Driving SH75 from Takamatua to Akaroa | Canterbury | New Zealand | 4K

Categories: Canterbury Region

Tags: akaroa, canterbury, driving, new zealand, takamatua

Added: 2 years ago

Driving SH75 from Takamatua to Akaroa, on the Banks Peninsula, in the Canterbury region on the East Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

Akaroa is situated at the heart of an ancient volcano, in one of the many bays found around the Banks Peninsula, and is on the eastern side of the Akaroa Harbour, from which the town takes its name. It is Canterbury's oldest town, being founded in August 1840 by French settlers. It has been suggested that French interest in New Zealand sped up Britain's decision to annex New Zealand.

Akaroa has a fine collection of 19th-century cottages and houses, with French associations evident in many street names. Once a fishing and farm service town, it now serves mainly holidaymakers and tourists.

Just an hour's drive from Christchurch Akaroa is a popular location to visit in the region. Being New Zealand's only French settlement, the town exudes a certain je ne sai quois with colourful history, great food, quaint accommodation, and stunning scenery. It has become a popular port of call for cruise ships.

About 5 km south of the town is a small Maori settlement, Onuku, with a historic church and modern meeting house.
Banks Peninsula is a mass of volcanic hills, covering an area of 1,165 sq km, that sticks out from the Canterbury coast between Pegasus Bay and the Canterbury Bight. The highest point, Mt Herbert (Te Ahu Patiki) is 920m and overlooks Lyttelton Harbour. It is less than half the height of the volcanoes before they became extinct.