• FAQs

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

Catch up with your superstars

Rising Sun Rising Sun
Harlequin Harlequin
Tornado Tornado
See more Superstars

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.

Our most frequently asked questions are listed below, with all the answers to match!

But if you still haven’t found the info you’re after, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact us with any curiosities and queries today! 

  • Do I need to book?

    Bookings are essential.  Tours fill up fast so we recommend you book ahead.

  • I will be driving a campervan. Is there parking at the farm?

    For large campervans (6 metres), we have a designated parking area at the entrance tour farm. Give us a call and someone will pick you up and drive you up to our visitor centre.

  • Can I touch alpacas while on tour?

    Absolutely – we’ll tell you how and where to touch and cuddle an alpaca

  • Can I reschedule or cancel my booking?

    If you would like to reschedule your farm tour booking, we will happily do that provided we have availability for the requested date/time change.  Just call or email us at tours@shamarra-alpacas.co.nz.

    If you are unable to reschedule and need to cancel, we can provide a refund when you cancel by email 24 hours or more before your tour date/time.  If a booking is cancelled less than 24 hours before time tour, a loss of 100% of the total booking price will apply.  A cancellation service fee of 5% will be deducted from the refund amount.

    In the unlikely event that a tour is cancelled by Shamarra Alpacas, you will be refunded in full.

  • How long is the tour?

    1 hour

  • Am I free to roam or does the tour need to be with a guide?

    We only offer guided tours

  • How do I get to the farm if I don’t have a car?

    We do not offer transport to our farm, however we recommend you contact one of the providers listed under Farm Tours.

     

  • When can I come for a tour?

    We have tour times of 11am, 1pm and 4pm.  We ask that you arrive about 15 minutes before tour start time.  Please check availability on our website or give us a call in case a certain date and time is unavailable.

    We can offer private tours on request.  Please contact us for pricing.

     

  • Can I buy alpaca fleece products on-site?

     Our farm shop is fully stocked in our exclusive range of Shamarra Alpaca knitwear, blankets, yarn and more 

  • Where are you located?

    328 Wainui Main Road, 4km from the intersection of SH75. Get Directions

  • Can I buy a baby alpaca?

    Alpacas are herd animals and as livestock need to live on a farm with at least one alpaca and preferably more. We do sell alpacas to qualified buyers.

  • Is the farm road easy to drive on?

    Our farm road is a one way road with right of way for all vehicles driving up. At the end of the tour, one of our staff drive down the road ahead of you to stop any vehicle from driving up.

  • What happens if it is raining?

    We have undercover facilities, so we’re able to run our farm tours when it is raining.

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

    See more reviews on TripAdvisor here.

  • “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

    See more reviews on TripAdvisor here.

  • “
    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

    See more reviews on TripAdvisor here.

  • “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

    See more reviews on TripAdvisor here.

  • “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

    See more reviews on TripAdvisor here.

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