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Kaikoura Tours
Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour
5

Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour

By Kaikoura Llama Trekking
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Enjoy a 1hr Taster Llama Trek - along the Kowhai River banks and riverbed. Surrounded throughout by protected native woodland, and abundant wildlife.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-120, max of 5 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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  • Tour guide
  • Your own Llama


Start:
  • 12 Kowhai Ford Road, Kaikoura Flat, KaikĹŤura 7371, New Zealand
    Main car park, Wacky Stays & Llama Trekking, 12 Kowhai Ford Road, RD1, Kaikoura
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 308483P2

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Infants are FREE, but must be carried in a backpack (which we can supply - please book in advance)
    • Wheelchair accessible = 80% of the trek is accessible, the rest we can avoid to complete the trek.
    • Stroller accessible = 80% of the trek is accessible, the rest we can avoid to complete the trek.
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 308483P2

    From
    $134.00
    per adult (price varies by group size)
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 12 Kowhai Ford Road, Kaikoura Flat, KaikĹŤura 7371, New Zealand
      Main car park, Wacky Stays & Llama Trekking, 12 Kowhai Ford Road, RD1, Kaikoura
    • Pass by
      Kaikoura
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Kaikoura Llama Trekking
      436
      Kaikoura, New Zealand
    • RiverQueen83
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Lovely Llama
      A big thanks to Kevin for a fantastic morning spent with his delightful llama. My son and I enjoyed bonding with each of our llama Archie and Pegasus. My husband’s llama Harry was more interested in a state of mutual understanding rather than what you would call bonding haha! The trek was a gentle walk to the seal colony and a nice stop on the way back to enjoy some coffee and cake. Kevin was very knowledgeable about llama and we valued his insights. Highly recommend!
      Written 7 January 2025
    • Aayub1
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Llama trekking kaikoura
      Lovely experience walking with the llama’s! The kids thoroughly enjoyed and we learned about kaikoura and llamas during the experience !
      Written 29 December 2024
    • michellebC4591LT
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A definite MUST do!
      Definitely the highlight of my few days in Kaikoura (even better than seeing a whale!). Had the pleasure of having Bluey as my walking partner, he was the best. 🦙 Kevin was an amazing guide, with a ton of knowledge and stories about Llama and Kaikoura. Stunning views and gorgeous Llamas, what more does one need? A definite MUST do when in town. Will certainly do this again and again anytime I find myself in the area.
      Written 28 December 2024
    • cyncelia
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great, relaxing experience
      Really excellent tour, informative and fun. Llamas really sweet and characterful. Cake and coffee provided excellent!
      Written 28 December 2024
    • OnAir28803961188
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun experience with some interesting animals
      Enjoyed our walk with llama Archie and Harry. Kevin provided interesting information on the llama and Kaikoura. It was a lovely day for a walk along the coast with these exotic animals. Be prepared for lots of people driving and walking by to give a double take.
      Written 23 December 2024
    • Happiness10058282386
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The Llama experience!
      The llama experience was a highlight of our trip on the South Island. It was a great experience getting to know the llamas and learning about the area. We are still talking about our llamas days later. Would definitely recommend this experience.
      Written 16 December 2024
    • V86OY_
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Two new llama friends
      The experience was fantastic, thanks to Kevin and his llamas, Archie and Harry! Llamas are adorable and have smart personalities, especially Archie - nice, easy-going fella. It wasn’t easy to earn their trust, but in the end, I think we became good friends (at least, I hope so! :)). The tour took us along a beach route with nice views, along with some llama challenges like cars or encountering people with umbrellas. Kevin also shared fascinating stories about llamas and local points of interest. I particularly appreciated the animal-friendly approach of the tour. The llamas clearly enjoyed walking with us (and were not shy about politely expressing any dislikes). Kevin cares for and protects them like they’re his own children, always making sure they’re safe from harm. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves animals and wants to meet a unique species. Llamas are very different from horses or alpacas, though they do share some similarities!
      Written 9 December 2024
    • ashleigh122
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      100% would recommend! Huge highlight of our NZ holiday!
      Such an amazing experience to be able to build a relationship with a llama while walking in such a beautiful location. Learnt a lot about llama husbandry and Kaikoura. Definitely a highlight of our New Zealand holiday! :)
      Written 7 December 2024
    • OnAir61013137883
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Must do in KaikĹŤura!
      Had an amazing time with Kevin and his Llamas, it was great to be able to bond with one through the walk and gain their trust. They’re such amazing animals! :)
      Written 7 December 2024
    • X6527HAleah
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing day with Llamas
      So I did the short Llama Trek Taster a few weeks ago and it was so amazing that I had to come back for the whole experience. And again I had an amazing time and a great experience! The trek itself is beautiful and right next to the beach ! We even had the chance to visit the seal colony - of course without the llamas. We were lucky because the weather was also very good that day The Llamas are so beautiful,curious and just special! Kevin is an incredible guide—his knowledge is really impressive -- not only about the llamas but the whole local environment . He really cares for the llamas and just wants the best for them. I highly recommend this activity !!! Thanks again for this amazing time !
      Written 3 December 2024
    • Katie J
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Trekking with Llamas: No Drama, Just Llama!
      What a unique way to experience Kaikōura! Kevin was amazing, an absolutely fabulous guide around the beautiful coastal town. His knowledge about llamas and the Kaikōura area as well as his sense of humour made the trek really enjoyable. It was evident that the llama’s well-being was paramount for Kevin which was really good to see. The respect that Kevin had for his herd made me assured that the animals were being treated ethically and that animal welfare is at the forefront of this experience. Now onto the real stars of the show (sorry Kevin) - the llamas!! We had Hero, Joey, Archie and Harry out with us for the afternoon. They were all handsome little fellas, all with their own personality quirks. Getting to meet and build a relationship in the few hours we had with them was really magical. The llamas are such sweethearts and were so fun to meet and interact with. I highly recommend this experience to anyone passing through Kaikōura, it’s such a fun way to see the town and learn about Kaikōura’s past!
      Written 7 November 2024
    • Vacation08017728090
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience.
      We did a half day trek, and the whole experience was excellent. Really learnt a lot about llamas and also the local environment. Would definitely do it again! The walk was easy, the Llamas were friendly, so a good experience for anyone. They are such characters, each one so different.
      Written 5 November 2024
    • madan_85
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Unique Experience in a unique location!
      We had a great time trekking with Joey, Pegasus, and Hero. Kevin provided us with plenty of information beforehand regarding the llama trek and what to expect. He is a great guide, very informative and entertaining. We learnt a lot about Llamas, and also about Kaikoura. The walk itself is a nice slow pace along the Kaikoura coastline. A very unique tour and very worthwhile. Definitely add this to your itinerary!
      Written 20 October 2024
    • U7061BNbrendang
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The Great Kaikoura Llama Trek
      The Llama trek was amazing. The tour guide, Kevin, was very friendly and knowledgeable about the Llamas and also Kaikoura and it's history. He was very good at explaining the personalities and characteristics of these beautiful animals. Good sense of humor too. The trek was very scenic and the 3.5 hours was a good amount of time to begin to understand Llamas. When the trek was finished I felt like it was one of the best things I have done.
      Written 6 October 2024
    • BelindaGood
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      No llama drama!
      What a memorable way to celebrate my 50th birthday! Cherished every minute with these fascinating animals and learnt a great deal. I love how you have to earn the llamas trust and the relationship that develops along the way. Spectacular scenery and a bonus seeing seals too. Thank you Kevin for a once in a lifetime experience!
      Written 4 October 2024
    See all 436 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles53 reviews
    Excellent
    51
    Very good
    1
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    1
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    These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
    This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

