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 NewZealand & Australia.
Banks Peninsula is an extinct volcano which lies east of Christchurch and is characterised by it's circular shape and 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 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.
In the centre of the village is the wharf from which boat cruises can take you to view or swim with the rare Hectors dolphins (smallest dolphins in the world). Or just sit back & enjoy the wildlife & picturesque features of Akaroa Harbour.
Experience the natural beauty of the areas many heritage parks and bush walks, from garden tours up to a four day tramp on foot or mountain bike.
Akaroa offers a wide range of adventure activities. Some of the outdoor adventure activities offered are horse trekking, four-wheel farm bike riding, paragliding, harbour and sea kayaking, jet skiing or enjoy a round of golf. All activities are within a short distance of each other. It's this compactness which makes Akaroa so attractive enabling visitors to do so much in such a short space of time.
Major 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.