Akaroa

The cliffs at the harbor entrance to Akaroa (Maori for “Long Harbor”) were a welcome sight after a long, stormy night. While both the wind and seas had abated, none of us really felt like carrying on so we motored down the harbor just in awe of the rugged volcanic land scape. While just 75 miles from Christchurch, the road to get here is windy and difficult so the permanent population is just 600 or so people. It is a popular resort, particularly for Honeymooners, so in the summer the population can swell to over 7000.

There are two arms at the upper end of the harbor and we chose to anchor off the village itself.

The views of the surrounding countryside were spectacular.

The first order of business was some rest, but it wasn’t long before Joe and I got the urge to go fishing so we thru in Beer Can and headed back out to the harbor entrance. These views are of the same cliff area as the earlier pictures, but now with more light.

Joe and I didn’t do too well with the fishing, but we were visited by a pod of Hector’s Dolphins. These friendly little fellows come right up to the boat and seemed to enjoy interacting with us as much as we did with them. They are highly endangered and you are not permitted to approach them – you must let them approach you. We must have seen 20 or so and there are only 50 or so left in the harbor.

The wind started to pick up again so we headed back to the boat and town. While we were playing with the dolphins, Deb was sussing out the town.

If that sign strikes you as French, you are correct. Akaroa’s origins are French, but more on that in my next post.

The Admiral made the command decision that the crew would eat ashore.

Finally, a shot of Iron lady as we headed back to the boat.

With bit of a reward from Mother Nature.

and the crew slept soundly.

We may have been bound Stuart Island but Akaroa was a delightful treat – more in the next few posts.