Plizio Visual Lab

Apia Old Post Office

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Old Post Office of Apia is a prominent historical landmark on Beach Road, representing the architectural shift in Samoa during the turn of the 20th century. Constructed during the German colonial administration around 1900, it functioned as the central communications hub linking the Pacific islands with Europe and America. The building's design features classic colonial aesthetics adapted for the tropics, including wide shaded verandas and high ceilings to manage the humid heat. For many years, this office was the primary distribution point for world-renowned Samoan postage stamps, which remain highly collectible today. Following World War I, the New Zealand administration took over the facility, continuing its operation as the heart of Apia's postal services for decades. Today, the building serves as a reminder of Samoa's colonial heritage and its integration into the global communication network, often housing cultural exhibits or government offices.

Location: Samoa
Top sights: Apia Methodist Church · Matafele Methodist Church · Mulivai Catholic Church
Nearby: Vailima (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	28	28	28	28	27	27	27	27	27	27	28
Rain mm	258	241	165	169	128	91	75	56	92	141	213	229

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The old Apia Post Office is typically viewable from the outside at any time. Inside access may be limited to guided tours or by appointment.

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Typical hours

Opening hours for the interior are not fixed; it is typically accessible during daylight hours. For current information, check with the local tourism office.

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Photography

Exterior photography is allowed at any time without restrictions; the facade is very photogenic. Inside, avoid using flash to protect historic materials and respect any no-photography signs.

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Time needed

Viewing the exterior and taking photos takes about 15-20 minutes. If the interior is open to the public, allow an additional 30 minutes for a thorough look.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby Apia Old Town Hall, which is also a historic landmark. The Apia Old Radio Station is within a short walking distance and worth seeing.

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Getting there

The building is located in the heart of Apia, making it easy to reach on foot from most hotels. Taxis and local buses also stop nearby, providing convenient access.

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Insider tip

Visit the post office early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photos. Bring a copy of an old photo to compare the past with the present and appreciate the architecture.

Geography

Coordinates

-13.83250, -171.76800

Facts

The building was constructed around 1900 during the German colonial era.
It is a key landmark on Apia's historic waterfront, Beach Road.
The office was famous for its unique and collectible Samoan stamps.
The architecture features wide verandas typical of early 20th-century colonial style.
New Zealand authorities operated the post office from 1914 onwards.
It remains one of the best-preserved examples of colonial infrastructure in Apia.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Apia Old Library<1 km · NWExplore →

Vaimoso Mau Monument1 km · SExplore →

Lepua2 km · NEExplore →

Samoa College2 km · EExplore →

Apia Historic Observatory3 km · SWExplore →

Ah Liki Distribution Center3 km · SExplore →

Tui-Samoa Cable Landing Station3 km · SEExplore →

Avele College3 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Apia Old Post Office (10)

Apia Methodist Church

Methodist church in Apia, place of worship for the city's Methodist congregation.

Matafele Methodist Church⛪ church

Methodist church in the Matafele district of Apia.

Mulivai Catholic Church

Catholic church in Mulivai, Apia, site for Catholic services.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Church in Apia, Samoa, seat of the Catholic bishop.

Apia Harvest Centre Church

Harvest Centre church in Apia, a Christian gathering place.

Samoa Tourism Authority Visitors Village

Visitor center of the Samoa Tourism Authority in Apia, information point.

Siva Afi Entertainment Centre

Entertainment center in Apia, venue for shows and cultural performances.

Samoa Arise 2025

Christian organization or event in Apia, religious center.

Seventh Day Adventist Church

Seventh-day Adventist church in Apia.

Museum of Samoa🏛 museum

Museum in Apia, displaying historical and cultural artifacts of Samoa.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the building used for today?

It houses cultural facilities and souvenir shops.

What are the opening hours?

Shops are usually open on weekdays until 5 PM.

Is the building architecturally interesting?

Yes, it is a fine example of colonial architecture in Apia.

Can I take pictures inside?

Yes, it is permitted in public areas.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, it is centrally located and easily reachable by foot.

Apia Old Post Office: where is it located?

Apia Old Post Office is located in Samoa.

Apia Old Post Office: what is there to see?

Highlights include Apia Methodist Church, Matafele Methodist Church, Mulivai Catholic Church.

Apia Old Post Office: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Apia Old Post Office: why is it worth visiting?

The Old Post Office of Apia is a prominent historical landmark on Beach Road, representing the architectural shift in Samoa during the turn of the 20th century.

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