Just starting our first ever holiday in Akaroa, a lovely seaside spot just over the hills from home.
Other times we have been there is has just been for a day or a weekend.

For those of you unaware of NZ’s history, the South Island of NZ could almost have been a French territory – the French arrived in Akaroa to claim it just a few days after the British arrived and had put up their flag.

Despite British sovereignty the French stayed on and there is a wonderfully unique French flavour to the town.

We had a pleasant walk along the beach and discovered this outdoor chess set.

The ‘model’ was just posing of course, not really playing as this is definitely an illegal first move … unless she is playing under some new French rules!