Akaroa is a jewel, nestled within the Banks Peninsula of the Canterbury region. Approximately 90-minute drive from Christchurch, this small town with its own magnificent bays and harbour is sheltered by craggy volcanic hills. She is reputed to be the oldest colonial town in the South Island, and deemed to be most French.
Akaroa (Maori name) also means “Long Harbour”.
One fine day, a friend and I went on a day trip to explore this quaint (and very French) settlement. We took off on a journey of scenic beauty, only to discover greater treasures at our destination.
Upon our arrival, we noticed that bars and restaurants lie along just one street, mostly overlooking the bay. And it was a breath-taking sight. Looking into the bay then, I only have one thought: Akaroa is a real beauty.
And I’ll let the pictures do the talking.
Tip: The journey to Akaroa is a delightful trip through some stunning scenery. Along the way, watch out for signboards that say “Scenic Lookout”. These usually provide a pitstop for drivers to take a break amid appreciation of scenic beauty.
Does SIZE matters? Well… Despite her small size, Akaroa oozes old-world charm and provides various leisure options for visitors. I felt a pang of regret not staying on longer than a day trip but still, there’s always another time.
For more information on Akaroa and interesting things to do, check out: www.akaroa.com.
The above information has been complied based on various sources, including my own experience and should only be used as a reference.
Travel Beckons 
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