Location

Akitio is 75km east of Dannevirke, adjacent the Akitio River, which runs out into the Pacific Ocean and is mainly a sheep and beef farming area. In the beach village is many holiday homes, commercial cray fishing, a store and camping ground, Boating Club, Community Centre & Fire Station. It is visited by many people throughout the year and very popular during the Christmas summer holidays.

Originally the "harbour" was the only means of travel in and out of Akitio. On the beach are two wooden poles, the remnants of a jetty used to load sawn wood and bales of wool out to waiting ships.

In 1899, the coastal freighter the "Pleiades" ran aground on Akitio Beach and on very low tides you can still see the remaining ribs of the hull today. The ships bell, wheel, a port hole and hook are housed at the local Community Centre.