Excursion Waipura farm adventure tour at Gisborne

Just a short drive away, yet worlds apart from Gisborne city life, explore Waipura Station, a sprawling 2,100 acre (849 hectare) working sheep and beef farm in a rural setting. Watch a sheep shearing demonstration and see the ranch hands herd the sheep alongside their working dogs. Enjoy morning tea and experience what the Kiwi considers a classic meal break between breakfast and lunch.

Waipura Station

Travel by mini-coach with your driver-guide to an idyllic destination to experience the lives of a fourth-generation farming family. Your hosts, Graham, Anne, Caroline and Jo welcome you warmly as do the 3,000 sheep and 300 heads of cattle that call this pastoral paradise home. Your hosts are keen to answer any of your questions as they orient you to this lush, hilly property and show you around the 110-year-old homestead built from native New Zealand timber and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Sheep Shearing

An up-close encounter at the woolshed is an opportunity to observe a sheep shearing demonstration. Witness the remarkable dexterity and speed with which the shearers expertly and painlessly remove the long woolly coats of the animal. Sheep farming is a lead industry in this region and here you will learn the fascinating journey from sheep to bale and beyond.

Sheepdog Demonstration

Then it's on to the paddock to observe the shepherd muster a mob of sheep on horseback with their trusty farm dog assistants aiding in this process. Note how the highly trained "eye" dog doesn't bark but instead stares at the sheep to make them do exactly what he and the shepherd want.

Refreshment

After working up an appetite in the field, your hosts graciously invite you to a classic Kiwi home-baked smoko, a mid-morning break and light meal served to sheep shearers in New Zealand to tide them over between breakfast and lunch.

Optional Drop Off in Gisborne City Centre

At the conclusion of the day, bid a fond farewell to your new friends and relax on your drive back to Gisborne. Guests will have an option of disembarking in the city centre before returning to the ship independently, or stay on the motor coach and return to port (time permitting).

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Waipura Station, Sheep & Cattle, Shearing Demonstration, Historic Homestead

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Walking at the farm is on some unpaved surfaces and loose stone areas plus there are 6 steps to enter/exit the woolshed. Approximately 50 metres (164 feet) of leisurely walking is the surface area covered. We suggest wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes and well as sun protection. Order of tour may vary.