Akaroa
Exploring a scenic bay inside of an old volcano and the surrounding hills
NEW ZEALAND
Akaroa, located in the South Island of New Zealand, has a rich and fascinating history. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Māori people, the area was later visited by European explorers in the late 18th century and some whaling stations were setup along the coast.
However, it was not until the early 19th century that the British established a settlement here. Akaroa became a thriving French colony after a failed attempt to claim it by the French in 1840. The French influence is still visible today in the town's architecture, street names, and local cuisine.
The area's unique blend of Māori, British, and French cultures has shaped its identity and charm. We enjoyed soaking in the picturesque beauty of the surrounding landscapes. To arrive we took the scenic Summit Road that turns off of hwy 75 and we were mesmerized by the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Akaroa's history and landscape is an integral part of its allure, attracting tourists from around the world. We definately recommend making the trip and taking the Summit Road adventure! Happy exploring!
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time when you travel on Summit Road. It is very windy and has some quite steep sections that the van had some challenge with. There are also some narrow areas that make passing challenging. As well typically in March of each year Summit Road is part of the Le Race biking event with attendees riding road bikes on the scenic route from Christchurch to Akaroa.
It took us most of the day to travel from Christchurch to Akaroa as we stopped many times to take in the scenery. When we woke up in town the next morning we were amazed by just how picturesque the bay was with all of the small boats dotting the waters.
