Benlea - Farm and Garden Tours

Experience life on a genuine working farm at Benlea, Canterbury, New Zealand - only one hours drive from Christchurch.

For 25 years, Sam and Cathie have been running Benlea and love opening their home to share this slice of kiwi paradise with others. Set amongst the incredible views of Mount Hutt and the Rakaia Gorge, our extensive farming operation of 4500 breeding sheep and 400 cattle is the perfect place to come and see the real New Zealand.


Private small Group Tours: Get taken around the farm by a family member who will tell you all about the 3000 acre property and how we raise and care for our animals. You will be taken to see all the main points of interest on the farm, highlights including; large flocks of sheep and lambs, the wool shed and an in-depth explanation about shearing and wool, mobs of trading cattle, getting up close with the animals in their paddocks, being introduced to the main working dogs and greeting the pet sheep and lambs which guests can touch and cuddle.

Not only that but you will taken out to see spectacular mountain scenery as well as having the time for countless, amazing photo opportunities.  No tour is the same as there is always something different happening on the property and we want you to experience the farm as it is on a day-to-day basis. 

Guests will also get to see any special seasonal activities that may be happening on the farm that day(Please note the activities listed are seasonal only and there is no guarantee guests get to see them on any particular day);

Summer (Dec-Mar): Sheep shearing, harvesting, yard work
Winter (June-Aug): Break feeding, feeding out hay to the animals
Spring(Sept-Nov): new born lambs, bottle feeding lambs who have lost their mothers 

Bus Tours:The farm bus tours incorporate a drive through the 3000 acre farm with a commentary along the way about how we run the farm and what is currently happening as we pass by each area, followed by a wander around the large country garden or feeding the pet sheep if desired. We can also take a drive into neighbouring Terrace Downs High Country Resort to view the development there. Tours operate October - April, booking in advance essential. 

​Garden Only Tours:Garden only tours can be arranged for garden clubs, or other groups that would like to wander around the beautiful large country garden that covers one hectare of land with many mature trees and shrubs, both exotic and native. There are many pathways meandering through the garden, two large rock gardens - one with a natural bird bath, and a gallery to view.

Details:All tours start and end at our farm house at 728 Coleridge Road, Canterbury, New Zealand, take 2 - 3 hours and include morning or afternoon tea.

Prices:
Private small group tour (7 or less) - $100 per adult, $50 per child (14yrs or less)
 - Minimum of $200 per tour

Bus/large group tour (8 or more) - please enquire for prices

Garden tours - $15 per person (minimum of 10 people)

All tours by reservation only. All tour groups must provide their own transport. Operates year round subject to weather.

Contact: 
Cathie Bell
Tel: +64 (0)3 318 6545
Mobile: +64 (0)27 431 9079
Email: samandcathie@benlea.co.nz
Website: benlea.co.nz
Instagram: Benlea Farm
Facebook pages:
Tours - Benlea Farm and Garden Tours
Farm - Benlea Farm - for what is happening on the farm
Garden - Country Garden NZ - for photos and videos in the garden and gallery

Looking across the paddock to Mount Hutt beyond.

Luke bringing the sheep in.

Guests meeting the pet sheep and lamb.

Who's more curious - the cattle or the guests!?