Akaroa Shore Excursion: Small Group with Giant's House

Eight hours to explore an extinct volcano's landscape and a whimsical mosaic garden

A small-group shore excursion from Lyttelton Port to Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, led by a local guide for up to eight cruise passengers. The tour traces the volcanic geology that shaped the landscape, stops at native bush and a hillside township, visits The Giant's House sculpture garden in Akaroa, and includes morning tea, lunch and a timed return to the port. Morning tea, café lunch and entry to The Giant's House are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lyttelton to Akaroa scenic tour

• Visit Sign of the Bellbird
• Stop at Gebbies Pass viewpoint
• Enjoy morning tea and bush walk
• Explore Little River township
• Arrive in Akaroa Harbour
• Visit The Giant’s House and lunch
• Return to Lyttelton and free time

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• morning tea.
• café lunch.
• entry to The Giant's House.

Times

• Every day except Saturday 08:30

Another day? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 8

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Adventure by Nature

Prices and times updated today

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

The experience

The tour leaves Lyttelton and climbs into the Port Hills, stopping first at the Sign of the Bellbird, one of four original stone rest houses built in the 1860s. From there, a 15-minute drive takes you to Gebbies Pass, a 161-meter-high saddle linking Lyttelton Harbour to Banks Peninsula. The pass opens onto views of steep farmland and the harbour beyond: the vantage point where the scale of the extinct volcano becomes clear. Morning tea is served before you walk an easy 10-minute loop through native bush to see massive Mati trees, New Zealand white pines that tower above the understory.

The route descends into Little River, a small township wedged between hillside farmland and native forest where local food, art and ice cream draw Christchurch visitors. You have free time to explore the artworks, sample the ice cream or visit the historic railway station. Then comes a steep 30-minute drive over the hills into Akaroa Harbour, where the tour settles for the afternoon. The Giant's House is a mosaic sculpture garden filled with vibrant, whimsical pieces. Entry is included. You can also take a café lunch, browse the shops, or simply sit by the water. The return journey to Lyttelton is timed to your ship's departure window, so there is no risk of missing your boat.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

How much free time do I get in Akaroa itself?

Akaroa is where the tour spends most of its afternoon. After visiting The Giant's House, you have time for a café lunch, shopping and exploring the harbour-side town at your own pace before the return drive to Lyttelton.

What is The Giant's House?

The Giant's House is a mosaic sculpture garden in Akaroa filled with vibrant, handmade mosaic artworks. Entry is included in the tour, and it is one of the main attractions in the town.

Does the tour wait for my ship to dock, or do I need to be back by a set time?

The return to Lyttelton is timed to your ship's departure window, so the tour is built around your actual sailing time, not a fixed clock hour.

What does the landscape look like between Lyttelton and Akaroa?

The route climbs through the Port Hills, crosses Gebbies Pass at 161 meters with views over farmland and harbour, then descends into native bush and steep hillside terrain before reaching the sheltered Akaroa Harbour. The entire landscape was shaped by an extinct volcano.

Is there a walk involved, or is this mostly driving and sitting?

There is an optional easy 10-minute loop walk through native bush to see the Mati trees. The rest of the day is spent in the vehicle, at stops for photos and views, and on foot exploring Little River and Akaroa at your own pace.