[2025 Akaroa Attraction] Travel Guide for The Giants House (Updated Mar)

| Super Detailed Travel Guide. Getting ready to visit Akaroa, New Zealand? Save this guide! 📝Visa and pre-trip preparation Apply for a New Zealand tourist visa before departure. Prepare your passport, photos, proof of funds, and itinerary. You can apply online or mail your application to the visa center. Remember to book your flights in advance for better deals~ December to February is summer in New Zealand, and spring from September to November is also a great time to visit, with beautiful scenery and fun activities! ✈️Transportation Guide The nearest airport to Akaroa is Christchurch International Airport. After landing, rent a car and drive there, which takes about 1.5 hours. The route is from Christchurch, south along SH1, then turn onto SH75. The town is small, and you can easily visit the main attractions on foot or by bike~ 🏠Accommodation Recommendations Highly recommend The Grand Hotel & Bar! It's in the heart of Akaroa, close to attractions and restaurants. It has free Wi-Fi, a bar, a restaurant, room service, and various room types to suit solo travelers and families! 🎈Attractions Akaroa Harbour: Perfect for a holiday, watching the sunset in the evening, and taking photos by the pier in the morning—it's breathtakingly beautiful~ The Giant's House: A private garden and art sculpture park, with sculptures and flowers creating a fantastic artistic atmosphere! Onawe Peninsula: Take a boat trip to this uninhabited island to see seals, dolphins, and penguins—a must-see for animal lovers! Akaroa Museum: Learn about local history and culture, including Maori history and French colonial relics~ Pohatu Marine Reserve: Hike through the mountains and sea, stay in a forest cabin, and enjoy the tranquility away from the hustle and bustle! 🍱Food Recommendations Be sure to try the fresh seafood and French cuisine! The brunch at the bayside restaurants is amazing, with French croissants, cheese platters, and fresh seafood dishes. For dinner, try the local oyster platter and roast lamb—perfect! Save this guide and get ready to start your Akaroa journey💖

Stumble into a Fairytale! The Giant's House in Akaroa, New Zealand✨ A super dreamy place—The Giant's House in Akaroa, New Zealand—is a real-life fairytale world! 📍 It is located in the town of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula, east of New Zealand’s South Island. This town itself is full of rich French flavor, and The Giant's House is the most unique existence among them. 🏰 History: The house where The Giant's House is located was built in 1880. The original builder was the first BNZ bank manager in Akaroa. He moved here from Lynton, England, and it took five years to build this exquisite and gorgeous house. Today, it has become a palace of art, known as "the happiest garden on earth." It is also the number one attraction in Akaroa, New Zealand on TripAdvisor, and has won numerous international awards! 🎨 Artistic Features: This garden is the masterpiece of artist Josie Martin, a painter, sculptor, gardener, and travel enthusiast. Josie used her unique artistic vision and creativity to transform this garden into an artistic space full of fantasy. The garden is filled with mosaic artworks of various colors. These large mosaic sculptures include animals, dolls, and giant furniture. Each one is full of childlike interest and imagination, as if they were moved out of a fairy tale world. Walking in the garden is like entering Alice in Wonderland, full of surprises! 🌳 Garden Layout: The layout of the garden is also unique, with cascading terraced gardens filled with various flowers, vegetables, and citrus trees, with different flowers blooming in different seasons, colorful and vibrant. There are also mosaic-decorated steps, walls, and sculptures made of reinforced steel and cement, then colored and pasted with mosaics (the main materials include ceramics, glass, and mirrors). They blend perfectly with the surrounding plants, forming a unique landscape. 📸 Photo Spots: This place is really photogenic! Every corner can produce beautiful photos. Take photos with the giant mosaic sculptures, take panoramic photos in the colorful garden, or take close-ups on the mosaic-decorated steps. Every shot feels like a blockbuster. ⏰ Opening Hours: 11 am - 4 pm (October 1 - end of April); 11 am - 3 pm (May 1 - September 30). Remember to plan your time in advance~ 🎫 Ticket Prices: Adult tickets $35, child tickets (2 - 15 years old) $20, and family packages are available for better value.

