Akaroa sits at the edge of a beautiful harbour inside the eroded crater of a huge extinct volcano. Originally a French settlement, the town is elegant and full of character. The streets have French names and local restaurants focus on French cuisine. The French settlers who arrived to establish the town in 1840 thought they were the first colonists of a new French territory, however the Treaty of Waitangi was signed just days before they arrived, which gave Britain sovereignty over the whole of New Zealand. Visit the Akaroa museum and take a self-guided walk to see historic cottages. Harbour cruises provide a chance to view dolphins, penguins and fur seals.
Functional facts: Approx. population 600, information centre, restaurants, bank.