"Akaroa" Akaroa by al2401

Akaroa Travel Guide: 246 reviews and 579 photos

Akaroa is 84km by road from Christchurch and is at the end of State Highway 75. It has a population of about 600 but in peak tourist time this can rise to about 7,000. The town sits on a large sheltered harbour and is surrounded by the remains of an ancient volcano.

While settled by the British, Akaroa’s claim to fame is its French history. In 1838, a year before New Zealand was claimed by the British, a French Captain made a provisional purchase of land in the Banks Peninsula. On his return to France he advertised for settlers who arrived in New Zealand in 1840 to discover that the peninsula was now British soil. They established a small settlement in August 1840 which was known as Port Louis-Philippe.

The area around Akaroa still has a French influence as seen in the many French place and street names.

  • Last visit to Akaroa: May 2012
  • Intro Updated Aug 3, 2012
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al2401

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