Akaroa, New Zealand Travel Guide I. Introduction Akaroa is a picturesque seaside town located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, approximately 80 km southeast of Christchurch. Known for its rich French heritage, natural fiord landscape, and abundant marine life, it is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand. II. Best Time to Travel • Season: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are the best times to visit Akaroa in the South Island of New Zealand. The weather is mild and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities. III. Transportation Guide • Self-drive: From Christchurch, take SH1 south and then turn onto SH75 to reach Akaroa. Self-driving is the most flexible way to explore Akaroa and its surrounding areas. • Public transport: There are buses from Christchurch to Akaroa, taking about two hours. Please check the schedule and ticket information in advance. IV. Recommended Attractions 1. Akaroa Harbour • Highlights: Clear waters, white sandy beaches, and a variety of marine life. You can participate in various water activities such as swimming, surfing, and boating. 2. Akaroa Museum • Highlights: Showcases the history and cultural heritage of Akaroa, including Māori history and relics from the French colonial period. 3. The Giant's House • Highlights: A whimsical sculpture park with mosaic sculptures, a great place for taking photos. 4. Rangitata Island • Highlights: Take a boat trip to this uninhabited island to see rare animals such as seals, dolphins, and penguins. 5. The Children's Bay Playground • Highlights: Features various iron animal sculptures, a paradise for children. 6. Black Cat Cruises • Highlights: Go out to sea to watch the world's smallest Hector's dolphins and get up close and personal with these adorable marine creatures. 7. Akaroa Lighthouse • Highlights: Visit the historic lighthouse and enjoy spectacular sea views. V. Food Recommendations 1. Seafood • Recommended restaurants: Akaroa Fish & Chips, Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar, etc., offer fresh seafood dishes such as fish and chips, seafood paella, and seafood platters. 2. French Cuisine • Recommended restaurants: Ma Maison, etc., offer authentic French cuisine such as seafood pasta and French roast. 3. Local Specialties • Recommended: New Zealand green-lipped mussels, Akaroa honey, and New Zealand lamb are local specialties. VI. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Luxury Hotels • Recommended: The Victor, The Ruby's, etc., offer first-class service and comfortable accommodation. 2. Cozy B&Bs • Recommended: Akaroa Forbes House, etc., offer a homey atmosphere, suitable for families and couples. 3. Budget Hotels • Recommended: Blythcliffe, etc., offer basic accommodation facilities, suitable for budget travelers. VII. Travel Tips 1. Clothing Guide: Bring appropriate clothing according to the season and weather changes. It is recommended to bring a windbreaker and rain gear. 2. Sun Protection: New Zealand has strong ultraviolet rays, so please take sun protection measures such as applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and a hat. 3. Respect Nature: When visiting natural landscapes and wildlife, please keep a proper distance and respect their living environment. 4. Safety Tips: Pay attention to safety during seaside activities and abide by local laws, regulations, and scenic area rules. VIII. Itinerary Suggestions • Day 1: Arrive in Akaroa and check in to your hotel or B&B. Visit the Akaroa Museum in the afternoon to learn about local history and culture. Take a walk along the beach in the evening and enjoy the beautiful sunset. • Day 2: Take a Black Cat Cruise in the morning to watch dolphins, and then go to Rangitata Island to see wildlife. Visit The Giant's House in the afternoon and experience the artistic atmosphere. Enjoy a seafood dinner at a seaside restaurant in the evening. • Day 3: Visit the Akaroa Lighthouse in the morning, and then go to the Children's Bay Playground. In the afternoon, you can shop in the town or taste local delicacies. Return to Christchurch in the evening or continue with other itineraries. With the above guide, you should have a comprehensive understanding of Akaroa. This charming town, full of French flair and ocean charm, awaits your arrival. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here!

🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿 Akaroa is located on the Banks Peninsula in the eastern part of the South Island of New Zealand. In Maori, it means "long harbor". It is the only town in New Zealand with a French colonial history, full of strong French style. Attractions 🌅🌃🌇 - Akaroa Harbor: Formed by ancient volcanic craters eroded by waves, the harbor is picturesque. You can take a boat tour to enjoy the bay scenery, caves, and volcanic relics. - Akaroa Museum: Located at 71 Rue Lavaud, you can see Maori relics and learn about local history. - The Giants House: Colorful sculptures and mosaics, with a view of the bay. Tour Route 👣👣👣 Visit Akaroa Museum in the morning to learn about history and culture. Have lunch at a seaside restaurant, then join a dolphin watching cruise. Take a walk along the waterfront and enjoy the sunset in the evening. Ticket Information 🎫🎫🎫 Akaroa Museum may charge a small admission fee. Dolphin watching cruises and other activities cost about NZD 80–200. The Giants House ticket is about NZD 20. Please refer to the actual price. Transportation 🚗🚗🚗 - External transportation: You can go to Christchurch first, then drive for about 1.5 hours or take a bus to Akaroa. - Internal transportation: The town is small and can be explored on foot. There is usually a pick-up service for activities such as going out to sea. Accommodation 🏠🏠🏠 - Beaufort House Akaroa: High rating, exquisite breakfast. - Tresori Motor Lodge: 4.5 stars, with sea and mountain views. - Akaroa Criterion Motel: 4.5 stars, convenient location. Food 🍷🍹🥤 - French cuisine: French cheese, bread, etc. - Seafood: Fried blue cod, fish and chips, lobster, black gold abalone, etc. - Special desserts: Local ice cream and desserts are also worth a try. Notes ⭕️⭕️⭕️ - Sea activities may be affected by the weather. Check the weather and confirm your itinerary in advance. - Follow the staff's instructions and do not feed the dolphins when interacting with them. - Wear appropriate shoes when hiking and pay attention to your safety.

Akaroa travel guide: 1. Transportation: • Arrival: The nearest airport is Christchurch International Airport. You can rent a car from the airport and drive to Akaroa, which takes about 1.5 hours. • Transportation in town: Akaroa is not very big, so you can easily visit the main attractions on foot or by bike. 2. Must-see attractions: • Akaroa Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Akaroa, including Maori history, French colonial relics, and maritime culture. • Shamarra Alpacas: Get up close and personal with adorable alpacas and enjoy the natural beauty of New Zealand. • The Giants House: A private garden and sculpture park full of artistic flair, with all kinds of whimsical sculptures worth seeing. • Black Cat Cruises: Take a cruise to see dolphins and experience the majesty of the sea and the agility of dolphins. 3. Food recommendations: • Ma Maison: Offers a variety of Western dishes, including seafood and barbecue, with beautiful views to enjoy while dining. • Akaroa Fish and Chips: Try the local specialty of fish and chips, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with an excellent taste. 4. Accommodation suggestions: • We recommend staying at a motel or B&B on the Akaroa waterfront to enjoy the tranquil seaside scenery and comfortable accommodation.

