Local Connections: Scenic Peninsula and the Giants House

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:
Barry's Bay Cheese Factory
Producing its first cheddar in 1895, award-wining Barry's Bay Cheese Factory was just one of nine small, family-owned dairy cooperatives dotted around Banks Peninsula. Even today, this charming establishment perseveres with the original methods. Discover all aspects of the cheese-making process through a large viewing window between the factory and the shop. After a glimpse into the wonderful world of cheese making, sample a selection of New Zealand's local dairy history and enjoy a short audio-visual presentation.

Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum
Within a relaxed environment, learn about life on Banks Peninsula and New Zealand in former times as you peruse the displays in the Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum. The collection of Maori artifacts originally started as the private collection of a local resident, but in 1968, the abandoned Okains Bay Cheese Factory was renovated and opened as a public museum in 1977. The exhibits include a working blacksmith's shop, a print shop, a saddlery, the restored school, a Maori meetinghouse, a colonial hall and the former Akaroa grandstand.

The Giant's House Artists Garden
The famous Giant's House is a garden, gallery and homestead full of surprises. Built in 1880 of native totara and kauri timbers, it boasts a grand entrance hall and an imported mahogany staircase from France. Step outside to the mosaic and sculpture garden created around the home of the first bank manager in Akaroa. Enjoy a wealth of unique garden artworks, including mosaic steps, an extraordinary sculptural wall mosaic, welded steel sculptures and other creations. The striking gardens of roses, vegetables, citrus, and other flowers is a perfect retreat.

What you will see along the way:
Passing along the eastern shores of New Zealand's South Island, you'll be saying oh-la-la as you travel through Akaroa. Akaroa's heritage as the only French-founded community in New Zealand is unmistakable, and this popular vacation spot proudly displays its distinctly French flair. The area's secluded beaches and promenades showcase galleries and craft shops as well as stellar views of the beautiful coastline of Banks Peninsula.

Tasting:
Step inside award-winning Barry's Bay Cheese Factory, the last remaining cheese factory on the peninsula, and enjoy locally sourced artisan cheeses produced on the premises during a cheese tasting.