Akaroa

Akaroa harbour (cruise ship in background)

We arrived in Akaroa, population only 850, mid afternoon and the temperature was sitting at about 30 - very hot. Sunny, picturesque village with French influences, nestled below the hills and looking out over a beautiful harbour with little boats as well as the arrival of a cruise ship this morning.

Cooling down with a cold Raddler

We wandered through the village and the park, had a beer to cool us down in Bully Hayes Bar and were told at the info centre that we could get away with parking in the big area between the Recreation Ground and the waterfront for one night which is what we have done. 3 others doing the same.

View from Ma Maison restaurant

Our guide book said that fish and chips on the waterfront were a must-do but unfortunately the only fish and chip shop in the village has burnt down so we opted to have them in Ma Maison with lovely views over their outdoor seating, white roses, green lawn and pretty harbour. Very fitting with the French name and 2 of the front staff being French in a village with French street names and other French settler influences.