Banks Peninsula and Lyttleton

Today was to be a day for a hike again. I decided that the Banks Peninsula Walk an hour’s drive south of Christchurch would be perfect. Unfortunately, my knee decided otherwise and I turned around after the first kilometre. So it became a day of driving, more or less, but it was so rewarding!

The drive to Banks Peninsula lead through Little River to Araroa on a wonderfully windy road. At the summit of Barrys Bay Valley Drive there was a breathtaking view of Araroa Harbour. Once at sea level again, the names of the places oddly were French. I wanted to know why, so here an explanation: The French connection dates back to the early 19th century when French settlers played a notable role in the region’s history. In 1840, French settlers, led by Captain Jean Langlois, arrived in Akaroa to establish a colony for whaling, but despite British sovereignty established through the Treaty of Waitangi, they were allowed to remain and formed a small French community that still influences the town today.

Since I didn’t go on the hike I chose my way back to Christchurch via Lyttleton, a town that is known for being Christchurch’s main port, a historic gateway for Antarctic explorers, one of New Zealand’s earliest British settlements, and a vibrant hub for arts and culture.