Akaroa – Banks Peninsula & Giants House Local Tour

Enjoy a local 3 hour sightseeing shore excursion of Akaroa exploring the beautiful township, harbour, and this portion of the Banks Peninsula. Included is a stop at a local cheese factory for tasting and a guided tour of the famous Giant’s House with its beautiful sculptures and gardens.

11.00: Tour departs Akaroa wharf for a very informative, entertaining and scenically stunning tour of the Akaroa township, the inner bays of Akaroa Harbour, and this portion of Banks Peninsula.

11.30: Arrive at the Cheese Factory in Barry’s Bay, the only commercially operating cheese factory in the region. Here you will learn how the local cheese is produced with samplings included.

12.00: Arrive at the Hilltop: an historic hotel and the original stagecoach stop and horse exchange for early settlers. The Hilltop offers magnificent views of Akaroa Harbour, with its many bays and long coastline. The tour then continues along the scenically stunning Summit Road which will afford you spectacular photo opportunities of the entire harbour including the Northern Bays of Banks Peninsula. On a clear day looking north, you will also see both the Southern Alps and the Kaikoura Mountains.

13.00: Arriving back in Akaroa a stop has been arranged at the Giant’s House with its beautifully landscaped garden and original artwork and sculptures. The residential artist, Josie Martin, has created this fantasy world of sculptured mosaics throughout the property and it’s truly an incredible sight to see. A guided tour of the house and gardens has been arranged.

14.00: Return to the Akaroa Wharf and reunite with your cruise ship. Alternatively, you can opt to return to the wharf by foot and use this time to explore the town before your ship’s departure.

After disembarking the ship and being tendered ashore, please proceed to the end of the wharf, where you will meet your Leisure Tours representative.

Start time: 11.00am
Duration (source): 3 Hours