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Akaroa |
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The Banks Peninsula is a mass of land protruding from the east coast of the South Island. It was formed by the eroded craters of two ancient volcanos which have been inactive for 6 million years. One crater is now Lyttleton harbour, the other one Akaroa harbour. Akaroa is the only town on the Banks Peninsula. |
Even though Akaroa is not really far away from Christchurch, it is a quiet, secluded place. On the road that's winding itself up and around the edge of the crater it is about 85 km from the centre of Christchurch to Akaroa. In 1835 the first white settlers were french and english whalers, followed by more french immigrants in 1840. |
"Long harbour" is the translation of the Maori word Akaroa. This "long harbour" was already sighted by Captain Cook in 1770. But he thought the Banks Peninsula was an island. Nowadays a lot of sailing yachts are moored here. Also one can go onto tours to watch or swim with dolphins. |
This is a war memorial - although we don't know for which war. It won't be the fights between the different Maori tribes which took place here. Neither will it be the taking of the land by the white settlers in 1835 as that happened peacefully through buying it. And even though New Zealand became british in 1840 the french settlers were still allowed to live in Akaroa. |
The township of Akaroa retains its french origin. Also some of the original buildings are still standing and the names of the roads remind of the first european settlers. |
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There are old houses and modern cafés. And sometimes there are old colourful cafés like this one on the main road through Akaroa, the Rue Lavaud. |
The sea is visible from almost everywhere on the Banks Peninsula. Especially the road over the edge of the crater offers fantastic views. Unfortunately the weather is not very stable. |
The small peninsula
at the front right we like particularly. But to build a house there
won't be possible. The place is sacred to the Maori so even to visit
it one needs a permission. |
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