Sheep Farm Day Trip from Christchurch + Lunch and Winery visit.

Planning a day out from Christchurch that combines rural charm, stunning scenery, and a touch of Kiwi hospitality? This Sheep Farm Day Trip, offered by Real New Zealand Farm Tours, presents a well-rounded experience that appeals to those craving authenticity and scenic beauty. With a 5.0-star rating from 51 reviews, it’s clear this tour leaves visitors satisfied — and often eager to book again.

What we love about this trip is the chance to visit a family-owned sheep farm supporting three generations—something that promises genuine stories and personal touches. Plus, the afternoon wine tasting in Waipara Valley with its spectacular mountain backdrop is a real highlight. A potential consideration? The tour is quite packed, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace, some may find the schedule tight.

This tour suits cruise passengers, outdoor lovers, and anyone interested in authentic agricultural life paired with local wines. If you’re looking for a day that balances scenic beauty, engaging farm activities, and a relaxed winery experience, this trip should definitely be on your shortlist.

Key Points

• Authentic farm experience with a family-run sheep and cattle farm.
• Scenic views of ocean and mountains, including a picnic at Louise’s Lookout.
• Expert guides and personalized interaction with farm dogs, shearers, and the farmer.
• High-quality wine tasting featuring regional varietals like Syrah, Riesling, and Pinot Noir.
• All-inclusive day with meals, snacks, WiFi, and transportation.
• Perfect for cruise travelers, with flexible pickup and timeliness assurance.

The Itinerary Explored

Starting in Amberley: Meeting Donnie the Pony

Your day begins with a quick 15-minute stop in Amberley to meet Donnie, a friendly pony who loves a carrot or two. This warm-up sets the tone for a farm-focused day—simple, charming, and a lovely way to start connecting with rural New Zealand life. You’ll also get a brief taste of the local atmosphere here.

Glenafric Working Sheep Farm: A Personal Look at Rural Life

The core of this trip is the two-hour visit to Glenafric, a working farm just north of Amberley. What makes this farm special? It’s family-owned and operated, supporting three generations, which means you’ll sense a genuine pride in their land and animals.

Here, you’re not just a tourist; you become part of the farm’s daily rhythm. You’ll see sheep, lambs, cattle, and working farm dogs in action. The highlight for many is watching a sheep shearer at work—a skill that combines precision and speed—and standing close enough to pet and hold a lamb, as some visitors have delighted in doing.

The guided tour includes a visit to vintage tractors, offering a glimpse into farming history. One reviewer mentioned how the host was friendly and willing to answer questions, making the experience feel personal rather than commercial.

The farm’s geology also gets a mention, hinting at local land features that influence the landscape and farming practices. The views of the coastal hills add to the sense of place, creating a picture-perfect scene.

Scenic Picnic at Louise’s Lookout

After the farm visit, you’ll enjoy a locally sourced grazing platter picnic at Louise’s Lookout. Expect ocean views and mountain vistas—perfect for a relaxing break and some memorable photos. The fresh, simple food makes the experience more genuine, emphasizing local ingredients and Kiwi hospitality.

Winery Visit: Taste Regional Wines Against Mountain Backdrops

The afternoon unfolds at Georges Road Wines, an award-winning winery in Waipara Valley. Here, you’ll meet kirk and the team and learn about why the Waipara region is so renowned for its wines.

You’ll sample a selection of five wines, including Syrah, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. The wine tasting is complimentary, and the guides’ insights help you appreciate regional differences and wine-making techniques. The mountain backdrop of the Three Deans range provides a stunning setting for this relaxed part of the day.

Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the wines, which are carefully curated to showcase the region’s best. If you’re a wine enthusiast, this part will be particularly enjoyable.

Short Tour of Christchurch Botanic Gardens

If time permits, your guide will also take you on a brief 20-minute stroll through Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens. It’s a peaceful spot filled with native and exotic plants, with a backdrop of the city’s Gothic architecture and the new stadium scheduled to open in 2026. It’s a quick, scenic addition that rounds out the day nicely.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Farm Life: The farm visit isn’t a tourist trap. It’s a working family farm, giving you a real taste of rural life—sheep shearing, dog handling, vintage tractors—that’s both educational and quite fun.