    Mike L
    Christchurch, New Zealand2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2021
    I rang Kevin on the morning we wanted to visit, and asked if there was any space on that morning's one-hour trek. Despite him not planning any treks for that day, he said come along and we'd go for a trek. Our one-hour trek turned into 90 minutes as we strolled down to the river, with Hero and Joey enjoying plenty of verge-side snack stops for clover, brambles, grass, wild fennel, etc.

    Kevin chatted about the llamas; how to work with them, their physiology, diet, lifespan, and herd hierarchy. And when we got to the Kohwhai River we talked about the gravels, and the effects of the Kaikoura earthquake on future sediment and bed levels.

    The trip was well worthwhile, and I'd recommend fellow kiwis to occasionally turn inland from marine wonders of Kaikoura and take a leisurely stroll with Kevin and his Andean friends.

    P.S. Just seen that my wife has already posted a review using my user! So it's two reviews for the price of one trip. :)
    Written 7 February 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Rachelle B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2023 • Friends
    We were taken out by Kevin and accompanied by Harry and Archie the Llamas.

    Kevin put us both at ease while he explained to us a Llamas nature and what to be aware of, along with how to guide them and keep them feeling safe.

    Kevin clearly has a passion for all his animals, and their priority comes first which was really important to us. I think this is best suited for those with a genuine love of animals and learning, not for those who just want a photo and a pat (the llamas aren't a fan of being touched). In saying that, Kevin very kindly offered to capture some snaps in the middle of the trip when Harry and Archie had gotten more comfortable with us.

    I absolutely adored it and it felt really peaceful - I could have easily done the half day.

