From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Akaroa
Akaroa township from the main wharf
Area
- Total	1.7656 km2 (0.7 sq mi)
Population (2006)
- Total	570
- Density	322.8/km2 (836.1/sq mi)

A view of the Akaroa harbour. The long, thin peninsula extending out into the harbour is Onawe peninsula, and the middle of the volcano.

Location of Akaroa in the South Island.

For the electorate see Akaroa (NZ electorate)

Akaroa is a village on Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, situated within a harbour of the same name—the name Akaroa is Kāi Tahu Māori for 'Long Harbour'.

Akaroa is 84 kilometres by road from Christchurch, and is the terminus of State Highway 75 and at the March 2001 New Zealand census of population and dwellings, the permanent population was 576, a decrease of 69 since 1996. The village has a high (31%) ratio of residents aged over 65.

Set on a beautiful, sheltered harbour and overlooked by craggy volcanic hills, Akaroa is a popular resort village and in summer the temporary population can reach 7,000 which places stress on the water supply, which is entirely dependent upon rainfall on the hills.

Many Hector's Dolphins may be found within Akaroa harbour, and 'swim with the dolphins' boat tours are a major tourist attraction.

History

In 1830 the Māori settlement at Takapuneke, just east of the current village of Akaroa, became the scene of a notorious incident. The Captain of the British brig Elizabeth, John Stewart, helped North Island Ngāti Toa chief, Te Rauparaha, to capture the local Ngai Tahu chief, Te Maiharanui and his young daughter. The settlement of Takapuneke was sacked. Concern over the complicity of John Stewart, amongst other lawlessness among Europeans in New Zealand, led to the appointment of an official British Resident James Busby to New Zealand in 1832 - the first step in the British involvement that led to the Treaty of Waitangi.

In 1832 Te Rauparaha, fresh from his successful three month siege of Kaiapoi, took the pa on the Onawe Peninsula at the head of Akaroa Harbour.

French settlement

In 1838 Captain Jean François L'Anglois bought a parcel of land in Akaroa. On his return to France he advertised for settlers to come to New Zealand, offering them free passage. The settlers embarked on the 'Compte de Paris for New Zealand but as they approached New Zealand issues of sovereignty over the area arose between the British and the French. Although sailors from the hastily-despatched HMS Britomart proclaimed British sovereignty over the South Island at Akaroa in 1840, the area was settled that same year by French settlers who had intended to establish a colony. In the end both established themselves in and around Akaroa however it is the French that were the dominant people in the area as can be seen by the French designed houses. The local museum has an array of information on the settlement of Akaroa, many of it which deals with the French settlement of the area. It is clear from this that even though the French and British both lived on the land it is the French who had the wider influence. The area still has a French influence, reflected in many local placenames.^[1]

Before 1840 the area of the current Akaroa village was also known as Wangaloa, and the subsequent French settlement was known as Port Louis-Philippe.

References

• Reed, A. W. (2002). The Reed Dictionary of New Zealand Place Names. Auckland: Reed Books. ISBN 0-7900-0761-4.  

External links

• "Akaroa Walk". http://www.tuataratours.co.nz/akaroa-3-day-walk/. Retrieved 2006-05-22.  
• Akaroa - official website
• Akaroa Street Map
• Akaroa Civic Trust

Coordinates: 43°48′S 172°57′E / 43.8°S 172.95°E / -43.8; 172.95

From Wikitravel

Akaroa is a charming town on Banks Peninsula in Canterbury. It is the only French settlement in New Zealand.

Get in

Akaroa is accessed by SH75 coming from Christchurch, which winds over the hills of the peninsula with breathtaking views. You can also take a shuttle [1] from Christchurch.

See

Akaroa's harbour is home to an array of wildlife, most notably the rare Hector's dolphin. Cruises and dolphin swimming are popular attractions.

Do

A popular drive is to Pohatu Marine Reserve, centered on nearby Flea Bay. The marine reserve is set aside to protect the natural marine environment. The drive takes about forty minutes, sometimes on steep and exposed shingle roads. The drive has excellent views back over Akaroa Harbour.

• Akaroa Dolphin Backpackers, 108 Rue Jolie, 03 304 7136. From $NZ 30.
• Chez La Mer Backpackers, 50 Rue Lavaud, 03 366 4556, 0800 800 575 [2]. $NZ 25-80. Lowest prices offered to BBH members.

From Wikispecies

Soerensenella prehensor

Taxonavigation

Main Page
Cladus: Eukaryota
Supergroup: Unikonta
Cladus: Opisthokonta
Regnum: Animalia
Subregnum: Eumetazoa
Cladus: Bilateria
Cladus: Nephrozoa
Cladus: Protostomia
Cladus: Ecdysozoa
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Classis: Arachnida
Ordo: Opiliones
Subordo: Laniatores
Familia: Triaenonychidae
Subfamilia: Soerensenellinae
Genus: Soerensenella
Species: S. bicornis - S. formosana - S. prehensor - S. rotara

Name

Soerensenella Pocock, 1903

Synonyms

• Akaroa Roewer, 1931