Akaroa New Zealand Displays Historic Quaintness

Down the mountain from Le Bons Bay and an hour’s drive away from Christchurch, backpackers will find French influence all around in New Zealand’s only European settlement of this type, nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano.

French settlers came to Akaroa New Zealand, now a tourist resort and fishing center set amidst hills and water at Banks Peninsula on the eastern coast of the South Island. Today, the town’s coffee shops, restaurants, streets, and architecture reflect French roots through their names and styles.

Though France had originally set out to colonize Akaroa New Zealand, the assumption of British sovereignty through “purchase” of this peninsula during an early 19th century whaling ship agreement with native Maori people thwarted that effort. Still, French influence is the prominent flavor and unique standout in all of New Zealand.

Now considered the Riviera of Christchurch, today’s bay harbor area with its historic four-block downtown oozes a special charm, perhaps more so than any other town in New Zealand. Guided walks narrate rich history of Akaroa New Zealand. Such walks reveal quaint, narrow streets lined with many period buildings now used as businesses, shops, and tourist accommodations.

Rue Lavaud alone (”rue” is French for “street”) has over 30 landmark structures.
A lamp with a plaque on its bottom built in 1907 marks the entrance to Akaroa on Rue Lavaud. A whale pot from 1835 reflects what was once New Zealand’s most important industry.

The street also features The Grand Hotel (originally the site of Mayor C. J. Waeckerle’s cottage which was also called the French Hotel); Waeckerle’s Bridges (stone structures with iron railings and commemorative inscriptions); and Lavender and Honey, Ca Bouge, (once a market for cocksfoot seed, drapery, iron wares, clothing, and wire nails), now a retail site featuring local lavender products, glass blowing, and an art gallery. Here, you can purchase New Zealand gifts for friends and family.

A walk past magnificent scenery and remaining original French styled wood houses might end with a fine dinner at La Maison, a popular and tranquil waterfront restaurant with panoramic views and sunsets that make this one of Akaroa’s treasured hidden gems.

On Rue Balgurie, another street in Akaroa New Zealand, St. Peter’s Anglican Church reflects early English Gothic Revival style with paired lancet windows, entrance tower, vertical timbering, and elegant high Gothic windows. The Custom House was a customs port of entry in 1842. Listed on the NZ Historic Places Trust is Rodrigues Cottage, a gable roofed house with veranda and decorative posts across its front.

One hundred thirty remarkable historic structures and artifacts line the charming streets of the beautiful village of Akaroa New Zealand, whose center is named a national Historic Area. On your New Zealand vacation, you can explore colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafés. Or take in beautiful scenery at French Bay, a secluded beach or fishing at one of many bays, or wildlife cruises. The special charm’s all there at Akaroa New Zealand.