New Zealand – day 5 (Akaroa, October 22)

Akaroa is another town which has been built on a river a couple of kilometres inland from the sea. This gives it a much more sheltered climate than it would have enjoyed on the coast.
I didn’t find out why there was such a strong French influence in Akaroa, but it was highly evident none the less.
We were in Akaroa 2 days before the Rugby World Cup final game between France and New Zealand. It was slightly humorous to see so many instances of flags and signs that professed support for both the All Blacks (New Zealand’s national rugby team) and the French team.
As our second port of call, Akaroa was gorgeous. There was a beautiful little lighthouse not far from the centre of town which had originally been built out on the coast. In the early 80′s, it had been scheduled for demolition, but a local with a touch of sentimentality had offered the council $1 for it. He was given ownership of the lighthouse, and over the next couple of months, dismantled it, moved it, and reassembled it in the town. These days, a mere $5 will gain you admission upon which you will have your ear chewed off by a couple of old timers who will tell you all about its history. And unlike Lanarch Castle, you are not only allowed but encouraged to take as many photos as you like. My kind of tourist attraction!
We then wandered through the town itself, looking at some of the French-inspired shops and architecture, before heading back to the ship.

Take me to: Day 4 <- | ->Day 6