New Zealand · FARMS
The shortlist you would text a friend before they leave: 15 farm visits that hold up, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the catch nobody mentions.
Cruise Lake Whakatipu, meet farm animals, watch sheepdogs work, and enjoy afternoon tea on a family-friendly Walter Peak tour.
“Awesome few hours on the farm - Josh was excellent, and the afternoon tea was great. Highly recommend if you love animals - they’re all absolutely adorable”
Cruise Lake Wakatipu, enjoy a generous New Zealand buffet, and watch sheepdogs and shearing at Walter Peak Farm near Queenstown.
“Steam ship was good to travel on. Not enough seats for everyone though. BBQ dinner was delicious and so much variety!”
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, visit Walter Peak farm, meet animals, watch sheepdogs, and enjoy afternoon tea in 3.5 hours.
“This tour was so much better than we expected. Steam ship is beautiful and you can really explore all of it. The animals at the farm are gorgeous and friendly. The food provided for afternoon tea was amazing and there was free time to walk around the gardens and the beach. Fab tour.”
Review of Rotorua’s Agrodome farm experience, with sheep shearing, animal feeding, orchard tastings, practical tips, and value advice.
“So much fun! The show was great, but the real treat was the farm tour and getting to get close and personal with the animals. The sheep, alpacas and deer were all amazing. Sarah, your guide, was very informative and gracious with us. Highly recommend!”
Review of Rotorua’s Agrodome Farm Show and Farm Tour, with sheep shearing, working dogs, animal feeding, prices, timing, and practical tips.
“Great experience, worth it. Staffs are very friendly and funny. Nice show by the way. Will try again.”
Review of Shamarra Alpaca Farm Tours near Akaroa, with feeding, cuddling, mountain views, transport advice, pricing, and family tips.
“Not the Alpacas fault however, we came in on a cruise and there was absolutely no way to get to the farm. No taxis, no Uber nothing. We could not get there and we were not the only ones with tickets and no way to get there. My daughter and her friend were so disappointed. Viator should note, there is no transportation available in the town and not accessible if you don't have a car.”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak for a wood-fired BBQ, farm show, colonial homestead, and alpine views in a relaxed 3.5-hour outing.
“We certainly enjoyed the buffet lunch and the boys were happy about the sheep-shearing show”
Visit Christchurch, a working sheep farm, coastal lookout, and Waipara winery on a relaxed seven-hour day trip with lunch.
“This was one of the best tours I have done in New Zealand. You see some unique sites and a real working farm. Along with the winery stop and narration, it was a perfect day. Holding a baby lamb was a highlight!”
Review of Arrow Tours from Tauranga to Rotorua, with Mt Maunganui, a kiwi orchard, lakes, geothermal sights, and port pickup.
“We Had Kerry take us on our tour he was wonderful full of knowledge and flexible to our needs it was good to do the tour In a small group and Kerry made a real effort and connected with our son. I would recommend this tour and also Kerry to everyone”
Ride a 4WD across a 50,000-acre Tekapo farm, meet alpacas and sheep, and enjoy Southern Alps views on this small-group tour.
“fantastische uitzichten en leuke uitleg over farming in NZ. de ontvangst en het bekijken van de beestjes aan het begin is kleuterschool en mogen ze weglaten wat ons betreft.”
Review of Queenstown’s Walter Peak farm tour, including the Lake Whakatipu cruise, sheepdogs, animal feeding, tea, price, and practical tips.
“Lovely boat trip and farm tour. Plenty of blankets on the boat trip to keep warm. Unfortunately the commentary from the skipper was not very easy to hear clearly. Plenty of opportunities to feed the animals on our tour of the farm. Sheep shearing and herding demonstration were very good. Beautiful afternoon tea, plenty to eat and drink in the lovely dining room. Gluten free options provided.”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak for a BBQ buffet, farm show, mountain views, and a relaxed Queenstown half-day outing.
“Enjoyed learning about the steamship, TSS Earnslaw. Relaxing cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Then the barbecue buffet at Walter Peak High Country Farm.”
See sheep shearing at a coastal Canterbury farm, enjoy a gourmet picnic, taste Waipara wines, and tour Christchurch in six hours.
“Great experience.....Educational and informative....didn't realize there were so many varieties of sheep....felt the different wools....pet and fed some.....watched sheep sheering. Sheep dog demonstration too. Host farmer explained everything and took all questions, Farm also had a tractor museums with some as old as early 20 century.....to top it off, farm sits with a beautiful view of the ocean. Tour Driver was also very informative and entertaining.”
See Christchurch, Southern Alps views, and a working sheep farm on this six-hour Lyttelton shore excursion with tea and sheep dogs.
“The farm was wonderful, great learning how the family farm operates. Lovely scenic drive to the farm as well. Small group tour is the way to go.”
Review of Arrow Tours’ private Tauranga to Rotorua day trip, with beaches, kiwi farm, Māori culture, geysers, lakes, and forest stops.
“We highly recommended this private tour by driver Steve! He is excellent the best! We have a group of eight we all love his tour with us the whole day”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
