The Canterbury town of Akaroa is celebrating 175 years since it was founded by the French at this weekend's French Festival.
Akaroa Harbour Photo: 123RF
The biennial festival which attracted 8000 people last year celebrates the area's Maori and French heritage, with music, food and markets.
Akaroa Photo: 123RF
Christchurch deputy mayor Vicky Buck said this year's French Festival was extra special as it celebrated the 175th anniversary of European settlement.
"The festival is jam-packed with everything from French cuisine to cabaret, so it's the perfect time for families to make the trip over the hill to Akaroa."
Today there will be a recreation of the landing of the Comte de Paris immigrant ship in 1840, marking 175 years since europeans first settled the town.
The festival runs until tomorrow.
Some of Akaroa's original settlers: Etienne Francois Lelieure, and Justine Rose de Malmanche with their family. Photo: Akaroa Museum collection
