• 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.

  • What time should I arrive for my tour?

    Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour time as we start promptly at the tour time.

  • How long is the tour?

    1 hour

  • 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.

     

  • If I arrive late, what time will my tour end?

    Your tour will be finished at the scheduled time

  • 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 (03 3045141) and someone will pick you up and drive you up to our visitor centre.

  • Where are you located?

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

  • 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.

  • Can I touch alpacas while on tour?

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

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

    Our guided tours are the only way to experience the farm, and for the safety and wellbeing of both our guests and alpacas, we’re unable to offer extended access or allow visitors to stay in the paddocks beyond the tour.

  • What happens if it is raining?

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • 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 

  • 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.

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.

  • “Sharmara Alpacas is a fantastic place to experience these beautiful animals in a stunning, natural setting. The alpacas appear relaxed and well cared for, truly at home in their surroundings. The staff are exceptional—warm, friendly, and incredibly welcoming. They go above and beyond to make the visit enjoyable. Highly recommended.  ”

    Hiran – Google Review – May 2026

    See more reviews on TripAdvisor here.

  • “A fantastic experience at Shamarra Alpacas, especially for families with children. The alpacas are very calm, gentle, and clearly happy, which makes it a relaxed and enjoyable visit for kids of all ages. You can see how well cared for the animals are, and the whole place has a peaceful, welcoming feel. The hosts are friendly and knowledgeable, taking the time to explain things and make everyone feel comfortable. A great hands‑on experience and well worth the visit.”

    Daddypod – Google Review – March 2026

    See more reviews on TripAdvisor here.

  • “I loved this place! The tour was fantastic with an extremely knowledgeable guide and plenty of time to hang out with the alpacas and feed them. It was very educational, therapeutic, and fun. It even ends with snacks and refreshments courtesy of the staff! I purchased 2 lovely alpaca wool blankets too. These alpacas are some of the calmest animals you’ll find, relatively speaking. Look up the tour times so you don’t show up and have to wait too long.”

    Cynthia Tee – Google Review – May 2026

    See more reviews on TripAdvisor here.

  • “This place brought me so much joy - like a warm hug I knew I needed! The alpacas can’t help but make you smile and the views are an absolute bonus!”

    Viv – Google Review – May 2026

    See more reviews on TripAdvisor here.

  • “Absolutely recommend visiting! Having never heard of Shamarra Alpacas, we were a little unsure of what to expect, we thoroughly enjoyed meeting and feeding the alpacas, the staff were all lovely and friendly, and clearly very passionate about their work. I cannot recommend Shamarra Alpacas highly enough! Thank you again for a wonderful experience.”

    Chris – Bookme – July 2026

    See more reviews on TripAdvisor here.

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