Riddle me this: What’s near to Christchurch but far away, a part of New Zealand, but might not have been?
The answer is Akaroa.
Akaroa began as a French whaling station. It’s on the far side of the Banks Peninsula from Christchurch, accessed by a two hour drive along a winding road. You won’t mind though, because the scenery along the way is memorable.
Relations between the French and the Kiwis have not always been the best. Most recently, things took a downturn in 1985 when French forces blew up the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland Harbour.
Earlier there was friction in 1838 when French Captain Jean François Langlois attempted to establish a French colony at Akaroa. He made a dubious land purchase from Māori on Banks Peninsula and formed the Nanto-Bordelaise Company to support the settlement. However, by the time the French colonists arrived in 1840, Britain had already claimed sovereignty over New Zealand through the Treaty of Waitangi.
The French withdrew their claim, but left Akaroa to this day with a slightly Continental flavor.
We discovered an art gallery in the old power station.
Here’s what you’ll encounter driving into or out of Akaroa.
Never knew this. Lovely area! I like the colourful fishing shacks. They remind me of the ones in Newfoundland.
I do hope NZ can escape the madness gripping so much of the world. So much beauty and, overall, a seemingly very well organized society. Thanks for sharing this superb tour.
I loved the houses with fences, finials, flowers–and the one with the bridge (drawbridge?) over the creek!
The art in the power station was cool–especially the giraffes and dogs (Earwig? Was that his name, or did he have one?)
Everything was so colorful, against a green or blue background.
We are having ice/snow blizzard here. Sub-freezing weather. Everything is white or grey.
Enjoyed the escape!! It was very welcome! Love, MEB