Excursion Geraldine farm and lunch tour at Timaru

Explore the farming legacy of the Canterbury region during this picturesque outing to the Geraldine Farm.

Canterbury Region, Geraldine Farm

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one hour drive to Geraldine Farm. Located just 750 metres from the small and unique Woodbury Village, the farm provides a specially curated hands-on experience. Upon arrival, you will meet the owners of Geraldine Farm and learn about its family history. Geraldine Farm’s one-and-a-half-hour tour consists of a sheep-shearing demonstration where you will learn the differences between breeds of sheep, the textures and patterns of various types of wool, and the scouring process of shearing. Geraldine Farm provides an up close and personal experience with its lambs, allowing you to pet, cuddle, and bottle feed young lambs. Geraldine Farm prides itself too on its excellent working farm dogs and gives you a front row view of them performing a sheep herding exercise. The first dog, the heading (eye) dog, brings the sheep towards it, and the second dog, known as the huntaway, barks to move the sheep towards the heading dog. The tour concludes with a guided walking tour of Geraldine’s Homestead and its vibrant yet serene garden grounds.

Lunch at Local Cafe

Following your tour, proceed for lunch served at a local café, which boasts delectable New Zealand lamb, New Zealand salmon, hot potato dishes, salads, fresh bread, pavlova, and beverages.

Tin Shed, Merino Wool Garments, Free Time

Next, re-board your coach and continue on for a visit to the Tin Shed, a souvenir shop specialising in Merino Wool garments. Following some free time to browse the items available for sale, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.  

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Canterbury Region, Geraldine Farm, Gardens, Lunch, Tin Shed, Merino Wool Garments

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven and gravel surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the venue. Walking at the Red Barn is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. The coach supply in Timaru is very limited, coaches used are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of larger New Zealand ports.