Expert Guides: Multiple reviews emphasize the value of knowledgeable, friendly guides. They’re passionate about their land and happy to answer questions, making the experience more engaging.

Beautiful Settings: From ocean vistas at Louise’s Lookout to the vineyard’s mountain views, scenery plays a big role. These vistas aren’t just backdrops—they’re part of the experience, connecting you with the landscape.

Quality and Value: At around $183 per person, the tour offers a lot—transport, meals, wine tastings, and personalized farm access. For those wanting a full day’s worth of authentic Kiwi experiences, it’s quite reasonable.

Inclusive and Convenient: The tour offers pick-up in Christchurch, including cruise ship transfers in Lyttelton, with an emphasis on timeliness. WiFi on board is a thoughtful touch for sharing your photos or checking messages.

A Closer Look at the Details

Transportation and Group Size

Travel is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a maximum group size of 23, ensuring a friendly atmosphere without feeling crowded. The driver and guide are praised for their professionalism and humor, which makes the long day pass quickly and pleasantly.

The Duration and Pacing

The 7-hour schedule is well-balanced, with enough time at each stop to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. The itinerary’s structure allows you to absorb farm life, enjoy scenic views, and savor wine—all within a manageable timeframe.

Meals and Snacks

Included are local snacks and a grazing platter lunch on the farm, emphasizing local ingredients. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s worth noting that the lunch is prepared by Zoe, who is appreciated for her delicious, thoughtful meals—especially for those with specific needs, like coeliacs.

Reviews and Authenticity

Visitors consistently mention how personal and genuine the farm experience feels. One noted, “It felt personal, welcoming, and genuinely special,” and another called it “a rare opportunity to see real Kiwi farm life.” The wine tasting and scenery also receive high praise for adding extra value and enjoyment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for cruise travelers wanting a comprehensive day without the hassle of planning, thanks to the pick-up and return to the ship. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers, foodies, and wine enthusiasts who want a taste of local life, stunning scenery, and regional wines in one go.

Families or small groups looking for a personalized farm experience will also find this a rewarding choice. If you’re after authenticity over commercialism, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This Sheep Farm Day Trip from Christchurch offers a genuine slice of New Zealand rural life combined with some of the best regional wines. It balances hands-on farm activities, scenic views, and relaxed wine tasting, all within a well-organized, friendly environment.

Travelers who value authenticity, expert guides, and beautiful landscapes will find this tour to be a highlight of their visit. The thoughtful inclusion of meals, snacks, and WiFi adds to its convenience and overall value, making it a worthwhile choice for a memorable day outside the city.

For those wanting an immersive experience that showcases New Zealand’s rural charm without sacrificing comfort or scenery, this trip is a top contender. Just pack your curiosity, an appetite for local food and wine, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers?
Yes, it’s designed for cruise travelers, with pickup from Lyttelton and guaranteed timely return to your ship.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers transportation, snacks, a picnic lunch, wine tasting, guided farm visit, winery tour, and WiFi on board.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, groups are limited to 23 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

How long is the farm visit?
The farm tour lasts approximately 2 hours, giving plenty of time to see animals, watch shearings, and explore vintage tractors.

Can I hold a lamb?
Yes, visitors often get the chance to hold lambs during the farm visit, which many find delightful.

What wines are sampled?
The tasting includes five wines: Syrah, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir, showcasing the regional diversity.

Are meals suitable for special dietary needs?
The lunch is locally sourced and prepared with care; if you have specific needs, it’s worth mentioning in advance.

What scenery can I expect?
Expect ocean views from Louise’s Lookout and mountain vistas from the winery, adding a picturesque touch to your day.

How flexible is the schedule?
The itinerary is well-paced and designed for comfort, with short stops and plenty of highlights packed into 7 hours.

Is WiFi available during the tour?
Yes, WiFi is provided on the vehicle, so you can share your experiences in real-time.

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to New Zealand’s farm life, scenic beauty, and regional wines. It’s a solid choice for travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and a taste of Kiwi hospitality in a single day.