Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula is one of Canterbury's many attractions. Photo / Supplied

Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula is one of Canterbury's many attractions. Photo / Supplied

People who still consider Christchurch and Canterbury a slice of old England in New Zealand should think again.

The garden city is certainly picturesque - with tulips galore blooming in early October - but is fast growing into a contemporary and vibrant cosmopolitan hub.

One of the people championing Christchurch's charms is Frenchwoman Cecile Dransart. In New Zealand for just four years, Dransart says she loves Canterbury. "It's a large region with so much offering. You can ski and surf in the same day."

In fact, returning from a recent visit back to France, as she flew back in over the Southern Alps, she couldn't help but smile and realised she was happy to live here. "There's always something happening."

Looking ahead, Christchurch will soon be gearing up for Cup and Show Week this month, which includes the Style Christchurch fashion event. Then in January, street performers descend on the city for the 10-day World Buskers Festival.

The weekend of my visit to the region, we could choose from the Body Festival (dance performances and workshops), the Kaikoura Seafest, a day of food, wine and entertainment, and French Fest in Akaroa, celebrating the town's French heritage.

It was the latter we were off to enjoy. Set on Banks Peninsula, Akaroa is a picturesque town with a unique character.

Although back in 1840 it just missed out on being the main entry point to a new French colony, Akaroa has nonetheless clung to its heritage. Street signs are in French, and many boutiques and guest houses bear French monikers.

And for the past 12 years the town has celebrated French Fest, a focal point being a re-enactment of the arrival of its Gallic forefathers.

The original settlers arrived on a cold and stormy day in August 1840, but the sun was out for this year's event as the participants - all descendants of the the first group - were rowed in from their vessel by the Akaroa Sea Scouts and under the leadership of Akaroa town cryer Stephen Le Lievre.

Accompanied by the NZ Army Band, the newly arrived settlers paraded along the street to the recreation ground, the site of the main French Fest celebrations.

The festival had been officially opened with a ceremony the previous evening. French ambassador Michel Legras and Christchurch Deputy Mayor Norm Withers were on hand with the Army band and sailors from the HMNZS Pukaki and HMNZS Taupo, who raised the French and New Zealand flags for the occasion. The official party were welcomed by members of local Onuku Marae.