Sheep Farm, Lunch And Winery

Sheep Farm, Lunch and Winery runs through Real New Zealand Farm Tours. Rated 5.0 across 63 reviews. Runs 6 hours. From NZ$345.

Overview

This day trip leaves Christchurch and heads north to a working sheep and cattle farm on the coast, where the farming family shows visitors how the property runs. Sheep shearing, hand feeding and sheep dog demonstrations are all part of the visit, and reviews repeatedly mention that lambs can sometimes be held. Travellers also describe views over the sea from the farm.

Lunch is a locally sourced grazing platter eaten picnic style on the farm, and several reviewers called it one of the best parts of the day. The afternoon continues to a Waipara Valley winery for a tasting, which lasts 45 minutes according to the itinerary. One review mentions five wines poured at the tasting, with board games available to keep children who are not drinking entertained.

Transport is a private air-conditioned vehicle carrying a maximum of 18 people, with hotel pickup in Christchurch included and an iconic Kiwi snack handed out on the outbound leg. The whole outing runs about 6 hours, and the operator notes it suits Lyttelton cruise passengers, with pickup from Norwich Quay and a return timed before ship departure. Reviewers often single out the guide and the farmer for their commentary and patience with questions.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup in ChristchurchPickup is included and arranged as detailed at booking. Cruise passengers are collected from Norwich Quay, Lower Street, Lyttelton, reachable by shuttle from the ship side.
2. Drive north with snacksThe air-conditioned vehicle travels north toward the farm, with an iconic Kiwi snack served on the outbound trip. Only travellers booked on the tour ride the bus.
3. Mount Cass Road farm visitRoughly 2 hours on the working sheep and cattle farm, with sheep shearing, hand feeding, sheep dog trails and free admission. Lunch is a grazing platter served picnic style here.
4. Georges Road Wines tastingA 45-minute stop at a local Waipara Valley winery, admission included. The wine tasting is listed among the tour's inclusions.
5. Return to ChristchurchAbout 20 minutes back in Christchurch to close the trip. For cruise passengers, the operator states the tour arrives back in time for ship departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this particular trip.

• Food and drink. Lunch is included, served as a grazing platter on the farm, along with an outbound snack and the winery tasting. Several reviewers called the lunch delicious or amazing. Tips for the driver and guides are the only listed exclusion.
• Group feel. The bus carries a maximum of 18 travellers, and only people booked on the trip ride along. Reviewers describe a personal, unhurried atmosphere rather than a big coach outing.
• Weather and clothing. One reviewer noted good weather helped, so dress for the forecast.
• Kids on tour. The listing says most travellers can participate.
• Questions welcome. Travellers often praise the guide and the farmer for their knowledge of the farm and the local area. Asking questions is clearly part of the experience, so bring curiosity along.
• Photography. Reviewers mention views over the sea from the farm, the surrounding hills and the antique machinery on the property. Bring a camera for the scenery and the animals.

Common issues. The listing states the tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travellers. Service animals are allowed, and the only listed exclusion is tips for the driver and guides. Weather can affect enjoyment of the outdoor portions, as one reviewer pointed out.

Choosing Well