This morning we set off on a day trip to Akaroa on the Bank's peninsula, 80k’s and
1¼ hours easy drive south-east of
Christchurch. The Banks peninsula is the South Island's most interesting volcanic
feature. Originally an island formed by two volcanic cones, the peninsula has
two dominant craters that form Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours. The peninsula was
named for botanist Joseph Banks, who sailed with Captain James Cook on the
Endeavour.
Located on the south-east side
of the deep, sheltered Akaroa Harbour, the charming township of Akaroa has a
special point of difference - it was the only French settlement in New Zealand.
In 1838 a French whaler,
Captain Langlois, decided that Akaroa was an ideal location for a town that
could service the whaling ships. He subsequently acquired the peninsula in a
dubious land deal with the local Maori. He then returned to France and arranged
for a group of French and German families to sail to New Zealand, with the
intention of forming a French colony.
However, by the time Langlois
and his colonists arrived at Banks Peninsula in August 1840, the Treaty of
Waitangi had already been signed (the signatories including two Akaroa chiefs)
and New Zealand's first Governor, Hobson, had declared sovereignty over the
whole of New Zealand.
In spite of this unexpected
turn of events, the French settlers decided to stay on. Akaroa's French street
names and charming colonial cottages are their legacy.
We stopped along the way at
Little River and all really enjoyed a wander around the fabulous Little River
Gallery exploring it’s huge array of art…my personal favourite was this bear
who is very worried about global warming…that’s 3 bags of ice he has in his
trolley…it’s a shame his price tag is $12,000 because I think he would look wonderful
in our courtyard.
The drive from Little River to
Akaroa is very scenic, it was impossible to take a photo that would do it
justice so this view is just a glimpse of the overall picture.
Akaroa has historic buildings and the waterfront is lined with interesting
boutiques, galleries and cafes serving seafood and other local treats.
Mum and I hit the shops and the
boys took a stroll along the waterfront. Mum bought a beautiful merino and
possum cardigan with Swarovski crystal buttons and a very nice freshwater pearl
necklace!
We shared 2 of these seafood
platters for lunch, local salmon, NZ green lipped mussels, prawns, scallops,
squid, local fish, all pan fried, a seafood dim sim in a tiny bamboo steamer,
salad and bread…not a chip in sight…delicious. I think we’ll be having a small
snack like cheese on toast for dinner. Oops wait a minute…no we won’t because
Andrew didn’t stop at the Barry’s Bay Cheese factory on the way home! Yes he is
in Trouble and yes that’s with a capital T. Dad reckons it’s lucky Andrew has
broad shoulders.
He did however stop so that I
could take a photo of a crazy accommodation option I’ve never on offer anywhere
before…it’s called ‘Silo Stay’.
Sweet dreams everyone xxx
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