Akaroa: Harbour tour & Giants House with local guide

Summary

Akaroa harbour views, cheese tasting, and the Giants House in one easy tour

You’ll ride along Akaroa Harbour’s crater rim with a local guide sharing stories, sample fresh cheese at Barry’s Bay, and explore the whimsical Giants House gardens and mosaics. With pickup from Akaroa Wharf included, it’s an easy way to see what makes this corner of New Zealand so quietly memorable.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the hills around Akaroa to feel so dramatic — almost like someone just dropped the town into this old volcanic bowl. We’d barely left the wharf when our driver, Pete (who seemed to know everyone), started pointing out little stories about the harbour. The water was that milky blue you only get in New Zealand, and there was this salty tang in the air that made me want fish and chips for breakfast. Not sure if that’s normal. Anyway, we wound up Summit Road with Pete slowing down so we could actually take in those views — I tried to snap a photo but honestly, it never looks the same as when you’re there.

The stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory was a surprise highlight. I’m not usually a cheese person but something about standing there with a cube of sharp cheddar while you can still smell grass from outside — it just hits different. One of the women behind the counter told us how they’ve been making cheese here for generations; she laughed when I tried to pronounce “Akaroa” properly (I think I got closer by the third try). After that, we drove back down into town, past gardens full of flowers I couldn’t name but wanted to touch.

The Giants House is… hard to describe without sounding like I’m exaggerating. It’s all mosaics and bright colors — even the steps are covered in tiny tiles. Josie, our guide inside, told us stories about the artist who lives there; apparently she still adds new pieces every year. There was this moment where sunlight hit one of the sculptures just right and everything sort of glowed. I caught myself grinning for no reason at all. You can wander through on your own after if you want — or just sit on a bench and listen to birds arguing overhead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Akaroa Harbour and Giants House Tour

• Drive through Akaroa Harbour and Summit Road with photo stops
• Visit Hilltop Tavern for coffee and views
• Stop at Cheese Factory for tastings
• Guided tour of Giants House gardens and mosaics

Top questions

How long does this Akaroa harbour & Giants House tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is pickup from Akaroa Wharf included?

Yes, port pickup and drop-off at Akaroa Wharf are included in your booking.

Are food tastings included on this day trip?

Yes, you’ll have cheese tastings at Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory during the tour.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

Can infants or small children join this excursion?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Does this tour include entry to the Giants House?

Yes, entry and a guided visit to the Giants House are included.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off right at Akaroa Wharf, transport by air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly local guide sharing stories along the way, cheese tasting at Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory, entry and guided visit at the Giants House gardens and mosaics—plus time to explore or relax before heading back.