see, smell, touch, taste Akaroa (4 hours)

Timed to meet with your cruise ships arrival into the delightful French influenced town of Akaroa, your personal driver and guide greets you with a warm 'Kia Ora', eager to introduce you to Akaroa, the surrounding area, and all the highlights in-between. We begin our tour heading out of this quaint town, around the bays and over rolling hills to a very special farm. Alpaca farming is not common in New Zealand, and certainly few are located in such a beautiful spot as the one you're about to set foot on. As well as hearing about the challenges of caring for these beautiful animals, you'll also have the opportunity to get up close and personal with them.

Continuing our tour we head back toward Akaroa, stopping at one of the oldest, original cheese factories in New Zealand at Barry's Bay. You'll get to see, smell and sample some of the finest cheeses produced on site by passionate cheese-makers. Barry's Bay cheeses have received numerous awards in domestic cheese-making competitions and are a sought after delicacy.

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Time to sit back, relax and enjoy some of the majestic scenery that opens before us, as we head to the tiny settlement of Okains Bay, and a fine museum detailing the history and rich heritage of Māori culture. The museum proudly displays over 20,000 exhibits, a range of replica and relocated heritage buildings and a wonderful collection of traditional Māori canoes, known as Waka. After sufficient time to take it all in, it's time to imbibe in a drop of the local nectar, as we continue our journey to a nearby winery. You're not driving, so you can enjoy some tastings of the local vartietals, savouring the spectacular views as you do.

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Venturing back toward Akaroa, our final stop is also one of the absolute highlights of our journey. 'The Giants House' is the private work of a local talented sculptor named Josie Martin. Her creative and colourful mosaic works adorn virtually every inch of the equally magnificent gardens, enjoyed throughout the seasons by locals and visitors alike. The majority of works on display are whimsical and not unlike the colourful personality of their creator. The Giants House has been recognised as an International Garden of Significance, you'll understand why.

 

Sadly bidding farewell, we return you to the port area of Akaroa, where you may either re-board your ship, or enjoy some of the small shops that line the seafront before you set sail this evening.

 

Tesla Tour Option: If you choose this option you may personalise the itinerary in consultation with your driver/guide if you prefer.

 

* Cruise passengers note: We guarantee to have you back in time for ships tenders or embarkation. (Duration of tour could alter slightly due to cruise ships scheduling)