"Okains Bay is a beautiful charming settlement on the
Banks Peninsula in the South Island of New Zealand.
A great place to visit to escape the modern rush
and enjoy the beauty of nature and the history
of the tangata whenua of these islands."
85 km outside of Christchurch, New Zealand
The Road to Ōkeina
Population approx. 150
A historic village known for it's museum of national
significance, eclectic local store and beachfront camping,
the winding road to Ōkeina is well worth the trip.
According to the Lonely Planet, the Summit Road is
"The absurdly beautiful drive around the edge of the original crater."
DISCOVER
"There's nothing more healing for the mind, than a quiet valley."
Shop
OKAINS BAY STORE
The heartbeat of Okains Bay.
The local store offers basic groceries/essentials, home baking and good conversation. The store has continuously operated since 1876, that's a NZ record!
WE HONOUR OUR HISTORY
WITH GREAT REVERENCE
Steeped in fascinating early Māori and New Zealand history,
we are fortunate to have many historical buildings from the mid 1800's.
St John the Evangelist Church is one of the oldest in all of Canterbury.
The Okains Bay Museum holds a very significant
collection of early artifacts definitely worth checking out.
Address: 1146 Okains Bay Road, Okains Bay 7583
Hours: From Wednesday to Sunday 10am–4pm (Depending on public holidays)
St. Johns Episcopal
Built in 1837
Okains Bay Museum
Est. 1977
OKAINS ECOLOGY
The Banks Peninsula consists of 42 bays which each
have their own unique ecology. We are lucky to have a beautiful beach and stunning river estuary. You can visit the Opara Reserve and explore the birdlife and native forest regeneration along the river all the way out to the sea.
Okains is home to one of the best swimming bays upon this once volcanic peninsula. With ancient volcanic cliffs framing the sunrise each morning, it’s no wonder all the locals are smiling.
WANT TO STAY?
There are SEVEN beautiful accommodation options in this rural part of the world. We hope you visit at least seven times!
Okains View Farmhouse
Museum Bach
Have an extraordinary holiday experience, stay at a working museum. The Okains Bay Museum Bach is a classic retro kiwi bach. Its a comfortable, airy house, with plenty of space for the children to run about, and just a short walk to the beach.
FIND US
Okains Bay, New Zealand