UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRICATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a - 16 OR 15b - 16 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of: April 2009

Commission File Number: 001-13803

AUSTRAL PACIFIC ENERGY LTD.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)

Level 3, 40 Johnston Street, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
(Address of Principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F

Form 20-F x Form 40-F ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule

101(b)(1): ______

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule

101(b)(7): ______

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes x No ¨

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 0-29344

SUBMITTED HEREWITH

Exhibits


	99.1	Press release April 3, 2009

	99.2	Letter Agreement with Investec Bank (Australia) Limited dated March 31, 2009

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


	Austral Pacific Energy Ltd.
	(Registrant)

Date: April 3, 2009	By:	/s/ T Jewell

		(Signature)

		Thompson Bruce Jewell
	Title:	CEO and President

AUSTRAL PACIFIC ENERGY LTD 6-K