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Real New Zealand Tours
Visit Glenafric Farm, which has supported two families and three generations. Watch farmer James sheer a sheep. Watch clever farm dogs at work. Enjoy a fun tractor-trailer ride. See the collection of vintage tractors. Learn about the fascinating geological formation of the area, fossils 10-12 million years old! View spectacular MacKintosh Beach and much, much more.
Welcome to Glenafric Farm
Glenafric Farm is an authentic 770-hectare coastal sheep and beef farm in the Waipara region, just 60 minutes Christchurch. This three-generational farm, run by the Hoban family, overlooks the South Pacific Ocean, with stunning views Pegasus Bay to Banks Peninsula.
But it’s not all gazing outwards — the farm itself is plenty busy year-round shearing and raising its sheep and cattle — which you get to take part in! You’ll also get the chance to tramp over the hills and find out just how the Glenafric landscape was first formed millions of years ago.
Farmyard activities
As part of the farm experience, you’ll get to walk around and participate in everyday farm life. Watch the highly trained sheepdogs round up sheep, feed Donnie, the friendly miniature horse, ride around on a vintage tractor and marvel at the skilful sheep shearers.
There’s plenty of opportunity to get stuck in and explore rural New Zealand whilst taking lots of photos for you and the family back home!
Georges Road Winery
Located in the heart of Waipara, this winery produces some of the all-time most popular wines from around the world, including Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Rosé. Not far from the peaceful Waipara River and looking out the Three Deans, this vineyard is home to the rich, alluvial soil, bringing out a distinct earthy taste in the plantings.
You’ll also get to meet Kirk, a warm hearted fun Kiwi entrepreneur, and his pet dog Pepper!
The farmyard animals
There are some 3,000 sheep in Glenafric Farms (in New Zealand 32 million sheep, last count!) and 300 Hereford cattle. Here's more about the livestock on Glenafric Farm:
South Suffolk stud sheep: South Suffolks are known for yielding some of the best prime lambs globally, as well as having fine downing wool for shearing. But don’t worry — these sheep live an ideal life at Glenafric and look forward to plenty of visitors!
Corriedale sheep: Corriedale sheep produce thicker, more commonly used wool, which gives them a very thick knitted jumper. But come summer, you may see these sheep completely shorn!
Hereford cattle: Hereford cattle are originally from the West Midlands of England and offer prime cuts of beef. In fact, if you have a burger anywhere in New Zealand, you might be having one of these or maybe an Angus cow.
Sheepdogs: Our highly trained sheepdogs are super intelligent and are used to herd sheep around the farm. As part of the tour, you’ll get to meet these keen canines and see them in action — but watch out, they’re very quick!
Donny the American miniature horse: Donny is the real star of the tour, a miniature horse bred for his small size and charm. Come feed Donny a carrot; he’ll be your best friend for the day!
1. Starting from Christchurch
The tour begins in Christchurch City, known for its impressive English Gothic architecture and heritage, extending back to the first settlers in New Zealand. Leaving from outside the Ravenscar House Museum, you can take a luxury car ride or take a trip on the bus, but only after you get the chance to see the tranquil Avon River, the gorgeous Hagley Park, and other attractions. Includes a complimentary pick up and drop off at all central city accommodations.
2. Arriving at the farm
A short 45 minutes later, you’ll arrive at Glenafric Farm, where you’ll get to enjoy a whole host of activities, including taking part in the day-to-day running of the farm, handling the wool and learning about the different types.
Meet the livestock, including Donny the American Miniature Horse, before taking a brisk farm walk around the coast to admire the unique geology, with plenty of stops for holiday snaps!
3. A picnic lunch
Don’t worry, there’s plenty to eat on this trip. You’ll get the chance to have a delicious packed picnic lunch full of local produce. Make sure to let us know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements before the beginning of the trip so we can plan for you accordingly.
4. Georges Road Wines
Next, it’s down to the local vineyard to meet Kirk and the team, all whilst tasting a selection choice that makes Waipara one of the top wine producers in the country. But don’t worry — there are plenty of juice boxes and non-alcoholic beverages for the little ones!
Travel around the vineyard before heading back to the bus, where we’ll drop you off safely in Christchurch again.
About us
At Real New Zealand Tours, we are passionate Kiwis dedicated to crafting personalized travel experiences across Aotearoa. With over 30 years in the tourism industry, our team offers self-drive, private guided, and escorted coach tours, all tailored to your interests.
Founded in 2005 by Geoff, who transitioned from the corporate world to tourism in 1992, we have grown into specialists in New Zealand travel. Our mission is to awaken your senses and inspire you, leaving you with unforgettable Kiwi memories. The Māori Koru design featured on our website symbolizes peace, personal growth, and new beginnings, reflecting the transformative journeys we aim to provide.
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VERY HAPPY VISITORS
Best Tour of the Trip
"This was our favourite tour in New Zealand. We LOVED visiting the Glenafric Farm and seeing the beautiful property, sheep and vintage tractors. We met the lovely family and had a delicious lunch surrounded by the countryside. The winery was also fabulous in addition to the gardens and other stops. I highly recommend this tour if you want to get up close and personal to see the sheep shearing and a beautiful farm."
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"Hello Geoff,
Sue and I are back in Nevada safe and sound after a trip of a lifetime to New Zealand. We had a great time and experienced and learned so much.
Thank you for all the personal attention you gave us both before and during this trip. We cannot yet say when, but we have an interest in returning to New Zealand someday. If we do, you can count on our repeat business."
"Wonderful, fantastic, fun – this tour was all of these. We felt like we were really seeing New Zealand, not just places the tourists go. Geoff Venning, a native, is offering the tour for the first time, and we were among the first to experience it."
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"Geoff is extremely helpful, professional and patient. He put in countless hours helping me plan my group trip to New Zealand. He is friendly and very easy to work with and would recommend them to anyone looking to go to New Zealand."
"We could not have asked for a better travel experience. Our travel partner Geoff promptly responded to our first inquiry. He provided a sample itinerary and was quick to modify our plan to suit our budget and tastes. The excursions his team booked were all once-in-a-lifetime endeavours."
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"Day Trip to Authentic Sheep Farm, winery + lunch ex Christchurch Amazing trip! Great views, such kindness and the sheep farm was superb! The wines are also really great and the farm and the vineyard has breathtaking views. Our driver Simon, the nicest! Super recommended! Solo, or in groups, this was a great experience."
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