The Giants House in Akaroa is an extraordinary historical building that showcases original artworks and features terraced gardens adorned with sculptures and mosaics. The artist behind this masterpiece is Josie Martin. Despite being quiet and secluded, it is only a few minutes’ walk from the center of Akaroa. The place is unique in every sense of the word – it’s playful, exuberant, astounding, colorful, and surprising. You will undoubtedly enjoy your visit.
When all started
The historic home, built in 1880 from tōtara and kauri milled from the Banks of Peninsula, is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The name “The Giants House” was inspired by a charming tale of a young girl who gazed at the house from the valley and believed it must belong to a giant due to its grandeur and towering presence.
There was no garden when Josie moved into the Giant’s House 24 years ago. But being the creative soul that she is, Josie combined her passion for horticulture and art to transform the property.
While digging up the garden, she stumbled upon some beautiful old china shards that belonged to a time when garbage was not collected.
Josie couldn’t bear to throw them away and used them along with some tiles she had collected during her travels as an international artist to mosaic the front step area. She also turned the conservatory floor into a stunning “stone carpet” and crafted an art installation at the top of the drive. Josie’s artistic touch has truly made the Giant’s House a wonderland!
As seasons passed, the once barren garden bloomed into a dazzling canvas. At the same time, The interior of the house has been thoughtfully converted into a charming bed and breakfast and an enchanting art gallery exhibiting Josie’s mesmerizing paintings.
Despite the devastating destruction caused by the Christchurch earthquake to the exquisite mosaic floor, Josie’s unwavering spirit and tireless efforts have restored the intricate design to its former glory, breathing new life into the space and rekindling its magnificence.
About the artist
Josie, a fellow of The Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, is a versatile artist who enjoys painting, sculpting, and working with ceramics. Her work is optimistic and inspired by the world around her.
She started with traditional painting before transitioning to lively, colorful abstract painting and sculpture. Josie has an open-minded approach to her art and experiments with paint, color, form, and materials. Her sculptures are elegant, whimsical, flamboyant, organic, and constantly evolving. Josie’s artistic journey has taken her to numerous solo and group exhibitions and she has won several awards and scholarships. She has also done over 20 art residencies in different countries.
The Giants House Experience
The house is a Bed and Breakfast and also serves as a venue for functions, weddings, workshops, and tourists. To book a room, you need to send an email to Josie.
The residence has shorter opening hours than regular tourist attractions.
From 1 October to 30 April, it’s open from 11 am to 4 pm,
and from 1 May to 30 September, it’s open from 11 am to 3 pm.
The “Artiste Palate” Cafe is open during the summer, and visitors can enjoy it. No booking is required to visit the garden and gallery.
The admission prices are $25 per adult and $10 per child (2-15 years of age). For families and concessions, the prices are as follows:
- 2 Adults + 1 Child: $57
- 2 Adults + 2 Children: $64
- 2 Adults + 3 Children: $71
- 2 Adults + 4 Children: $78
- Students and Seniors: $23.00
Some parts of the garden are wheelchair accessible.