me and an alpaca taking a selfie in Akaroa
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Why you should visit Shamarra Alpaca farm in Akaroa!

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The Shamarra alpaca farm in Akaroa could quite possibly be one of my all-time favourite destinations in New Zealand. A complete highlight of our trip to the South Island!

A farm where you can tell the staff really love their animals.

I visited here during New Zealand winter on my working holiday visa. If you’ve never been to the islands, New Zealand is stunning. Even in the winter, it’s much nicer than a British one!

As someone who prefers spending time with animals over humans, I jump at the chance to visit locations where I can see animals (even if that means from a distance).

But don’t worry, I take ethical animal tourism very seriously.

Country:New Zealand
Currency:New Zealand Dollar / NZD
Do you need a visa to visit as a tourist?Check here

Don’t forget to get travel insurance to cover you if something bad happens. One company I have personal experience with is Safety Wing. Not everyone needs the same coverage, so make sure you get a personalised quote that suits you and your trip plans.

When you need to transfer money or check exchange rates during your overseas trip, consider using Wise. They have competitive rates and make exchanging foreign funds easy. I’ve been using them since 2015.

a beautiful view over the bay from top of the volcano with 3 alpaca at the farm in akaroa
Several alpacas grazing in front of the breathtaking view below

I cannot recommend visiting Shamarra Alpaca’s enough. Their staff are very knowledgeable about the many alpacas they care for but also about the surrounding area they have chosen to build their farm.

One of the most beautiful locations in all of New Zealand and I’m sure when you visit you’ll agree! Because we both know you’re going to visit eventually.

So let’s jump to it, and let me try and show you why you too should visit this adorable alpaca farm in Akaroa.


alpaca farm in akaroa with on sitting on his own
Two resting alpacas, away from the rest of their herd

Alpacas are cute

Maybe Iโ€™m biased because I find all animals cute. But they really are renowned for being friendly and lovable. They have a calm temperament which makes them easy to keep as pets (some people have them at home!) as well as on a farm.

Thatโ€™s not to say they donโ€™t have different personalities. When you visit you will meet some who are sassy and some who like to steal the limelight. No two alpacas will act the same.


On the slopes of an extinct volcano

Being British, I am fascinated by volcanoes. We donโ€™t have anything like them back in the UK. The closest ones to home are Vesuvius in Italy and ร–rรฆfajรถkull in Iceland. Neither of them is exactly close by!

So, another reason you should visit Shamarra Alpacaโ€™s farm is that itโ€™s located on the slopes of an extinct volcano. Not everyone can say theyโ€™ve cuddled alpacas on a volcanic cone, can they?!

If you like volcanoes you should hike up Mt Eden in Auckland!


a baby alpaca smelling me as i sit on the grass at the alpaca farm in akaroa
A baby alpaca came to say hello to me while I sat on the grass

Private farm – not open to the general public

Whatโ€™s so nice about Shamarra Farm not being open to the general public and instead holding private tours, is theyโ€™re able to limit the number of people visiting at any one time.

This means they can make sure their Alpacas are not in distress and can supervise the entire time visitors are present. This makes for happier guests who can really learn about the animals and the farm, happier staff, and most of all safer Alpaca!

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Totally affordable

Iโ€™ve been to many alpaca farms and they all seem to have a fairly similar price for their entry tickets. What I loved about Shamarra Alpacas, is youโ€™re not just enjoying the alpacas but the view too. To me, this is a two-in-one ticket price and Iโ€™m completely ok with that.ย 


landscape overlooking akaroa from the volcano
The landscape surrounding the farm with rolling hills and bright blue water below

Youโ€™ll see incredible Views

The farm is located on a high elevation. Because of the elevation, you are surrounded by panoramic views of the harbour and the valley below you. From here you can see the few small seaside villages and the bright blue water that has filled each of the bays.

Not only does this give you a beautiful location to enjoy the scenery, but it really adds to the atmosphere along with the alpacaโ€™s company.


Four tour times for flexible schedules

10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm. Each tour lasts for 1 hour. During this time you get to learn about the farm, and the types of wool the alpacas produce, take photos, enjoy the panoramic views and of course, have a meet & greet with the fluffy residents as well!

You can purchase your tickets directly from the farm’s official Shamarra Alpaca website.


3 alpacas on the volcano top overlooking the valley
3 alpacas eating grass and enjoying the view

You can buy alpaca fleece 

Ok, so some people donโ€™t agree with using or purchasing animal products and that is completely ok. However, the difference between alpaca and sheep’s wool, in comparison to other products made from animals, is that these animals need to be sheared. They do not shed their winter coats like dogs, so they must be sheared annually to prevent overheating in the summer. 

So with that being said, if theyโ€™re producing the wool anyway, and the sales go back into the care for the alpacas, you may as well get a new scarf out of it. Itโ€™s a win-win!

There is a small store they have on the farm in which they sell many alpaca wool products from scarves, blankets, hats and wraps.


alpacas on their field at the akaroa farm
This group of alpacas all stayed close together

They have over 160 Alpacas

So youโ€™ll be spoilt for choice with which ones you take a picture with or get to pet. Some of them love attention and will come to you.

Others will watch you from a distance if they donโ€™t want to play. But even just watching these adorable farm animals from a distance is enjoyable. Seeing how they interact and learning from the staff their names and personality traits is fun in itself.


me feeding some animals at the alpaca farm in akaroa
I fed and pet a few of the friendly animals

Did I mention Alpacas are cute?!

It just has to be said again. But the owners know how cute their fluffy friends are so they have allowed people to purchase an โ€˜addicts passโ€™. This allows a visitor to visit three times in one year. I know if I were still living locally, Iโ€™d definitely get one!


Map courtesy of Wanderlog, an itinerary planner on iOS and Android

How to get to the Alpaca farm in Akaroa

Luckily for travellers, Google Maps works very well across the entire country. This means you can use this popular map app to navigate from place to place without getting too lost. In order to stay connected without relying on a WIFI connection, consider getting an eSIM that you can download onto your device for instant use.

The easiest way to reach the farm is by car. If you need to rent one you can do so here. Just remember, in New Zealand, they drive on the LEFT side of the road (the same as the UK and the opposite of the USA).

If you are arriving from Christchurch (the closest large city to the farm) it will take 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.

If you’re already in the historic seaside village of Akaroa, it is a 20-minute drive.

Whatโ€™s great about this location is they also have dedicated onsite parking (including space for campervans) if youโ€™re one of the many van-lifers wanting to visit!

If you are already in the Akaroa region and do not have a vehicle, the farm offers a tour that includes pickup and drop-off from the Barry Bay Cheese Factory. You can book this at the same time you order your ticket online.

Have you been to the Shamarra Alpaca farm yet? What did you think?

Need help planning your trip?

Check out how to plan a trip abroad & see my travel resources for more.

Skyscanner – A comprehensive comparison website showing where to purchase flights.
HostelWorld – The biggest selection of hostels & sociable accommodations.
Booking.com – The largest collection of accommodations AND flights worldwide.

Safety Wing – A travel insurance brand for long-term travellers and nomads.

Airalo – An eSIM card company that lets you stay connected during your trip.
Wise – Perfect for transferring foreign currencies.
iVisa – For applying for tourist and visitor visas.

Viator – Great for finding tours and activities worldwide.
Get Your Guide – Another company for finding activities.
Klook – Have some of the best activity deals in Asia.

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