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Akaroa is where it's at
Dazzling Akaroa
The only French settlement in New Zealand feels like a little-known secret.
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All is not what it seems in Akaroa. The name itself, which means ‘Long Harbour’ in Kāi Tahu Māori, might be distinctly Aotearoa, but as New Zealand’s first (and only) French settlement, arriving here is like descending on a French provincial village – right down to the names of its streets. Rue Brittan, for example, will lead you up the hill to an old cemetery. Indeed, European influence is everywhere, particularly in the local restaurants, where a passion for fine food is rife. However, let’s not forget the earlier settlers here were Māori, and their stories are shared at the Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum in Okains Bay, a 20-minute drive from Akaroa. Among the many historic remnants on display are Māori taonga (treasures) and early European items. Add that to swimming with the world’s smallest dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin, trails rich in bird life, and bathing in crystal waters lapped by golden beaches and delightful Akaroa couldn’t be anything but Kiwi.
Akaroa Lighthouse © christchurchnz.org.nz
DID YOU KNOW?
Every October Akaroa hosts a three-day French festival with a market, parade and music entwined with Whānau Day to celebrate Māori history too. There’s plenty of food, including the quintessential Kiwi barbecue – but you better put mustard on your frites!
DON’T MISS!
• Cruise Akaroa Harbour multiple ways. From rare yachts to catamarans and New Zealand’s oldest rigged ketch. Enjoy a hands-on experience or sit back and wait for dolphins.
• Well known as a destination for other nature-based adventures departing Akaroa include Scenic Nature Tours and kayaking to penguins and fur seal colonies.
• Try stand-up paddleboarding in the dark! Kitted out with LED boards, you’ll set out at dusk and paddle Akaroa’s shorefront before a dazzling sunset. As night-time descends, various fish species light up beneath you.
Hector’s dolphin, Akaroa © Chalita Aommy Klumjui
