Timaru – High Country Sheep Farm

Full day sightseeing tour to Lake Tekapo including a visit to a sheep farm

Depart Timaru by road, travelling inland through the country townships of Pleasant Point, Cave and Fairlie before ascending Burkes Pass and reaching the Tekapo Basin. At the top of Burkes Pass you will immediately view the magnificent scenery of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The tour proceeds to the tranquil turquoise coloured waters of Lake Tekapo with its famous Church of the Good Shepard and the statue of Mackenzie’s Dog.

There will be time for lunch (own arrangements and cost) in Lake Tekapo township either before or after the sheep farm tour.

After time spent in the Lake Tekapo village we travel onto Mt Hay for the farm experience. This family has been living and farming in the Mackenzie High Country since 1928, and proudly owned and managed land here since 1935. Today, they farm a combined 50,000 acres across two historic Merino sheep stations — Mt Hay and Balmoral. Home to 12,000 Merino sheep, 600 Angus beef cattle, 30 horses, and 15 alpacas, the farm is more than just land — it’s heritage. They are deeply committed to sustainable practices, and are proud to be a carbon-positive farm, having earned the highest possible grade in their latest sustainability audit. The tour includes the history of this high country sheep station, wool production from sheep to garment, live sheep shearing, and a sheep dog demonstration.

Following the tour we return to Timaru in time for your cruise ship departure.

Meeting instructions –
On arriving at the port in Timaru please make your way to one of the waiting shuttles that will transport you into the Timaru I -Site which is approximately a 5 minute drive. Please note you are able to walk out of the port, however, the walk is about 20 minutes. The shuttles will be waiting on the dock from where the cruise ships own prebooked coaches are loading. There will be people on the wharf to direct you. Ask for the free Timaru Shuttle.
Your Coach and driver will be waiting at the Timaru I-Site with signage displaying your groups name.