About Akaroa and Banks Peninsula

Banks Peninsula, on which Akaroa is located, was created millions of years ago by a volcanic eruption. You can still see traces of the lava flows when you take one of the outer harbour dolphin cruises or walk the Ōnawe Peninsula.

The area is rich in Māori history, with Onuku (just around the corner from Akaroa) being the original signing place of the Treaty of Waitangi in the South Island. The British negotiated settlement with the local iwi (tribes) before the French settlers were able to claim Akaroa as French territory. The area has enjoyed peace since, with several pioneering families still having descendants in the area.

The teardrop-shaped spit of land that can be seen at the top of the harbour from the hilltop, called Onawe, (pronounced “on-ah-wear”), is the site of the worst defeat suffered by Kāi Tarewa (a local Māori hapū or tribe), when they were invaded by a Te Rauparaha, the chief of a Northern tribe.

Today you can view the local marae (no access to marae) and historic Māori church at Onuku, a short and beautiful 5km drive from Akaroa, where tangata whenua (people of the land) still reside.

French Fest, a celebration of Akaroa’s French beginnings, is held every other year in October and is attended usually by the French Ambassador as well as local and national dignitaries.