In 1838 a French whaler sought refuge in Akaroa Harbour, originally the caldera of an ancient volcano, long since filled with sea water. He bought, or so he thought, the entire Banks Peninsula from the Maoris, but when he returned in 1840 he found the Union Flag flying. Nevertheless the French settlers hung on and today their legacy is evident in the street names and the colonial style of the buildings. Many of the shops sport French names: Le Boulangerie, Le Brasserie and so on, and the tricolore is much in evidence.
We stayed at the principal settlement on the peninsula, Akaroa. We really enjoyed this quiet, little retreat. The area is a favourite of Christchurchians but is relatively unknown by tourists. This is beginning to change as the main tourism destination on the peninsula, Lyttleton, was decimated by the earthquake, and cruise ships are now beginning to call regularly in Akaroa Sound instead.
By road from Christchurch, driving over the Port Hills, and through the Gebbies Pass and Kaituna Valley, the views are breathtaking. Let's hope this well kept secret remains that way for a little longer.
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