Alpacas - Frequently asked questions

Alpaca Farming | Alpaca Lifestyle | Alpacas in New Zealand

Alpacas New Zealand

Alpaca Farm Open Days In Dunsandel New Zealand

It doesn’t take very long on a drive through the Canterbury countryside these days before you pass a paddock of alpacas. As alpacas become an increasing part of our landscape the Alpaca Association of New Zealand has nominated Sunday 2nd May as National Alpaca Day.

A number of alpaca farms throughout the country are opening to the public to showcase these amazing creatures, breeders include Warwickz Farm and New Park Alpacas in Dunsandel who are combining resources for the day.

Not only endearing and curious, these wonderful creatures with the beautiful soulful eyes provide luxurious fleece that the ancient Aztecs referred to as “the fibre of the Gods”. Stronger and more resilient than merino wool the fleece contains no natural lanolin or oils.

Jill New from Newpark and Elaine Gilberd from Warwickz Farm are both members of the Selwyn Spinners group and will have their wheels in action turning carded alpaca fibre into yarn and will be encouraging anyone interested to ‘have a go’.
A range of alpaca garments will also be on show from stunning fashion accessories, scarves and felted hats to adult sweaters and children’s wear.
Alpacas are intelligent social animals that are easy to care for and handle and add a whole new dimension to a lifestyle block making wonderful pets.

For anyone considering investing in alpacas commercially Geoff Scott can also offer advice and information.

“Many smaller successful alpaca breeders start with a couple of wethers to get to really know the breed first and build from there” says Elaine Gilberd.
“Both Jill and I look forward to making some new friends and sharing our world of alpacas with them on Sunday 2nd May.”

Warwickz Farm is on the Main South Rd and Newpark is on the Leeston Dunsandel Rd, Dunsandel.

1. The Alpaca
2. Different types of alpacas
3. The Alpaca Family
4. How big are Alpacas
5. The alpacas temperment
6. The alpacas lifespan
7. Feeding requirements
8. Grazing requirements for alpacas
9. Alpaca hygiene
10. Farming requirements barns/shelter
11. Fencing requirements
12. Alpaca breeding
13. Veterinary care of alpacas
14. Shearing Aplacas
15. Alpaca fibre characteristics
16. Fibre selling.