Bonjour !_Haere Mai !_Welcome to Akaroa.

 

Akaroa, as the only French settlement in the country, has a unique place in New Zealand's history. Only 85 kms south east of Christchurch, this tiny seaside village, nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano, has a colourful colonial, French and Maori heritage.

 

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 New Zealand history. Many of the bays around the harbour have historic and descriptive names, relating to a custom or an incident involving our early Maori inhabitants, who have lived on the Peninsula for hundreds of years.

 

Being the oldest town in the Canterbury district, the lovely bayside town has many streets with French names. Langlois Etenenaux is the oldest house in the region, being the site of the nation's first Catholic Church and the first vineyard in the country. The church at Onuku marae is the oldest interdenominational place of worship in New Zealand.

 

 

Akaroa has a number of fine restaurants along the waterfront. The superb cuisine features local fish and salmon, crayfish, shellfish, beef, lamb and venison. Drive around our picturesque bays and beaches, learning of our colonial, French and Maori history on the way. Entertain yourself at our local wineries or cheese factory.

 

Our majestic harbour is a feast of scenic and wildlife encounters. Choose to cruise, fish, sail,kayak or swim with our famous hector dolphins, the smallest and rarest in the world. We also have salmon and paua pearl farms, penquins, fur seals and amazing birdlife. Soak up the sun at one of the many safe, secluded beaches and bays. Play a round of golf in the rural stillness. Enjoy the many beautiful gardens in our area, wander through our quaint streets, or challenge yourself on the several walking tracks and discover solitude as you stroll up the mountains or just enjoy the many beautiful gardens in the area.

 

A Bientot !_Ka kite ano !_See you soon

 
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