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All 23 Akaroa Attractions »

The Giants House, Akaroa

68 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
+64 3 304 7501
Ranked #12 of 17 tours in Akaroa
4.5 of 5 stars 31 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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31 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
okhandavis
Bristol, United Kingdom
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 22, 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

I spent 4 hours at The Giants House revelling in the inspirational garden, mind blowing art work, the colour sensation, the happiness, vibrant staff and the musical accompaniment. Joy it bought to my heart! The longer I stayed, the more I discovered and I cannot express how uplifted I was after my visit. I went to Akaroa specifically visit the... More

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Sarshy
Akaroa
Senior Contributor
21 reviews
9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 20, 2012 NEW

Don't be put off by the entrance fee, this incredible oasis is worth every penny. The artist, Josie Martin, has created something really special and I highly recommend a visit. More

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Lorral2012
Sydney, Australia
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 19, 2012 NEW

A special place but over-priced. Not only is the entrance fee a little steep at 20 NZD but the devonshire tea was disappointing. One scone cut in 2 portions served with the jam and cream already on the scone, a pot of tea at 6.50 NZD. It's still worth seeing, but don't go there feeling a little peckish. More

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jo1173
Christchurch, New Zealand
1 review
2 of 5 stars Reviewed February 19, 2012 NEW

What a rip off!!!! Ok it was a nice garden with mosiac and french music but seriously $20 an adult! you could at least give a complimentary drink for that. More

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XreeX
Christchurch, New Zealand
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 4, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Got dragged along by a workmate to see this garden. Couldn't believe the price to get in until I had paid and walked in the gates. I was absolutely blown away. It felt like I had just walked through the looking glass into a magical secret world. French jazz music was playing and just set the scene perfectly. The cafe... More

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Mike M
Christchurch, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
41 reviews
23 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 30, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

If you are in to oddball, quirky artworks, then this is the place for you. Not cheap at around $20.00 to get in, but you won't find places like this very often. More

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Raylene52
Geraldine, New Zealand
Reviewer
4 reviews
2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed January 24, 2012

Great garden and sculptures but very expensive considering time needed to see everything More

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TravelBugged2008
Queensland
Top Contributor
71 reviews
53 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We were recommended The Giants House by Brent at Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari - thanks! What an interesting and unique experience - beautiful to wander through such a magnificent garden. The work on the mosiacs has to be seen to be believed. Well worth a visit. More

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Perthgirl29
Perth, Australia
Contributor
15 reviews
4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 16, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

What a fantastic place! I'd seen photos from someone else's visit and knew I wanted to go, so much so that we booked two nights in Akaroa before flying home. I thought I might be expecting too much but The Giants House didn't disappoint - it was fantastic. The mosaics themselves are brilliant, unusual, colourful and imaginative, but put them... More

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laura m
Ashburton, New Zealand
Reviewer
3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 15, 2012

a great afternoon in the gardens, like being in dr seuss! try the lemon mint drink! More

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