Akaroa Bowling Club
AKAROA
Courtesy of Jan Shuttleworth
The area was originally inhabited by Māori and its name of Akaroa is a corruption of Whangaroa which means "Long Harbour"
In 1840, French settlers arrived aboard the ship Comte de Paris, hoping to establish a French colony. They arrived after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, which ceded sovereignty to the British.
Despite the French presence, British sovereignty was already established in the area. The French settlers were allowed to stay and were allocated a block of land which they could use and develop for their own purposes. Part of this land was known as the French Town Centre. Under English law land titles must be no closer than a chain above the high tide line, but sections in this part of Akaroa finished right on the high tide line reflecting that the French settlers based their land surveys on French law. The Akaroa Bowling Club land is within this section of Akaroa and is an example of this.
The French navy, which had provided support, left by 1846, and the whaling industry was in decline. There was also a smattering of Germans who arrived with the French and they also became naturalized citizens and together with the existing British population, Akaroa continued to develop as a port and a farming center.
The French built homes and businesses, and left a lasting impact on the town's character. The town retains strong French influences in its architecture, and street names (like Rue Balguerie and Rue Benoit) all of which contribute to a unique atmosphere.
Akaroa was established ten years before Christchurch and was a functioning community at the time Christchurch’s first settlers arrived in 1850. It was considered as a potential site for the provincial government, highlighting its early importance.
Today, Akaroa is a popular tourist destination, known for its charming harbour, French heritage, and beautiful scenery. It also retains its historic character, with many early buildings still standing. It is a "must see," if you are planning a visit to the South Island of New Zealand.
