Rapaki Suburb Guide
A small Ngāi Tahu settlement with deep cultural significance on Lyttelton Harbour
Ward: Banks Peninsula
Rapaki (Te Rāpaki o Te Rakiwhakaputa) is a small Ngāi Tahu settlement on the western shore of Lyttelton Harbour, with profound cultural and spiritual significance to local iwi. The marae at Rapaki is one of Ōtautahi Christchurch's most historically significant sites, and the community has maintained continuous connections to this place for generations.
The settlement is small and quiet, accessible by road over the Port Hills or by water. Rapaki Bay offers a protected coastal environment, and the surrounding hills provide walking access to the wider Port Hills network. The area is generally not available for conventional residential purchase -- most land is Māori reserve or iwi-held.
Rapaki's significance is cultural and environmental rather than conventional residential. The Christchurch City Council works with the Rapaki community on harbour management, cultural protection, and environmental initiatives.
Key Features
- Ngāi Tahu marae: deep cultural significance
- Protected Rapaki Bay coastal setting
- Port Hills walking access
- Unique cultural landscape
- CCC partnership with local iwi
Nearby Suburbs
Schools in Rapaki (15)
There are 15 schools in Rapaki, Christchurch.
| School | Type | EQI | Roll | Authority | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mairehau High School | Secondary (Y9-15) | 510 | 421 | State | Zoned |
| Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa | Secondary (Y9-15) | 464 | 1,342 | State | Zoned |
| Akaroa Area School | Composite (Y1-15) | 455 | 126 | State | Open |
| The Cathedral Grammar School | Primary (Y1-8) | N/A | 237 | Private | Private |
| Lyttelton Primary School | Primary (Y1-8) | 424 | 120 | State | Zoned |
| Diamond Harbour School | Primary (Y1-8) | 412 | 109 | State | Open |
| Duvauchelle School | Primary (Y1-6) | 420 | 25 | State | Zoned |
| Te Kura o Ōhinetahi - Governors Bay | Primary (Y1-8) | 386 | 91 | State | Zoned |
| Little River School | Primary (Y1-8) | 423 | 35 | State | Open |
| Mairehau Primary School | Primary (Y1-8) | 466 | 360 | State | Zoned |
| Okains Bay School | Primary (Y1-8) | 545 | 8 | State | Open |
| St Mary's School (Christchurch) | Primary (Y1-8) | 397 | 117 | State Integrated | Open |
| St Teresa's School (Riccarton) | Primary (Y1-8) | 398 | 160 | State Integrated | Zoned |
| Waimairi School | Primary (Y1-6) | 418 | 306 | State | Zoned |
| Yaldhurst School – Tōtara Tūkaha | Primary (Y1-8) | 432 | 124 | State | Zoned |