French vibrations in New Zealand: Akaroa

February 21, 2017

View over Akaroa

Akaroa, known as the only French settlement in New Zealand and easy day-trip from Christchurch.

Towards the end of last year I had the pleasure of nipping down to Christchurch in New Zealand’s South Island for a long weekend. Prepped with an awful hire car I opted for a day-trip to the stunning Akaroa.

The drive itself was incredible and a little unnerving… not sure if it was a good idea to have a cheap manual hire car around those bends…

View on the way from Lyttelton to Akaroa

Driving to Akaroa

The town itself is quaint and pretty with a coastal air to it and plenty of water-related tours you could do. I enjoyed just strolling around the little shops and enjoying a crepe lunch at the French bakery.

Akaroa township

Quiet spot in Akaroa

Akaroa General Store

Charles Meryon sculpture

Finding Dory on the pavement

Akaroa Pier

Musician in Akaroa

Costal Akaroa

If you’re ever around the Banks Peninsula of the South Island of New Zealand I highly recommend nipping out to Akaroa. Just be equipped with a reasonably safe hire car!

On the way stop off at the Little River Cafe and Store – it has an incredible art gallery and gift shop and it a fantastic spot for a sweet treat and/or flat white!