for dances, is a popular meeting venue. Rowing crews no longer train or compete at Akaroa, but boating and sailing on the harbour are as popular ever.

 

 
   
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