1 / 2Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo
📍 Lake Tekapo, Canterbury
Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo is a small petting zoo at 48 Darchiac Drive in central Lake Tekapo. Merino sheep, alpacas, kunekune pigs, calves, lambs, and guinea pigs — most animals roam freely. Bottle-feed lambs in spring/summer. Animal feed included with entry.
Jen was absolutely wonderful on our tour! My parents and I loved every moment of the experience — from petting the adorable little lambs to learning all about merino wool and how it’s produced. The tour felt relaxed and well-paced; we never felt rushed, and Jen took great care in showing us around the farm. Even though we were part of a group, everyone got plenty of time to interact with the animals, which made the experience feel really personal. We each received our own small boxes of pellets to feed the animals, which made it both intimate and easy to manage. It was such a wholesome, heartwarming experience — a definite highlight of our trip to Lake Tekapo! Highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves animals and wants an authentic farm experience.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with younger kids (toddler through primary) who'll enjoy hand-feeding and being close to gentle farm animals. Reviewers consistently name guides (Jen and Hudson) and describe the unrushed pace. The free-roaming format means kids interact with animals more than at a traditional fenced-pen petting zoo.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →212 Google reviews
Nick P
5 months ago
“Jen was absolutely wonderful on our tour! My parents and I loved every moment of the experience — from petting the adorable little lambs to learning all about merino wool and how it’s produced. The tour felt relaxed and well-paced; we never felt rushed, and Jen took great care in showing us around the farm. Even though we were part of a group, everyone got plenty of time to interact with the animals, which made the experience feel really personal. We each received our own small boxes of pellets to feed the animals, which made it both intimate and easy to manage. It was such a wholesome, heartwarming experience — a definite highlight of our trip to Lake Tekapo! Highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves animals and wants an authentic farm experience.”
Chelsea Ee
a month ago
“Loved getting up close and personal with the farm animals -- merino sheep, alpacas, jersey calves, lambs and kunekune pigs (that do tricks!). There were also wild ducks and rabbits around the farm. Pellets are provided so you can feed them. Jen was a fantastic guide, very witty and knowledgeable. Loved hearing about the animals' back stories and personalities. Shoes can get pretty dirty (lots of poo around) but they have tools to get them clean after the tour. Very worth a quick stop.”
Maggie
3 months ago
“This is not your average petting zoo! It felt like a truly immersive experience where there were sheep, lambs and alpacas roaming freely about. Hudson was our guide and he was so sweet, knowledgeable, and laid back. We were able to feed and touch most of the animals. The environment was very friendly and relaxed. I would say this is a must and was definitely a highlight of our entire trip!”
Colin Anthony
3 months ago
“Joy was a great tour guide! We absolutely loved this. We got to walk around with the animals, feed the lambs, sheep, alpacas, and pigs! They have calves and guinea pigs as well. Very laid back and relaxed. Make sure to wear closed toed shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, and watch out for poop in the fields. Was about an hour tour. If you’re staying with The Cairns you can get a discount.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo is a working farm-style petting zoo at 48 Darchiac Drive in the Lake Tekapo township. Animals include merino sheep, alpacas, kunekune pigs (some who do tricks), Jersey calves, lambs, guinea pigs, and free-roaming wild ducks and rabbits. Many animals roam freely around the visitors. Animal-feed pellets are included with entry, and bottle-feeding lambs is available in spring and summer (Nov–Feb). Bookings recommended.