😎There is a super charming "Giant's House" in Akaroa, New Zealand, come and visit it! 🧐Akaroa is a charming French town with many hidden treasures. The Giant's House is one of the shining pearls. The Giant's House is about 75-80 kilometers from Christchurch and can be reached in about an hour and a half by car. 📜This place called "Giant's House" has a unique historical and artistic charm. Its great house was originally built in 1880 for the operator of Akaroa's first BNZ bank. Today, the land is owned by artist Josie Martin. She turned this place into an art garden that combines natural scenery, garden art, architecture and sculpture. 🌻When you enter the Giant's House, the first thing that catches your eye is the exquisite architecture. From the paths and steps to the walls, arches and benches, everything is decorated with mosaics, just like walking into a fairy tale world. The small garden in front of the huge house is not to be missed. Josie used ceramic fragments found while excavating the garden, mixed with tiles and porcelain artworks collected during her travels, and carefully created this unique garden using mosaic art. 👀There are surprises everywhere. At the main entrance, there is a life-size piano, a creative sculpture of a band, and sailboats, swimming pools and fountains placed on the lawn. Walking along the ladders and paths next to the house, you can see a variety of normal-sized or larger sculptures, including humans, cats, dogs, birds and other images, all of which are decorated with broken tiles, mirrors and glass. There are also some surreal sculpture imitations with colorful colors, making people feel as if they are in a fantasy art maze. At every turn of the trail, there are new discoveries, whether it is a small artistic sculpture or an amazing large steel structure project, which makes people stop and appreciate it. 🎶When you stroll through it, accompanied by French light music, the fountain also dances with the music. What a pleasant and wonderful experience it is. There is also a cafe that serves drinks and light lunches. You can sit down and enjoy the garden view and relax. 🤗There are many other interesting attractions and activities in Akaroa, such as going out to sea to see dolphins, visiting alpaca farms, etc., but no matter what, the "Giant's House" is definitely a unique experience you can't miss. Here, you can feel the perfect fusion of art and nature and experience a fairy-tale-like beautiful world. 😘Come to the "Giant's House" in Akaroa, New Zealand to start a wonderful journey! 🎉

👍️Recommended Reasons: The Giants House is a place full of art and fantasy in Akaroa. Created by artist Josie Martin, its most striking feature is its creative mosaic sculptures and colorful garden. The garden is filled with giant art sculptures that seem to have stepped out of a fairy tale world, perfectly blending plants and sculptures, making it an excellent place for taking photos. For those who love art, nature, and imagination, this is a dreamland not to be missed. 📅Travel Tips: • Opening Hours: • Open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (hours may vary by season, so it's recommended to confirm in advance). • Recommended Visit Duration: • 1-2 hours. You can take a leisurely stroll and savor the details and stories of each artwork. • Highlights: • Mosaic Sculptures: The garden is filled with art sculptures featuring bold colors and rich details, such as animals, dolls, and giant furniture, full of childlike fun and creativity. • Magic Garden: The seamless combination of plants and art, with various flowers blooming with the seasons, and a colorful artistic backdrop, makes it feel like a fantasy world. • Indoor Gallery: In addition to outdoor sculptures, the indoor gallery showcases the artist's paintings, allowing you to experience their diverse creative styles. 🚗Transportation Tips: • Walking from Akaroa Town Center: • The Giants House is about a 10-minute walk from the town center, and you can enjoy the street views and charm of Akaroa along the way, making it very convenient 🚶‍♂️🌟. • Driving: • It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Christchurch to Akaroa Town. There is a parking lot available, but parking spaces near the Giants House are limited, so it's recommended to arrive early 🚗. 💗Other Tips: • Ticket Information: • Adult tickets are about NZD 25, and child tickets are cheaper. You can check the official website for specific fees 🎟️. • Suitable for Family Trips: • Children will love the sculptures and bright colors here, making it suitable for family trips 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. • Photography Paradise: • Bring a camera or phone, as everything here seems designed for photography on sunny days, and every shot is like an art masterpiece 📸✨. • Protection Notice: • Do not climb on the sculptures to avoid damaging the artworks, and do not step on the flower beds 🌷🚫. The Giants House is a place full of childlike wonder and artistic charm. Whether you're a tourist seeking new experiences or someone who wants to immerse yourself in art and nature, this place will meet your expectations and add more fantasy and fun to your Akaroa trip! 🌺🏰💫

Akaroa is a town on the Banks Peninsula, southeast of Christchurch, New Zealand. Akaroa Beach is on the eastern shore of Akaroa Harbour, where rare Hector’s dolphins swim. The Akaroa Museum includes 3 heritage buildings and chronicles the town’s development, especially its 19th-century British and French colonial history. The Giant’s House has terraced gardens and features colourful sculptures and mosaics.