Akaroa is New Zealand’s little slice of France
Akaroa: Where French Charm Meets Kiwi Coastal Bliss Nestled on the edge of a sparkling harbour and surrounded by the rolling hills of Banks Peninsula, Akaroa is New Zealand’s very own French-inspired escape . A place where crêpes and baguettes meet pāua shells and pōhutukawa trees — and every corner whispers stories of French settlers and Kiwi spirit. Begin your day the French way — with a buttery croissant or pain au chocolat from a local bakery. Then swap the cobblestones for the sea as you paddle out among dolphins, taking in the dramatic coastal landscape that makes Akaroa so unique. As you stroll through town, you’ll spot French street names, fluttering tricolour flags, and historic colonial cottages framed by blooming rose gardens . The sweet scent of summer roses, often spilling over white picket fences, adds to the postcard-perfect charm. At the motel, you might even catch locals playing a friendly game of pétanque beneath the trees — a beloved French pastime that feels...
