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Akaroa has a unique place
in New Zealand's history as the only French settlement
in the country. This tiny village, 85 kilometres south
east of Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula (named after
Lieutenant James Cook's botanist Joseph Banks), was
settled by 63 French people in 1840, 70 years after
it was sighted and named by Cook on his voyage across
the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand and Australia. Banks
Peninsula is an extinct volcano which lies east of Christchurch
and is characterised by its circular shape, steep sided
hills that sweep down to beautiful inlets and bays below.
With tussock hills as a backdrop to the town and the
inlet, Akaroa is a well-preserved gem of history.
The lovely
bayside town has many streets with French names and
is the oldest town in the Canterbury district, Langlois
Etenenaux is the oldest house in the region. It is
the site of the nation's first Catholic Church and
the first vineyard in the country.
The boutique shops and businesses
along rue Lavaud, rue Jolie, and the waterfront provide
a comprehensive range of goods and services.
Akaroa has a cluster of fine
restaurants along the waterfront. The food in the
township features local salmon, crayfish, beef, venison
and lamb.
Taste the flavours of Akaroa.
Drive over to the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory to sample
the different varieties of cheese and watch from the
viewing gallery, the cheese being made. Visit a Winery for wine tasting and maybe something to
eat.
In the centre of the village
is the wharf from which Black Cat Boat cruises take
you to view the rare Hectors dolphins and picturesque
features of Akaroa Harbour.
Akaroa Historic Area Walk
Beginning on rue Lavaud, this
easy stroll visits 43 of the early civic, commercial,
and private buildings, and historic sites. Leading
southward, the walk explores the quiet English back
streets before returning to the foreshore near the
relocated Akaroa Heads Lighthouse.
Pick up the guide book from the Akaroa Information
Centre, and allow two hours for the full walk. |
Adventure
activities include: horse trekking, four-wheel farm
bike riding; paragliding, harbour and sea kayaking
and jet skiing. Events include the annual Heritage
Festival, the Duvauchelle Show, Waitangi Bay Celebrations
at Okains Bay and Le Race (a cycle race from Christchurch
to Akaroa). Harbour swim and triathlon, Harrier race;
Veteran Car Rallies (Le Mans style) and Orienteering
events.
Public transport is available
from Christchurch, and rental cars are available for
hire. From Christchurch's Cathedral Square, take Colombo
Street south and turn right onto St Asaph Street.
At Hagley Park, turn left onto Hagley Avenue, and
follow it south-west as it becomes SH75. Follow the
highway through Halswell, Tai Tapu, and Little River,
over Hilltop, and down to Akaroa (allow 1½
hours travelling time). |
