A native from Christchurch told us that Christchurch used to be an ugly city. Now, after the recent earthquake it just got worse. Driving in from the quaint mountain hot spring resort of Hamner Springs Christchurch was indeed an eyesore! Therefore I drove another hour south to the unspoiled Banks Peninsula. Akaroa, a small town situated on the southern side of the peninsula, reminded me a lot of Russell on the Northern Island, another historic European settlement. Interestingly it was the French who settled first in Akaroa, before the British. But the British claimed New Zealand for their own two weeks before the French wanted to do so. So Akaroa together with the whole of New Zealand became British. Today there is only one building standing from the French period, all other buildings are British wooden houses. Nevertheless, the unique mix of sea, history and charming architecture makes Akaroa a prime destination to spend a few leisurely days, swimming with dolphins, sailing the Pacific or walking the many scenic tracks.
I love dolphin ^^
Posted by: Onn | January 28, 2011 at 12:56 AM