Bus Tours

Sheep in the farm laneway

For Inbound/New Zealand tour operators looking for a unique, fun and interesting day trip to add to their busy schedule.

Perfect for:

  • Groups arriving on cruise ships at Lyttelton or Akaroa
  • Groups traveling the South Island by bus, who want a great tour option while travelling between Tekapo and Christchurch
  • Groups of experienced farmers
  • Groups who want to learn about farming, see a real farm and handle/touch sheep
Meeting Fly, Razor and Spy – some of the work dogs on Benlea Farm

Highlights include:

  • Educational commentary and stories of farm life as we travel around the farm in the bus
  • Incredible mountain views
  • Demonstration of a work dog herding a group of sheep/cattle (by arrangement)
  • Delicious morning/afternoon tea of fresh home baking*
  • Feeding/handling our very friendly pet sheep
  • Exploring the wandering paths of the beautiful one hectare homestead garden

*Any food allergies/requirements can be catered for if arranged in advance

One of the beautiful views you will see from the bus

Important Details:

  • Price: Please contact for prices
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Transport: Large groups (8 people or more) must provide their own bus/transport for the tour
  • Directions: All buses must park under the oak tree up the Right Hand Drive. More details here.
  • Operates: October – May
  • Hours: Mon – Sat: 9.00am – 5.00pm. Closed: Sun and public holidays
  • Booking a tour: By reservation only. All bus tours must be booked in advance. Contact us here.

Please try to arrange your bus tour at least a week in advance, the sooner the better to secure the spot you want. 

We can run a maximum of 2 tours per day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon.

Because we are very much a working farm, we rearrange our days or work longer hours so we can do these tours. We feel it is so important for people to be given the opportunity to get out on a real farm so we absolutely love making time for them. But with the realities of running a farming business, our tour spaces are limited – so get in quick and come and see us!!

Meeting the sheep back at the Benlea homestead

Tailored Bus Tours

We are more than happy to tailor a bus tour to suit the different needs of our groups. For example:

A group of farmers who want to focus on hearing about the farm operation or perhaps getting out to explore some of our regenerative pastures – not a problem, we can arrange it!

Groups that have never set foot on a farm and really want to see a dog herding animals or to spend more time feeding the pet sheep – we can arrange it!

Contact us today about what your group is after. We’ll tailor a perfect 2 hour tour to ensure they get the most out of their time at the farm.