From Christchurch: Sheep Farm Experience with Lunch & Winery

Thinking about a day trip outside Christchurch that offers a genuine slice of New Zealand life? This Sheep Farm Experience with Lunch and Winery visit promises just that, blending rural charm with gourmet food and fine wine. From what we’ve seen, it’s a well-rounded way to get a taste of Kiwi farming, scenery, and local flavors, especially if you’re into authentic, relaxed experiences.

What really catches our eye are the exclusive access to a working farm and the delicious locally sourced lunch, which many reviews highlight as standout features. The wine tasting at Waipara Valley also seems to add a refined touch to the day. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is about six hours long, so it’s a full day out — good for those happy to spend a decent chunk of time exploring the countryside.

A potential consideration is that the tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems or wheelchair users, so check if that’s a concern. This experience is perfect for travelers who want a mix of rural charm, good food, and local wine, with a friendly guide to help make it all memorable.

If you enjoy seeing farm life up close, love tasting local wines, and want a laid-back way to explore Canterbury’s countryside, this tour could be a great pick. It’s especially suited for those who value authentic experiences and don’t mind a bit of time on the road.

Key Points

• Authentic farm access with genuine Kiwi hosts
• Sheep shearing demos and farm dog action for all ages
• Locally sourced gourmet lunch with ocean views
• Wine tasting at a top Waipara winery with stunning mountain scenery
• Small-group setting for a more personal experience
• Suitable for ages 7 and up, but not ideal for those with mobility issues

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour is designed to give you a well-rounded look at rural New Zealand life while providing some beautiful scenery and delicious food and wine. It’s all about connecting visitors with the land, the farmers, and the local produce, in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Getting Started and Pickup

The adventure begins early, with pick-up options from various central Christchurch locations like The George, the airport, or major hotels. Expect to be picked up from around 9:00 am, and the journey to Glenafric takes about 45 minutes. The scenic drive through Canterbury’s countryside sets the tone — expect lush green fields, rolling hills, and the occasional farmstead.

The Sheep Farm Experience

Once you arrive at Glenafric, a family-owned farm that’s been in operation for three generations, the day really kicks off. You’ll meet farmer James Hoban and his family, who will introduce you to their land and their way of life. The farm, sprawling over 770 hectares, offers a spectacular coastal backdrop with views over the South Pacific — a setting that’s hard to beat.

The highlight here is the sheep shearing demonstration, which many reviews find fascinating. Watching skilled shearers work efficiently while the farm dogs work in tandem is a real treat. The dogs are no mere show animals — they’re highly trained and work seamlessly with the farmers, providing a glimpse into the teamwork behind farm operations.

You also get to hand-feed sheep and cuddle lambs, which seems to be a favorite part for many visitors. It’s a chance to get close to the animals and appreciate the simplicity of farm life. The tour also explores the historic woolshed and vintage tractors, giving a sense of rural heritage.

Scenic Lunch Overlooking the Ocean

After the farm activities, it’s time to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch at Louises Lookout, which many describe as breathtaking. The focus is on locally sourced, fresh ingredients, and the setting with ocean views makes it even more special. The lunch isn’t just a sandwich — reviews mention the quality and freshness, with options catering to dietary requirements.

This is a relaxing break where you can soak in the scenery and hear stories about the farm and region from your guide. It’s a slow-paced, peaceful moment that many find memorable.

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Wine Tasting in Waipara Valley

Post-lunch, the tour moves to Waipara Valley — one of New Zealand’s top wine regions. The winery is described as award-winning, and the wine selection showcases varieties like Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Syrah. Expect a guided tasting, where you’ll learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and enjoy the views of the Three Deans mountain range.

Many reviews note the warm welcome and the quality of the wines, making this a refined end to the day. This part of the tour appeals to those who appreciate a good glass of wine and a chance to learn about regional specialties.

Return Trip with City Sightseeing

On the way back to Christchurch, the tour includes a short sightseeing loop, highlighting the city’s key sites like the Botanic Gardens, Avon River, and the famous Cardboard Cathedral. It’s a relaxed way to wrap up a full day, giving you a glimpse of Christchurch’s charm and history.

The Group Size and Comfort

This is a small-group tour, which helps keep things intimate and friendly. The comfort level with transport and the relaxed pace make it suitable for most travelers who enjoy a well-organized day out. The bus ride is around 30 to 45 minutes between stops, so be prepared for some sitting and scenery.

Practical Details

Duration: About 6 hours.
Price: While not explicitly listed, reviews suggest good value given the mix of farm, lunch, and wine tasting.
Suitability: For ages 7 and over; not suitable for wheelchair users or those with back problems.
Includes: Pickup from Christchurch, guided farm tour, gourmet lunch, wine tasting, and city sightseeing.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, water.
Restrictions: No smoking or alcohol in the vehicle.

What People Are Saying

The majority of reviews are glowing, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. Visitors praise the knowledgeable guides, especially Simon, for making the day engaging and informative. Many mention the stunning scenery and the authenticity of the farm experience — “Really interesting to see a sheep dog in action,” one reviewer notes, while another loved cuddling lambs.

The lunch is consistently described as “delicious” and “organic,” a real highlight for many, and the winery visit garners praise for its warm welcome and quality wines. Several reviewers point out that the tour offers great value, blending rural activity with a touch of sophistication.

Some minor criticisms include that the winery visit felt a bit short for those who want more wine sampling, and the duration might be long for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic rural experiences, enjoys local food and wine, and isn’t in a rush, this tour strikes a good balance. It’s particularly suitable if you love learning about farm life, want a relaxed day in nature, and enjoy small-group intimacy.

It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility concerns or those looking for a fast-paced sightseeing blitz. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or have back problems, you might want to consider alternatives. That said, for most adult travelers and families with children over 7, it’s a memorable, well-organized way to see a different side of New Zealand.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 7 and over can participate, with reviews mentioning kids loved feeding sheep and petting lambs.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 6 hours, including transportation, farm visit, lunch, and winery stop.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and water.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with back problems.

Where do I get picked up?
From various central Christchurch locations, including hotels and major landmarks.

How is the group size?
It’s a small-group tour, offering a more personal experience.

What kind of wines are sampled?
Typically, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Syrah.

What makes this farm experience unique?
Exclusive access to a working farm, sheep shearing demos, and a scenic coastal setting.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a gourmet picnic lunch with locally sourced ingredients, overlooking ocean views.

Final Thoughts

This Sheep Farm Experience with Lunch and Winery visit offers a genuine taste of rural New Zealand paired with excellent food and wine. It’s a versatile tour that combines education, relaxation, and scenic beauty, all in a friendly, intimate setting. Whether you’re into farm life, wine, or just want a peaceful day out of the city, it hits a lot of the right notes.

If you’re after a laid-back, authentic experience that’s well-organized and offers beautiful scenery, this tour could be just the thing. It’s especially good for those who want to connect with Kiwi culture in a meaningful way, with plenty of opportunities to learn and enjoy the land’s bounty.

You can check availability for your dates here: