http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/canterbury-places/page-13
Meaning of place name
The name should of course be Little Akaroa but reflects the southern Maori pronunciation of 'r'. The settlement was designated 'little' to distinguish it from Akaroa. It was spelt Hakaroa until 1864. ,Farming settlement and bay 25 km north of Akaroa. The bay provides shelter for small boats.
