Akaroa, Banks Peninsula with Giant's House

Akaroa tour and Giant's house
February 29, 2020
Tour of the area was ok, learned the harbor is crater of extinct volcano and that the area had major earthquake in 2011. But the best part was the Giant's House. Not enough time to fully explore this quirky lady's place but it was really something! We got to meet her. What a character! Would have liked more time here. She made mosaics out of everything including a grand piano, and we would have liked to know all the symbolism involved in each area.
Reviewer: janice carr
4 Stars
A Taste of Akaroa
December 19, 2019
Our tour driver was Rodney. He did a good job explaining the history of the area. The views of the harbor from the Hill Top Hotel were SPECTACULAR. So were the scenes of sheep and cattle grazing along the hillsides. The stop at Barry's Cheese Factory was unnecessary. The "factory" is a very small convenience store and can't handle large groups. There is a TV onsite that loops a video of the cheesemaking process. The cheese samples available were similar to grocery store samples. Barry's had 1 unisex bathroom available and it was EXTREMELY RUSTIC. The highlight of the trip was the Giants House. The Artist Josie Martin was available and explained her vision and we then toured her home. The home and furnishings were so inviting and eclectic. Her house made me SMILE. Her garden made me THINK. Her mosaics had subtle but bold messages. There was so much to look at, but not near enough time. I suggest deleting the cheese factory and spending more time at the Giants House.
Reviewer: Patricia Debnam
4 Stars