Akaroa: Quake escape

The February 22 earthquake has left many prospective travellers with the perception that greater Christchurch is a no-go area. The central city is certainly off-limits, but for the premier attractions on the city's periphery, the welcome mat is firmly laid out and it's business as usual.
If you're southern-bound in the coming months, an unmissable excursion is to New Zealand's fabulously French-flavoured town of Akaroa. Just over an hour by road from Christchurch, this alluring 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 on establishing a French settlement. To expedite matters, he purchased most of Banks Peninsula from the local Maori, in exchange for a few garments, 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 safeguarded. Akaroa is best explored on foot, and the native bush-clad slopes are laced with panoramic walks. The "Village Walk" series takes in the splendour of the Garden of Tane, atmospheric historic graveyards and the Britomart Monument, where the British raised their flag. Pop into one of the delis in the heart of town, like L'Escargot to Go, and make a picnic of it.
Another good walk is along the scallop-shaped promenade that wends its way around the waterfront, passing by the historic museum and courthouse, delightful boutique art galleries and the Akaroa war memorial.
Garden-lovers are spoilt for choice, with around 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. On the eastern side of the harbour, French Farm winery is a splendid stop for lunch or wine-tasting. The winery and restaurant is located within the valley where the French navy developed farms and orchards in the 1840s.
TOP TIPS

Black Cat Cruises is  offering a Cruise 'n' Snooze promotion, entitling visitors to a harbour cruise and a night's accommodation in Akaroa for just $109 a person. For full details check out  www.blackcat.co.nz
Order some fish  and chips from the Akaroa Fish Shop. Trust me,  it is the best in the land.
Jam-packed with ideas, tips and recommendations to maximise your Akaroa stay, check out the official tourism website akaroa.com