The most French town in New Zealand, Akaroa impressed us with its historic buildings, magnificent harbor and passion for fine food.
Akaroa, a charming town on the Banks Peninsula, that retains some of its French heritage from 1840, when the French settled it before the British. Although the British took possession, the French chose to stay. It’s situated at the mouth of a harbor, but all around it steep hills rise up from sea level.
Here, we just got off the ship in Akaroa.
With a crew member.
On the Akaroa pier.
Banks Peninsula is the South Island’s most interesting volcanic feature. Originally an island formed by two volcanic cones, the peninsula has two dominant craters which form Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours. The peninsula was named for botanist Joseph Banks, who sailed with Captain James Cook on the Endeavour.
Located on the south east side of the deep, sheltered Akaroa Harbour, the charming township of Akaroa has a special point of difference – it was the only French settlement in New Zealand.
The best way to explore Akaroa is on foot. We began our walk from the information center, which is on the corner of Rue Lavaud and Rue Balguerie. We found brochures and maps that helped us to decide where to walk.
Such a pretty walk through street adjacent to Akaroa harbor.
People that are waving behind us were our table mates at the cruise dinners. They offered kindly to take a picture of both of us.
Charming Place de la Poste near the War Memorial.
Here is the Banks Peninsula War Memorial and Grounds. This beautiful memorial in the small town of Akaroa speaks of the respect and tribute to those who died in the world wars. It is a grand edifice set in a peaceful spot overlooking the water.
Beautiful grounds with trees and flowers surrounding the memorial.
We were lucky to visit Akaroa at the time when the beautiful white flowered Japanese Wisteria trees were blooming.
Wisteria trees bloom in late spring or early summer when the leaves open and produce a dramatic floral display.
This lovely metal sculpture of a painter without a canvas is a statue of the artist Charles Meryon, who came to Akaroa on the second French naval vessel stationed there, Le Rhin, spent the years 1843-46 in Akaroa and completed sketches of the infant town.
This statue in Rue Lavaud, Akaroa, gives the incorrect impression that he was a painter. In fact he was an etcher.
Akaroa’s French street names and charming colonial cottages are their legacy.
Passing some of Akaroa’s boutiques.
We had a seafood lunch in one of the restaurants near the harbor. The seafood chowder soup, that I had, was delicious.
Exploring Akaroa Warf. It was also a place where we gathered awaiting a boat to take us back to the ship.
It was time to board the boat. The cruise crew offered hot broth and some beverages to the passengers. Isn’t it sweet? 🙂
So pretty.
Just boarded our cruise ship.
Enjoying the beautiful Akaroa view from the ship before moving to our next destination, the North Island of New Zealand.
