My first stop in New Zealand was Christchurch, where I just spent two evenings and went on a day trip to Akaroa instead. Akaroa is a small town just 80 minutes away from Christchurch by car. To go to Akaroa you will pass by a town called Little River and after there you will start ascending the crater of what was once an active vulcano. The crater is currently sunken into the Akaroa Harbour which leads out into The Pacific Ocean.
This small town also has a very interesting story between Britain and France.
As the harbour is shielded due to how the crater was built up million years ago, it spares the boats from the harsh waves out in The Pacific Ocean. This is might be one of the reasons why the French wanted to settle here. Before they had a chance to do so the Brit´s, who were already settled in the north island, caught wind of this and rushed down to Akaroa. The Brit´s arrived before the French and claimed the land as theirs. However they later came to an agreement with the French and let them settle there as well. There is a flagpost put up in place where the deal was once made.
Though the town is small it is very rich in history, specially for the south island. If you want to know more about Akaroa´s history I suggest catching a shuttle with The French Connection that goes every day from Christchurch to Akaroa and back. There is also a small museum in Akaroa that will give you entrance to the oldest house that was buildt there.
One of a kind
Akaroa to this day still have distinct trades left from Britain and France. The town is also devided into two parts. One being that of the once British colony, while the other is that of the French colony that once settled there.
If you look at the architecture it is a little different from each other, but the most distinct way to tell which is which of the two city parts is a street sign.
For staying here there are a few accomodations and also some very nice ones for a more romantic get away. However if you are traveling on a budget there is only one for backpackers, but if it is fully booked, Christchurch is not far away. Unless you plan to go hiking, cycling or doing any water activities one day is enough to cover this historical town.
The Must-Dos
Akaroa is the place in New Zealand with the largest population of Hector´s dolphins. They have about 3 500 of them out of the remaining 11 000 dolphins. If you want to see the Hector´s dolphins in their natural habitat, this is the place to do it.
Personally I recommend The Black Cat Cruises. They are also one of the services that will take you out to swim with the dolphins if that is your dream, if not a nature cruise will take you almost out to The Pacific in a catamaran to not only look for dolphins, but New Zealand´s fur seal and the blue penguins that are out hunting for the day.
Head on down to Akaroa lighthouse that once stood at the tip of of the crater and facing out towards The Pacific Ocean. As it was driven manually and had gotten worn from the harsh environments by the cliff it got moved into the Harbour where it stands today. Replacing it at it´s original place is an automated lighthouse that does not require a keeper. The old one in the harbour has now been repainted and now stands as a landmark, a bit past the central area.
You did not rent a car and came here by shuttle service, but want to venture out of the main area? Then there are some tours created to see nature or go kayaking in the harbour, but it is also possible to rent a bike and take the destination into your own hands.
Rover Saga 