text: akoroa was first settled by which european settlers? in new zealand be appropret 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. the area still has a french influence, reflected in many local placenames.  the french settlement was known as port louis-philipe; before 1840 it was also known as wangaloa. the name akaroa is kāi tahu māori for 'long harbour'.