Akaroa Salmon

Nestled in the pristine waters of Akaroa Harbour, Akaroa King Salmon has been quietly leading a revolution in sustainable aquaculture since 1985. With a legacy spanning four decades, this 100% New Zealand-owned partnership—comprising the founding Bates Family, Ngāti Porou and the local mana moana Ōnuku Rūnanga—embodies intergenerational sustainability and a deep commitment to environmental guardianship.

Operating on less than 10 acres of waterspace, Akaroa King Salmon raises its fish from egg to finished product as a vertically integrated business, providing employment for more than 80 Banks Peninsula locals. Their approach to farming is rooted in a shared whakawhanaungatanga (relationship) that prioritises long-term environmental sustainability, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the taonga that is Akaroa Harbour.

Akaroa Salmon’s carbon footprint is impressively low—comparable to eggs and significantly lower than any land-based animal protein. This is no accident. The company has pioneered the use of farmed algae oil to replace wild-caught fish oil in salmon feed, resulting in a purer oil content and a reduced environmental impact. In 2024, they became the first salmon farmer in the southern hemisphere to join the Blue Impact feed programme, which focuses on circular and regenerative feed inputs. One standout innovation is the use of insect meal, derived from black soldier flies raised on food waste from local farms and orchards. This not only provides healthy protein for the salmon but also diverts organic waste from landfill.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Akaroa’s operations. Feed bags are recycled using an old wool press, and local shipments now use cardboard boxes lined with wool—replacing the polystyrene packaging of the past. A new partnership with a local composter has enabled the transformation of fish innards into nutrient-rich compost, reducing landfill by 160 tonnes annually.

Their products reflect this purity and care: no sugar, no artificial flavourings—just New Zealand sea salt and natural mānuka wood smoke. It’s a philosophy that extends beyond the plate, into the heart of the community.

Akaroa King Salmon actively supports local sporting and community groups, with a portion of wharf sales going to the Wainui Residents Association. They also assist conservation efforts through groups like Pest Free Banks Peninsula and ReWild Wainui, helping to trap pests and restore native biodiversity.

This is a company that doesn’t just farm fish—it nurtures ecosystems, uplifts communities, and sets a benchmark for sustainable food production. Their intergenerational focus, innovative practices, and deep cultural partnerships make Akaroa King Salmon a true sustainability hero.

Visit Akaroa Salmon at their Wigram store or online here.