Akaroa, New Zealand

Radiance OTS, Day 6, March 24, 2014

Akaroa was the first tendered port on this cruise. I really wanted to go to Christchurch from here, but after considering the 1 1/2 hour drive each way, we decided to just stay put and spend a relaxing day at this beautiful port. This stunning seaside village has a strong French influence which gives it a unique appeal today. French bistros, French named street, blossoming home gardens, and hiking trails made this an elegant port for a day.

Tender tickets were given out at 8:00am at the Cascades Dining Room. To ensure having tickets for the first tender, I started my day early. After an early breakfast, alone, at the Windjammer, I started the line at 7:15 right in front of the tightly closed doors of the Cascades. In just a few minutes the line got longer and longer. At 8:00 sharp they started giving out tickets and I left with the six we needed. The estimated time for the first tender was at 10:00 but they actually called at 9:30. (We were behind the Princess cruise, so we had to wait for them to anchor first.) 

TV showing the Radiance entering the Akaroa Habor

Waiting for the tender call on deck 4

First tender to go ashore (except for the ship tours which went first).

Tenders for the ship tours were at the front.

Radiance OTS anchored inside Akaroa Harbour on this beautiful morning.

arriving at the Main Wharf

Following Beach Road right off the wharf

Caught the first free shuttle to the other side of town.

The shuttle dropped us off near the Akaroa Butchery on Rue Lavaud.

The Akaroa Butchery where you can get the best meat pies for $5. The lamb pie was amazing!

Rue Lavaud--still very quiet at this point

lovely garden/cafe

We bought a couple of hand-made items here at this craft market inside the Trinity church yard. Chatted with this very nice lady from Christchurch who was selling her wares at the craft market. People are just very friendly here.

Then we walked down to the water front and enjoyed the view of the Bay.

Childrens Bay on the other side

St. Patrick's Church right across from the Recreation Ground

Inside St. Patrick's

Looking down to the Recreation Ground and the Bay from St. Patrick's.

Walking along Rue Lavuad

Back to the Akaroa Butchery for their delicious pies. Flaky pie crust and meaty fillings, absolutely wonderful!

They were also selling their sausage n' bread outside. $3 each, a cheap local snack.

We were going to checkout the Old French Cemetery, but it looked like quite an uphill climb and a little deserted, so we decided against it.

Instead of taking the shuttle back to the wharf, son and I decided to take a leisurely walk back. This is the swimming beach. 

The most crowded main business area along Beach Road.

This is also where Akaroa Fish and Chips is.

Back to the wharf. Passengers continuously getting into town.

We wanted to get to the lighthouse on the other side of town.

some bright-color wild mushrooms along the street

Saw the long line in front of the Akaroa Fish and Chips, we decided that we should at least give it a try. This is $15 worth of fish and chips plus a bottle of soda. It was delicious but a little overpriced in my opinion.

Church Street going up to the Akaroa Community Library where free wi-fi is available. It is a very small library so everybody was just using their computers outside of the building.

Looking up on Church

corner of Church and Beach Road

After sitting under the shade at the park near the wharf for a little while, it was time to get back to the ship.

Good-bye, beautiful Akaroa!

We enjoyed a relaxing day in Akaroa. One nice thing about this port is that it is very accessible by walking or taking the free shuttle. It is just a quaint and beautiful port!

Menu in Chinese at the Cascades Dining Room

Our favorite dinner roll

Sampling of three soups