24th December 2009
A lazy breakfast was followed by a pleasant morning wandering around the small township of Akaroa. Set on the Banks Peninsula, which is the result of violent erruptions by three volcanoes millions of years ago, it was originally the caldera of an ancient volcano which filled with sea water as the oceans rose to make it the pretty little harbour it is today.
It’s a town with a very relaxed vibe and was also the site of New Zealand’s first French settlement and strives to recreate the feel of a French provincial town with French street names and French names for the shops and businesses.
After a spot of lunch we headed out into Barry’s Bay opposite the hostel where there is a nice walk to the peninsula in between this bay and the next. A stroll along the beach turned into a gentle climb up a grassy hill to the top which afforded us spectacular views right over to Akaroa and out to the harbour entrance.
The rest of the day was spent hanging around in hammocks - well it is Christmas after all!
