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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 kilometers 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 NZ & 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.
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The boutique shops and businesses
along rue Lavaud, rue Jolie, and the waterfront
provide a comprehensive range of goods
and services.
Akaroa has an excellent selection
of fine restaurants along the waterfront to suit
all tastes. The food in the township features
local salmon, crayfish, beef, venison
and lamb.
Taste the flavours of Akaroa.
Come and sample the fine oils and olives produced
at the Olive Grove, enjoying a multitude of flavours
from the different varieties of olives grown.
Drive over to the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory,
to taste the different varieties of cheese and
watch how it is made from the viewing gallery.
Visit a winery for wine tasting & maybe something
to eat. |
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