Akaroa - French Connection

Akaroa is situated on French Bay at the side of a huge inlet from the Pacific Ocean which was formed from two volcanic craters. Akaroa is the Maori word for 'long harbour'.

Akaroa was first settled by French whalers in 1840. They liked it so much, they decided they would like to live there. Unfortunately, it took them two years to go back to France and return to Akaroa.

When they did get back, they discovered the British had signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the Maori chiefs. It was actually signed in Waitangi and then taken around the country for other chiefs to sign - one of those places was Akaroa.

The choice they now had was between returning to France or staying and living under British rule. They stayed.

The french influence can be seen everywhere in the style of buildings and french street names.

It is a quaint little village well geared to tourism. It must get really crowded when the cruise ships come in…Read more