Day 11 – April 10, 2025 – Akaroa a day on the water

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Today we started out early as we had to get to the marina for a cruise through the Akaroa Harbor. Akaroa is a charming French settlement on the Banks Peninsula. The name Akaroa is Kai Tahu Māori for “Long Harbor”.

The drive was about an hour though farmland and breathtaking landscapes. We stopped at a lake where there were some black swans.

We continued on around the water to the town of Akaroa where we boarded a large cruise boat with about 30 other passengers. The waters here are clear, and the harbor is inhabited by the Hector’s dolphin, the world’s smallest and rearrest dolphin species. We did get close up with the dolphins as they swam around and under the boat. We headed out to the mouth of the harbor into the waters of the Pacific Ocean where we encountered another boat and more of the dolphins.

We returned to land, for some shopping, then lunch at a local bistro. Then a walk through the town and some gardens. Along the way we came to the Britomart monument. This is commemorating the British landing here a day before the French and claiming the area for Britain.

We then headed back to the lodge where we took a stroll around the grounds. There are some beautiful gardens. We also encountered the Ota-hen-a, where they keep the chickens. And the Oink-A-Huna where they keep, you guessed it, the pigs.  There is also the orchard with various fruit trees and the Portage Garden where they grow vegetables and herbs.

Then back to the house for a rest and ready for dinner.

3 thoughts on “Day 11 – April 10, 2025 – Akaroa a day on the water”

  1. SUSAN

    Catching up on your last couple of days. Everything looks and sounds wonderful and no doubt you are enjoying every minute of it.

  3. Howard

    Hi Cathy and Howard,
    The trip sounds great with a lot of picturesque spots. Sounds like the food is delicious too. I trust all of your plans are working out well too. Enjoy!

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