• About Alpacas

    About Alpacas

Whats up with Rising Sun

Rising Sun

I’m a bit of celebrity around the farm and on social media. My fleece is super soft and luxurious, but even more than that, I’m apparently a one-of-a-kind, perfect specimen of an alpaca! I’m also as lovable as I am handsome, so pop into Shamarra Alpacas for a tour and a pat.

Whats up with Harlequin

Harlequin

A glamorous damsel through and through, I’m a big fan of being groomed well ahead of a photo op (your next selfie on a farm tour). My big eyes look even better when my fleece is on fleek. And I’ve been known to wear the odd denim jacket or hat, depending on the season.

But don’t be intimidated by my flair for fashion; I’m always up for a solid cuddle like my other friends.

Whats up with Tornado

Tornado

I absolutely adore wee human kiddos and alpaca babies alike! Arguably the friendliest of all the furry faces here at Shamarra, I like to get visits and snuggles year-round.

They come from a place located over 4000m above sea level, a high alpine desert of snow-capped mountains called the Altiplano in Peru.

It is here, thousands of years ago on these cold, desolate plateaus that Peru’s ancient ancestors domesticated the most beautiful animal that Pachamama, (mother earth) had created. For centuries it is the alpaca’s fleece that has allowed the animals to defeat the chilling wind and freezing cold – the people of Peru would not have prospered without the warming comfort of this amazing fibre.

The ancient Peruvian people, the Incas, were masters in the art of weaving and wove a fabric from the fleece of the alpaca that was so soft and luxurious that it was prized above all else and considered more valuable than gold.

The Spanish invasion in the 14th century caused chaos and devastation. The Spanish plundered the abundant treasures of gold, silver and precious stones, but they ignored the greatest treasures of all: the alpaca, and the rare luxurious alpaca fabrics that were the foundation of Incan wealth.

In the effort to conquer the people, there was wholesale slaughter of alpaca and the carefully tended alpaca herds and centuries of breeding knowledge were lost forever. To escape the plundering Spanish Conquistadors, the small number of alpaca that survived were secretly moved high into the barren and remote mountains where they are still found today.

The beautiful textiles coveted by Incan royalty for centuries were destroyed along with the Inca themselves. All across the remote valleys, once prosperous villages fell into a poverty that has endured for five centuries.

Alpacas and their fabled cloth were forgotten.

It was not until 300 years later, in the 17th century that alpaca was rediscovered. Ironically, royalty once again wore the fabric of the alpaca when Queen Victoria of England commissioned several gowns to be made from alpaca fleece.

But it was almost another 100 years before the lasting renaissance of the Alpaca in Peru when pioneers such a Frank Webster Michell and great breeders such as Don Julio Barreda saw the potential of the alpaca not only as a fleece producing animal but also as a resource which would benefit the people and the economy of Peru.

It was not an easy path and there were many setbacks along the way, but perseverance prevailed and in recent years alpaca has emerged once again and is now seen as a luxurious alternative that rivals other mainstream natural fibres.

In a bid to remain socially and environmentally responsible, the world’s fashion brands now include alpaca in their luxury collections. Alpaca is recognised as a better and more environmentally friendly substitute for cashmere and other natural fibres.

Today’s alpaca is the synthesis of a long and often tragic history, a beautiful animal with big dark eyes whose shy knowing glances seem to reach deep into your soul. Maybe they remember their origins in a land where they were sometimes treated with indifference and had to weather many a man made storm in order to cling to their fragile existence.

But it is all of this, coupled with our love for these endearing creatures that forms a common bond that brings us together.

Alpaca – easy on you, easy on our earth.

Extracts from Synthesis of a Miracle by Michael Saffley and quotes by Don Julio Barreda

Shamarra Alpacas view over Akaroa
  • “The reviews speak for themselves. This is a must visit place if you intent to visit the South Island. I can’t recommend this place enough! They have wonderful and cute alpacas. They look so happy! It’s refreshing to see such passionate care the owners take for their alpacas. The clothes you can buy are very well made and excellent gifts. Please come here!  ”

    Paul F, Google review – April 2025

  • “This experience exceeded our expectations, it was really informative and interesting. We got lots of time to be right up close and pat the alpacas and we took great photos. The shop had really beautiful alpaca garments, beautiful quality. Highly recommend this as a day trip from Christchurch with a stop at the Little River cafe and gallery.”

    Carol, Google Review, January 2025

  • We had an amazing experience at Shamarra, the host I and Jenny were very welcoming and accommodating from the moment we arrived they came out and guided us to an available carpark until we drove out the driveway always with 1 ensuring it was safe to exit. They were very informative throughout the tour, offered complimentary drink and snack and made sure everybody on the tour had all of their questions answered and needs meet. The farm was very beautifully maintained with an amazing view over the bay. I would highly recommend this tour for both NZ residents as well as tourist. I'd also recommend buying some of the very high quality products from the store, we bought a blanket and it is very soft and beautiful.

    Jason, Tripadvisor review – March 2025

  • “I had the most amazing and exciting experience at Shamarra! The staff were extremely friendly and informative. You can tell they truly love their alpacas, especially because they can tell you every alpacas name and their background information!! They also offer raincoats if it is raining which is super handy! This is a must do activity if you are visiting Christchurch. Not only do you get to cuddle the alpacas but you also get to feed them. I would absolutely do it again!!”

    Joey, Google Review – February 2025

  • “HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! it was beyond nice!! the guide explained everything about the alpacas, we weere able to pet and feed them. the staff was very friendly and chatty, we received complimentary drinks and cookies. definitely worth it when visiting akaroa!!”

    Lili, Google Review – January 2025

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