getting rid of all the stir crazy feelings...

Today Christchurch excelled itself. We have had the most beautiful of days. Sunny, blue sky, no wind...(Not a lot of heat...BUT.) I have a friend from Australia visiting so we decided to drive to Akaroa for the day. It isn't far- about 90km.
Here is a little history: After constantly refusing to recognise New Zealand as a British colony the Crown issued an Imperial Proclamation on 15 June 1839, which cited New Zealand as part of the British Realm.
After being informed of the French intent to colonise Akaroa and use further as a whaling port, the English ship the "Britomart" was despatched in order to proclaim sovereignty for the Crown. The "Britomart" arrived in Akaroa on August 1840,Captain Stanley raised the British flag and held a court at each of the occupied settlements.
Many English emigrants settled in both Akaroa and German Bay (Takamatua) along with many German farmers who set up dairy, sheep and cocksfoot farms.
Commodore Charles François Lavaud arrived in the Bay of Islands in the North Island on 11 July 1840, where they discovered that the Banks Peninsula had been claimed by the British. The French arrived in Akaroa on 18 August and established a settlement.
The area still has a French influence, reflected in many local street names and architecture . There are a lot of very quaint little cottages. A truly lovely place for a day or a relaxing holiday. This picture shows some of Akaroa Harbour with the town of Akaroa on the right. There is a lovely road along the crater rim which is to the top of picture(obviously)!! Really worth a drive.