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Shamarra Alpacas

πŸ“ Akaroa, Canterbury

β˜…4.9(683 Google reviews)

Shamarra Alpacas runs guided alpaca-farm tours on the Banks Peninsula above Akaroa, with 170+ alpacas including award-winning fleeces. Tours include cuddling the friendly males, hand-feeding the females, and panoramic views over the harbour. Bookings essential.

βœ“ 170+ alpacasβœ“ Hand-feeding and cuddlesβœ“ Banks Peninsula viewsβœ“ Knowledgeable guidesβœ“ Calm and gentle animals
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Stephanie Stokes

We absolutely loved our visit to Shamarra Alpaca Farm! The time spent with the alpacas was relaxed and never felt rushed. We started by cuddling the friendly males before heading over to the females to hand-feed them – such a fun experience. The staff were warm, knowledgeable and clearly cared deeply for the animals. It was lovely to see how well they knew each alpaca by name and personality, and how passionate they were when explaining about the wool and the herd. Our English-speaking guide was wonderful – so generous with her time and happy to take lots of photos of us cuddling the alpacas. There was also a Cantonese-speaking guide for another group. The views over the Banks Peninsula were simply stunning – the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend!

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Suits all ages β€” toddlers up. Reviewers consistently call out how calm and gentle the alpacas are, how knowledgeable the guides are about each animal by name, and how unrushed the tours feel. The harbour views are an additional highlight. Family-friendly throughout.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Bookings essential β€” book ahead, especially in summer
⏰Tours include hand-feeding and cuddling alpacas
🎟️Located on the Banks Peninsula above Akaroa β€” plan around a day trip from Christchurch
πŸš—Guides know each alpaca by name and personality

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.9
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683 Google reviews

Calm, well-cared-for alpacas100%
Knowledgeable guides who name every animal100%
Spectacular Banks Peninsula views80%
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Stephanie Stokes

6 months ago

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β€œWe absolutely loved our visit to Shamarra Alpaca Farm! The time spent with the alpacas was relaxed and never felt rushed. We started by cuddling the friendly males before heading over to the females to hand-feed them – such a fun experience. The staff were warm, knowledgeable and clearly cared deeply for the animals. It was lovely to see how well they knew each alpaca by name and personality, and how passionate they were when explaining about the wool and the herd. Our English-speaking guide was wonderful – so generous with her time and happy to take lots of photos of us cuddling the alpacas. There was also a Cantonese-speaking guide for another group. The views over the Banks Peninsula were simply stunning – the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend!”

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Daddypod

a month ago

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β€œA 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.”

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Carolina Caceres

5 months ago

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β€œIt was an incredible experience! We weren’t sure at first whether to go, but we’re so glad we did it was absolutely worth it. The animals are clearly very well cared for, and the staff are attentive, kind, and genuinely committed to their wellbeing. *Don’t forget to book the tour in advance. It’s totally worth it! (Maradona and EK were our favorite alpacas)πŸ«ΆπŸ»πŸ«ΆπŸ»πŸ«ΆπŸ»β€

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R Cortez

2 months ago

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β€œOur family had a fantastic experience at Shamarra Alpaca Farm! Seeing and feeding the cute alpacas up close was a highlight, and Jean was a great guideβ€”knowledgeable, engaging, and happy to answer questions. A great experience for the whole family and such a breathtaking view from the farm!”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Shamarra Alpacas is a working alpaca farm at 328 Wainui Main Road, on the Banks Peninsula above Akaroa. The farm runs guided tours of 170+ alpacas β€” including award-winning fleeces and named characters reviewers mention by name (Maradona, EK, Rising Sun, Harlequin, Tornado). Tours include cuddling the friendly males, hand-feeding the females, and panoramic views over Akaroa Harbour. Tour guides know each animal's personality. Bookings essential.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:30 – 17:00
Tuesday10:30 – 17:00
Wednesday10:30 – 17:00
Thursday10:30 – 17:00
Friday10:30 – 17:00
Saturday10:30 – 17:00
Sunday10:30 – 17:00

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