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All 24 Akaroa Attractions »

The Giants House, Akaroa

68 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
+64 3 304 7501
Ranked #13 of 17 tours in Akaroa
4.5 of 5 stars 45 Reviews
Type: Tours, Gardens
Owner description: The Giant's House - A historic Akaroa house with original artworks, terraced gardens with sculptures and mosaics. Very Unique. A creative feast and a... more » Owner description: The Giant's House - A historic Akaroa house with original artworks, terraced gardens with sculptures and mosaics. Very Unique. A creative feast and a wonderful experience. Romantic secluded and quiet, but only a few minutes walk to the centre of Akaroa.The Giant's House was the first bank managers house in Akaroa, built 1880 of totara and kauri. It is grand in size, proportions, and features. Elegant and comfortable, it is designed and decorated in the french style. Being the home of an artist it balances and contrasts the historic and contemporary. Both the house and terraced gardens are full of surprises -expect the unexpected at The Giant's House! « less
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45 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    30
    8
    2
    2
    3
Date Rating
Masterton, New Zealand
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

Walking up the driveway to the Giants House was most intriguing as I had no idea what to expect. My face lit up with sheer delight and I felt like a child in a sweet shop when I saw this amazing home with it's resplendent mosaic sculptures gracing the gardens. The French music coming from the mosaic grand piano added... More

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Christchurch, New Zealand
1 review
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012

We had been told to go and visit the Giants house when in Akaroa so I got the children (all under school age) to walk up the hill to see it. I was very disappointed to find that it was going to cost $45 for us to visit. I feel that this cost is way too much for an average... More

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Christchurch, New Zealand
1 review
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2012

very sad to say did not visit due to high cost of entry fee for a family. Had more fun at beach and going for a walk through natural bush with the children at at no cost at all

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Lighthouse Point, Florida, United States
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2012

We found our way up the hill to the Giants House with our two teenage daughters and gost lost in the sheer creativity of these gardens. Josie (the owner/artist) was at the ticket counter and was just as lovely as her creations. DO NOT MISS this one of a kind art installation. You won't regret it.

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See 3 more reviews by Laura H for Akaroa
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2012

Maybe I was told that I'll get a big surprise when I tour the garden, so I was expecting much more than what I've seen. But anyway out of 6 of us in a group, only 2 including myself paid to tour the garden wonderland, due to budget constraint and shared the photos thereafter. I would say nothing beats onself... More

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Auckland
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2012

Akaroa is a naturally stunning place to visit, visually a natural 'WOW' factor must see type of place, and then there's 'The Giant's House', totally unexpected and, for me, at the time, unknown. Exploring the garden at leisure brought much joy and lighthearted appreciation of it's inspirational creator. GO SEE FOR YOURSELF. childhood wonder is reawakened. Along with the works... More

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Bathurst, Australia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The Giant's House is set in a wonderful fairy garden. The main attraction is the delightful collection of whimsical mosiacs which the artist-owner has been creating over a number of years, and which offer surprise and delight at every turn. It is all set in a lovely lush garden of fruit trees, flowers and vegetables surrounding one of Akaroa's historic... More

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Speers Point, Australia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2012
2
people found this review helpful

Akaroa is a great place for a summer weekend getaway, and the Giants House adds a touch of the eccentric and bizarre to the standard art, craft, cafes, galleries and abundant NZ souvenir shops that fill this small town. The Giants House is gallery, sculpture garden, crazy mosaic, coffee shop and B&B all in one and with a great view... More

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Brisbane, Australia
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

When you enter the garden it is like being a kid again, take your time while here and enjoy it all.

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Gisborne, Gisborne, New Zealand
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Yes, it stung Father's pocket to have to part with $80 for our family of 4 adults, but 2 hours later, there was not a hint of complaint from "Old Money-Bags". Larnach Castle was more expensive and nowhere near as much fun. The Giants House Garden was certainly the highlight of our trip to Akaroa. Perhaps one requires an ability... More

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