Auckland Sheepworld: Farm tour with honey tasting & beach stop

Summary

Feed lambs, try manuka honey, and see Auckland’s green side

You’ll meet sheep up close near Auckland, feed lambs, watch working dogs in action, and taste fresh Manuka honey straight from the source. With stops at a local farm show and honey center (plus a surprise beach visit), you’ll get hands-on moments—and small laughs—you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at a sheep show, but there we were—somewhere outside Auckland, the air smelling faintly of grass and something sweet from the honey center earlier. Our guide (I think his name was Dave?) had this way of pointing out things I’d never notice on my own—like how the hills roll in that part of New Zealand, or why the Kauri tree is such a big deal here. The drive out felt quick, maybe because he kept telling stories about growing up around these farms. I remember passing a little roadside stand selling feijoas—never tried one, still kind of regret it.

Sheepworld itself was louder than I thought it’d be—kids laughing, sheep bleating (one sounded almost like an old door hinge), and then the dogs doing their thing with the herd. I got to feed a baby lamb (its nose was damp and tickly) and tried not to look too awkward about it. There were alpacas too—one stared at me for ages—and even an emu that looked like it had opinions about tourists. The sheep shearing was quick but weirdly mesmerizing; you could see how practiced the shearer was, barely pausing except to crack a joke about Kiwi haircuts.

Afterwards we stopped at this Manuka honey place—there’s a glass wall where you can watch bees working away inside. The smell was warm and floral, kind of sticky in your nose if that makes sense. Tasted honey mead for the first time (sweeter than I expected) and manuka ice cream that melted fast in my hand because I got distracted watching someone try to pronounce “Mānuka” right—Li laughed when I tried it in Mandarin, probably butchered it. We ended up at a quiet beach for a bit; wind picking up off the water, sand cool underfoot even though the sun was out. It wasn’t fancy or anything but felt real—I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Countryside and Farm Experiences

• Visit countryside, beach, Kauri tree, and Mankua Honey tasting
• See live bees and taste Manuka Honey
• Sheep show, feed lambs and farm animals

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Sheepworld tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Auckland.

What animals can I see or feed during the tour?

You can see and feed sheep, baby lambs, alpacas, emus, pigs, deer, donkeys, and more farm animals.

Are there any food tastings included?

Yes, you’ll taste different types of honey including Manuka honey and mead; Manuka ice cream is also available.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible; collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated with assistance.

How long does it take to get from Auckland to Sheepworld?

The drive is through Auckland’s countryside suburbs; timing depends on traffic but is comfortably managed by your guide.

Are sheep shows available every day?

No; sheep shows run Wednesday through Sunday only until further notice.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?

Yes; please dress appropriately as tours run rain or shine.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Auckland (or port if needed), all transport by air-conditioned minivan with live commentary from your local driver-guide, entry to Sheepworld with hands-on animal encounters and farm show (on select days), stops at a kauri tree site and beach, plus tastings at the Manuka Honey Centre—including snacks and a beverage before heading back to town.