AKAROA


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May 31st 2012
Published: May 31st 2012
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Akaroa LighthouseAkaroa LighthouseAkaroa Lighthouse

Historic lighthouse actually relocated to this location by a preservation group. Sadly only open on a Sunday.
AKAROA



This is a town on a peninsula to the south east of Christchurch, so we had to bypass our final destination (Christchurch) to get to it, but It was worth the drive. The village of Akarua at the end of the road was the only French settlement on New Zealand in the 1800s, but the Brits negotiated a treaty with the Maori people and in the future Brits dominated the settlements. Akaroa still has French named streets and one hotelier who flew a French flag to give authenticity, but otherwise it did not seem particularly French (not that I am an expert) It was very very nice though. The Akaro peninsula was formed by three volcanoes, and two of the towns, Akaroa included, are located in the respective craters. Scenery was as close to the English Lakes as I have seen so far in NZ, very nice, and worth a trip if you have time. There were some steep bendy roads just like the English Lake District as well. We actually stopped on a campsite at nearby Duvauchelle. After taking in the ambience of the peninsula, we headed off back to Christchurch for our final
Akaroa PeninsulaAkaroa PeninsulaAkaroa Peninsula

A typical view.
night in the campervan. So - on to Christchurch!


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Akaroa PeninsulaAkaroa Peninsula
Akaroa Peninsula

Typical view. Has a flavour of some of the English Lakes.
Witches Cauldron?Witches Cauldron?
Witches Cauldron?

The notice says it was a pot used to process whales as this was once a whaling station, but I am not so sure.
More Evidence of Witches?More Evidence of Witches?
More Evidence of Witches?

Mainstreed Akaroa - but look what is at the top of the street lamp
French influence in AkaroaFrench influence in Akaroa
French influence in Akaroa

I wonder if there is a push to put all local signposts in french as well?
 An artist In Akaroa An artist In Akaroa
An artist In Akaroa

The painting is a good likeness of my wife Valda


1st June 2012

The Queen
Wish me luck for Saturday .Set up the Bar, Dressed the HQ, Ready for Bingo. Set for the Auction Wish you were Here Ken

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