French charm in Akaroa

As the days shorten and the nights draw in, the prospect of a pampered weekend getaway helps to warm the coldest of winter chills.
One of my favourite holiday haunts, whether it's for a weekend escape or a longer break, is New Zealand's fabulously French-flavoured resort town of Akaroa.
Just over an hour by road from Christchurch, this hillside settlement is Canterbury's oldest town.
It was whaling that first lured Europeans to Akaroa's shores, and the French commander, Jean Francois Langlois, was so enchanted by the location that in 1838 he set the ball rolling to establish a French settlement.
To expedite matters, he bought virtually all of Banks Peninsula from the local Maori, in exchange for a few garments, hats, pistols and axes.
Two years later, and after a tortuous six-month ocean voyage, 53 French and German settlers stepped ashore at Akaroa.
Much to their despair, they spotted the Union Jack flying proudly. The Treaty of Waitangi had just been signed, and the British had beaten France to the punch by a matter of days.
Jean Langlois and the settlers decided to stay in Akaroa and their legacy continues to resonate today.
Many of the streets have French names and a welter of their colonial buildings have been lovingly safe-guarded. Nestled around the beautiful harbour, Akaroa's cottage charm is best explored on foot, and the native bush-clad slopes are laced with enriching and panoramic walks.
The "Village Walk" series takes in the native splendour of the Garden of Tane, the atmospheric historic graveyards like the French Cemetery and the Britomart Monument, where the British raised their flag.
Pop into one of the tasty delis in the heart of town, like L'Escargot to Go, and make a picnic of it.
Another deliciously good walk is along the scallop-shaped promenade that wends its way around the waterfront, passing by the historic museum and court house, delightful boutique art galleries and the famous Akaroa war memorial.
Garden enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with about 15 private gardens open for viewing within 20 minutes of Akaroa. A knock-out attraction is the historic Herb Farm which overflows with a myriad of potent varieties.
Wine lovers should check out the vineyard at nearby Barry's Bay.
Further afield, on the eastern side of the harbour, French Farm winery is a splendid stop for lunch or a leisurely spot of wine tasting.
Renowned for its French-provincial style, the winery and restaurant is located within the valley where the French Navy developed farms and orchards in the 1840s.
And one last tip for the check-list. Order some fish 'n' chips from the Akaroa Fish Shop. Trust me, they are the best in the country.