Akaroa 11 January 2012

Akaroa

The sail north from Port Chalmers started with a gale and was followed by a 28-hour passage, time split evenly between sail and motor which seems about par for cruising when you are in the forties and coasting.

Akaroa's art

Akaroa

Dingo is at anchor off the Akaroa Cruising Club wharf and clubhouse, Rejane is ashore at the Library catching up on IT.  It’s been six wonderfully sunny and settled days here in 'Long Harbour' surrounded by hills and tiny settlements time to unwind, relax and indulge with walks, coffee, shopping, clothes washing, wining and dining.

Akaroa

Akaroa, popular summer destination

Akaroa is the biggest harbour out of the many which ring the ancient volcanic mountains of the Banks Peninsula. Christchurch is at the landward end of the peninsula and the village of Akaroa in French Bay (site of a french immigrant settlement in the 1740s) is tucked into the most sheltered nook. The village is busy at this time of year and its small beach, promenade and shops are crowded with holidaymakers, some of them from the cruise ships that arrive every day or two. These ships, some of the huge, usually go to Christchurch (Lyttleton harbour) but the quakes have seen to that.