Arrival in Akaroa

Given the weather I had encountered on the Summit Road, I wasn't expecting to have pleasant conditions for walking when I arrived in Akaroa. But the weather can change quickly on Banks Peninsula. I arrived at the camping ground- so crowded and regimented after the more relaxed camping ground at Okains Bay!- and found that by the time I had set up my tent, the temperature had definitely warmed up. So I headed steeply downhill via the local walkway into the township, (knowing I was going to have to climb all the way back up later...)

I had visited Akaroa once quite a few years before, and remember being enchanted by its village atmosphere, and by finding little surprises from the days of the early French settlers all over the place. But this time I was struck more by the brash tourist nature of the place, and didn't fall in love immediately. (Perhaps last time my first walk was in the quiet of the morning, a better time to quietly appreciate such things.) However, I soon began finding some 'treasures'. There was this old house with some quirky 'sculptures' on the side.
 

And the Catholic Church, much of it dating back to 1865- very old by New Zealand standards!- was a very peaceful, prayerful oasis of cool and quiet.

I did enjoy seeing the wide range of signs with French names on them all over Akaroa, but this large modern sign outside the petrol station was arguably the most impressive one of all.

There were still many houses that clearly dated back to colonial times.

I was feeling very hot and hungry after a few hours of wandering around the township, but couldn't quite bring myself to eat in a trendy tourist eatery. I was pleased then to find that the 'local' hotel had a family bar and restaurant area, and I had a long cool drink with lots of ice, then ate an excellent meal there.  

 

And finally, replete after that meal, I had to climb slowly back up the hill to the camping ground- noticing the bland, modern 'gendarmerie' building as I passed.