• FAQs

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

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! 

  • 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 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.

    If you are required to cancel due to Covid restrictions or illness, please let us know as soon as possible so we can either reschedule your tour or issue a refund.

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

  • Can I touch alpacas while on tour?

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

  • 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 Combos & Deals.

     

  • 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
  • “Brilliant experience. Great to know about alpacas. The farm and the views are stunning!”

    Ashesh, Google Review – March 2024

  • “A magical experience amongst amazing creatures and a once in a lifetime chance. Exploring the nature of the alpacas was just incredible, I am speechless. Something you have to experience for yourself as visual does not even come close to the reality of the encounter.”

    Kiawine, Viator Review – February 2024

  • After discovering this place before COVID and postponing a 2020 trip, I can genuinely say it was worth the wait! Turning the curves of the mountains and seeing the Akaroa peninsula, it's like heaven on earth. We had gorgeous weather, and coupled with the views, it made for a perfect visit to see the alpacas. On the tour, you travel to different pens, seeing the different animals. They each have their own personality and their fur is unbelievably soft. I highly recommend making a stop at Shamarra, and don't think a New Zealand vacation will be complete without it!

    Rebekah, Google Review – January 2024

  • “The staff were absolutely amazing. They took such good care of us and made the experience very enjoyable. Worth every penny. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Akaroa!”

    Julia, Google Review – March 2024

  • “If you are an animal lover, a visit to Shamarra Alpacas is one of the very best ways you can spend an hour!!! The staff are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, sharing so much interesting information about their beautiful alpacas. The alpacas are simply amazing - from cuddles with the boys to feeding the girls and babies, being surrounded by the amazing animals brings so much joy!!!! Akaroa is a beautiful little part of New Zealand, and Shamarra Alpacas are just the icing in the cake!”

    Cassie V, Google Review – April 2024

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