    Thank you Kevin, I hope the introduction of your dog to his babies went well!
    Written 17 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Ashley P
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Couples
    I cannot recommend this experience enough. My only regret was that we didn't have time to do the half day trek. Kevin was a great guide who was very knowledgeable about the llama, other wildlife and plants we encountered, and was even kind enough to let us play with the litter of puppies that his adorable dogs recently had. The llamas gave us lots of good laughs with all their noises and photo poses (which Kevin offered to take for us). My husband and I were lucky enough to be the only people on the taster tour when we went so we had lots of time for questions and dedicated guidance with handling the llama. The llama were very well trained, included the one I handled which was the "naughty" one. This is definitely a must do in Kaikoura!
    Written 31 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    aliciay98
    Denver, CO48 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    My family and I were very eager for the taster version of the llama trekking. We intentionally chose the shorter route as we had young children with us. Between sorting trekking participants out at arrival (other parties needed to pay), driving to the location, unloading the llamas and sorting everyone out again, going through the needed instructions to keep the llamas and ourselves safe, and then rearranging some llamas; we were only with them for maybe 25 minutes. And this 25 minutes was maybe a quarter of a mile long and we stopped regularly to allow them to eat. We understood that allowing them to eat was helping them build a relationship with us, but we were disappointed and frustrated that this expensive activity seemed to offer so little in length of trek or time.

    Due to the recent weather, the original route was not an option. We were told this upon arrival and told there was an alternate route. During the trek, Kevin (our guide), went to look and saw the river was washed out. It seems that he then abruptly turned us around to head back to load the llamas. Seems that he could’ve gone earlier in the day to know that it was washed out and help manage everyone’s expectations. The whole time we were just on a non scenic gravel road. We fully understand weather is out of anyone’s control; however, if we had been told the limitations of the experience prior and allowed to make a choice to participate or not then that would’ve been much appreciated. Overall, it was not worth the money for this experience that we were really, really looking forward to it.
    Written 1 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Maps27981028704
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2023 • Couples
    This experience was completely unexpected, the boat to see the whales having been canceled at the last minute (they were obviously not around), but we had a great time.
    The setting is splendid, 5 minutes from the Kaikoura center, at the foot of the mountains. The farm is very pretty (and also offers the possibility of sleeping on site in very unusual accommodation).
    Kevin, our guide, was really very informative and we felt his passion for his job and the love he has for animals. He teaches us to create a relationship of mutual trust with the lama by respecting his needs. Throughout the walk, KĂ©vin also teaches us lots of things about the surrounding nature.
    We were lucky enough to only be two of us doing the ride, so this intimate experience really fulfilled us.
    Google
    Written 19 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Wander45544814238
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2024 • Solo
    What a great experience! The trek itself is set in a beautiful scenery, and having the company of the llamas makes it even more special—they’re so gentle, curious, and full of personality!
    Kevin is an incredible guide—his knowledge about the area and the llamas is truly impressive. He shared fascinating insights about the local environment and made the trek enjoyable and informative. His passion for what he does really shines through, and it’s clear the llamas are very well cared for.
    I highly recommend this activity for nature lovers, families, or anyone looking for an original way to experience Kaikoura and its surroundings!
    Written 21 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Lennox D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2024 • Family
    This was AMAZING!!!! Me and my mom went May 17th and were the only two to trek in our group. Our tour guides name was Kevin I believe, and he was so extremely awesome. He took us on the bus to the starting location with the llamas and explained thoroughly how to start with the llamas, and set very clear expectations for how it would go. And it went amazing!!!!! We got to walk with the llamas, learn how to earn their trust, stop them, turn them, and we were even trustworthy enough to pet them. We also met a ton of lovely dogs who walked with us on the trails, and got a lot of information about the llamas themselves. Overall it was a really wonderful experience and if we ever come back we will not hesitate to come here again!
    He also took really nice photos of us but those are on my moms phone so I am going to post the silly ones I took
    Written 17 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Crawford
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2024 • Family
    I came across llama trekking randomly whilst planning our trip to KaikĹŤura and surprised my children (12 and 8). We all had an amazing time, it is very clear how much these boys are cared for. Kevin was very knowledgeable about these amazing animals.

    I led Bluey, we were asked not to touch them until we maintained a bond (which makes perfect sense). He was so cute he kept walking into me before we could pet them which I actually liked.

    At first, I was a nervous as I have a knee injury but I found Bluey to be incredibly gentle as he walked, he went at my speed. I appreciated that.

    My children were pleased with the llama they led, my son (12) couldn't stop giggling and my daughter thought Pegasus was beautiful.

    We plan on coming back to KaikĹŤura at some stage and will definitely be back for the longer trek

    Thanks so much Kevin, you provided an excellence. I recommend to anyone and everyone. Very cool and unique.
    Written 12 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    GFT
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Couples
    Did our first llama trekking and in new zealand with David.

    Needless to say, excellent and enriching experience. Love it when its a dedicated trekking. Believed its due to winter. David is awesome. He answered all our ignorant questions and even posed us questions to enhance our understanding of llama. We also learned more about the trekking path and David's day to day experiences working with Llama.

    Highly recommend!
    Written 8 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Chad J
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots of fun walking and learning about llama’s.
    Would recommend to others for sure.
    The normal river area was recently flooded due to heavy rains, but our guide quickly adapted and rerouted us to another trek area.
    After the trek we headed back to the farm to see some llama yearlings and other animals prior to departing. Try it!
    Written 27 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour provided by Kaikoura Llama Trekking

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