Where Mediterranean meets Canterbury. The Akaroa area was settled by immigrants from France in August 1840, in the hope of making the South Island a French colony. When they arrived the British flag was already flying and the Treaty of Waitangi had just been signed six months earlier making all of New Zealand a British Colony. The French influence still endures to this day in Akaroa’s architecture and place names. Many of the bay’s around Banks peninsula where once isolated cheese producing communities who’s only access was by boat or long horse trek. If you take a drive up over and around Banks Peninsula you will see many tree stumps dotted over the country side. Many of these are over well of one hundred years old and where cut down for their excellent ship build qualities. Akaroa splits at the seems during Bank / Public holidays and weekends during the summer months. You would be advised to book. Dolphin swims and many other activities and be found in and around Akaroa. Try a 3 day walk to Akaroa from Christchurch with Tuatara Tours