Akaroa & Giants House Garden tour ex Lyttelton (Shore Excursion)
Description
Join our exclusive small-group tour for up to 8 people, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Morning Tea, Cafe lunch and entry into The Giant's House are included. Starting and finishing in Lyttelton, this excursion offers a genuinely scenic experience. You will learn about the fascinating local history and discover how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape, which in turn continues to influence the lives of the people who live here. In Akaroa, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the whimsical Giant’s House, filled with vibrant mosaic sculptures. While in town, you can enjoy local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. This trip to Akaroa from Lyttelton fits perfectly into your cruise ship schedule, guaranteeing a timely return to Lyttelton with no stress.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We stop for a short visit and photo opportunity at the Sign of the Bellbird, one of the original four stone rest houses in the Port Hills. A 15-minute drive along Summit Road brings us to the next location.
Gebbies Pass links Lyttelton Harbour to Banks Peninsula and Akaroa Harbour. Stopping at the top of the 161-meter-high pass affords a stunning view over the rugged farmland, with Lyttelton Harbour in the background. A 15-minute drive brings us to our next location.
Morning tea is served before exploring the beautiful native bush and admiring the massive Mati (New Zealand White Pine) Trees. An easy 10-minute loop track is an option for those who would like to stretch their legs. A 20-minute drive brings us to Little River.
A tiny township nestled between steep hillside farmland and native bush. The food, art, and ice cream that are sold here are favourites with Christchurch locals visiting Akaroa. You will have some free time here to admire the local artworks, sample the ice cream or check out the historic railway station. A 30-minute drive over a steep hill brings us into Akaroa Harbour.
Once in Akaroa, you can visit The Giant’s House, a mesmerising mosaic sculpture garden, take time to savour a café lunch and explore the shops, all while soaking in the beauty of this idyllic harbour town.
Lyttelton is one of the oldest townships in New Zealand and the starting point of Shackton's famous Antarctic expeditions. It boasts the largest and busiest port on the South Island, while the township maintains a quaint local vibe. On Saturdays, the main street hosts a vibrant local market. Depending on your boat's departure time, you may have time to find a souvenir, visit a local cafe, or find a quiet spot to enjoy the view of the Harbour.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(3)
Was a great day seeing all the sites all the way to Akora, lunch stop was super quaint and the 2 girls leading the tour were informative and engaging. The roads are very narrow and windey but our guide did an amazing job navigating them
Good Morning, Missy. I'm so glad you enjoyed your tour out to Akaroa. Ill pass your comments on to your guide/s Gemma and Michelle.
This is a great trip for seeing the countryside and scenery. Our guide was born and raised in Christchurch and used to visit the area with her father, so she knows it well. We stopped at a cheese shop where we watched curds being separated - that was interesting. Akaroa is a small village with a few shops and eateries. Quaint if that's what your interest is. Altogether a nice day and tour.
Thanks for the review, Michael
Our guide, Jared, was kind and accommodating. The area is stunning and he took us to some wonderful sites.
Good Morning Holly; I'm glad you enjoyed your time with us. I'll pass your kind words on to your guide, Jared. Thanks for taking the time to post a review; Very much appreciated.
