Our history begins in the 16th century..

with a Maori village of the Waitaha tribe, named “Kapukariki”, meaning the little Kapuka tree.

The river and village are now named after Sir Edward Cust, who was a prominent member of the Canterbury association, which arranged the early NZ settlement and immigrant ships sailing to Canterbury ( 1850-1853). By 1866 there were already about 150 houses and 500 people living in the Cust area.

The Cust Museum contains a full and fascinating look back into our past. Located in the old Water supply board building on Main Rd.( entry free: 2-4pm Sundays)

Cust School celebrates 150 years

Photo’s show the very 1st School year and the 1st year on the current school site.

The Cust Motorcycle Grand prix 1936-1963

This became a famous NZ event held every Easter on our dirt roads. Check it out here: CustGrandPrix and Archives NZ