Photo of Twizel Petting Zoo in Canterbury1 / 2
Zoos

Twizel Petting Zoo

πŸ“ Twizel, Canterbury

β˜…4.2(9 Google reviews)

A hands-on guided farm tour in Twizel where families hand-feed Valais Blacknose sheep, Clydesdale horses, baby alpacas, and more. Animal food is included, and the stunning Mackenzie Basin mountains form the backdrop. Bookings required.

βœ“ Hands-on animal encountersβœ“ Knowledgeable guide Nealβœ“ Tame and friendly animalsβœ“ Baby alpacaβœ“ Valais Blacknose sheepβœ“ Bookings requiredβœ“ Qualmark Silver
β€œ
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Camile A.

What an amazing experience!! My partner and I booked on a whim after finding Twizel Petting Zoo on Google Maps. The tour is quite new still, but it was absolutely wonderful. The farm doesn’t quite have a sign for the petting zoo yet, so Neal was waiting for us out front :) Neal was such a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide, and was able to answer most, if not all, of our questions about these lovely farm animals. We were able to enter their enclosures as they are very used to human interaction. Neal provided pellets and carrots to feed the animals. We were able to pet: - Max (baby alpaca) - Max’s parents (Adult alpacas) - Bambi (red deer… apparently doesn’t usually come up to humans but we were able to pet her!!) - Blacknose sheep (very curious & interested in food) - Clydesdale horses - Himalayan Tahrs Neal also graciously gave us two postcards at the end of our tour! We had such a wholesome time and would recommend to anyone visiting Twizel πŸ₯° Thank you guys!

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Reviewers are unanimous: an unforgettable animal experience. Neal's tours are personal, informative, and joyful β€” the animals are tame, curious, and happy to interact. Multiple reviewers say they'd recommend it to anyone visiting Twizel, and at least one family plans to return.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Bookings are required β€” this is not a walk-in attraction; book via twizelpettingzoo.com
⏰Animal treats and carrots for horses are included in the entry fee
🎟️Free parking on site at 20 Ostler Road
πŸš—Wear waterproof shoes or wellies in damp weather as tours walk through grass

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.2
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

9 Google reviews

Outstanding guide and personal service40%
Tame and interactive animals30%
Unique animals including Valais Blacknose sheep20%
Animal feed included in entry fee10%
C

Camile A.

3 months ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œWhat an amazing experience!! My partner and I booked on a whim after finding Twizel Petting Zoo on Google Maps. The tour is quite new still, but it was absolutely wonderful. The farm doesn’t quite have a sign for the petting zoo yet, so Neal was waiting for us out front :) Neal was such a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide, and was able to answer most, if not all, of our questions about these lovely farm animals. We were able to enter their enclosures as they are very used to human interaction. Neal provided pellets and carrots to feed the animals. We were able to pet: - Max (baby alpaca) - Max’s parents (Adult alpacas) - Bambi (red deer… apparently doesn’t usually come up to humans but we were able to pet her!!) - Blacknose sheep (very curious & interested in food) - Clydesdale horses - Himalayan Tahrs Neal also graciously gave us two postcards at the end of our tour! We had such a wholesome time and would recommend to anyone visiting Twizel πŸ₯° Thank you guys!”

M

Maya Samantha

4 months ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œWhat an amazing farm with super friendly animals to pet! We went here early November after seeing it on Google Maps. There was no review but it’s apparently because they just opened 2 weeks prior. I’m so glad we booked this experience because it’s one of the most unforgettable part of my New Zealand trip. I’ve been dreaming of seeing and petting the Valais Blacknose sheep and this farm made it come true! Kudos to our guide, Neal, who was very welcoming. He was also knowledgeable and was very patient with answering our questions. I highly recommend this experience! Note: Since they just opened this experience when we visited, there wasn’t a clear sign yet on where to wait or park our car. We just waited outside the gate and that’s where Neal met us. So, if you’re confused where to go just wait by the gate.”

A

Abi H

2 months ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œWe went on a Tuesday afternoon and it was only us! The tour guide was polite and friendly. Thank you Neal! Free parking. We visited the baby alpaca first who was only a couple months old! Super cute. We were given small pots of treats for the animals and carrots for the horses, all included in our ticket price. The horses were very tame and gentle. The sheep were great and so were the alpacas! I’d recommend wearing wellies if the weather is damp as you will be walking through ankle height grass and you will get wet shoes.”

M

Marshall Mcculloch

3 months ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œWhat an amazing experience to get up close with the animals. A real treat to pet them and even had a chance to feed them. A must do attraction in Twizel and will take the kids back again when back in town.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Twizel Petting Zoo on Ostler Road offers 30–40 minute guided farm tours with close animal encounters. Families enter enclosures to hand-feed Valais Blacknose sheep, Clydesdale horses, baby alpacas, red deer, and Himalayan tahrs. Animal treats and carrots are included in the entry fee. Guide Neal is praised for his knowledge, patience, and warmth. The zoo holds Qualmark Silver certification and is Climate Positive. Free parking on site.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday14:00 – 16:00
Tuesday14:00 – 16:00
Wednesday14:00 – 16:00
Thursday14:00 – 16:00
Friday14:00 – 16:00
Saturday14:00 – 16:00
Sunday14:00 – 16:00