Otaio Bridge Alpacas co-owner Jacob van Neuren holds alpaca cria (baby) Southern Rimu, watched by Ourisia. Photos: Greta Yeoman
Otaio Bridge Alpacas co-owner Jacob van Neuren holds alpaca cria (baby) Southern Rimu, watched by Ourisia. Photos: Greta Yeoman
South Canterbury residents flocked to Otaio Bridge Alpacas last weekend for the annual Alpaca Open Day.
The alpaca farm, south of Timaru, opened its gates to the public as part of the annual national initiative to introduce the public to the fleecy creatures. Allied Press reporter Greta Yeoman joined them.
The allure of alpacas shows no signs of abating in South Canterbury.
Alpacas young and old were on display during the Alpaca Open Day at Otaio Bridge Alpacas on May 6.
More than 100 people attended an open day held at Ineke and Jacob van Neuren's Waimate property, an event aimed at providing an opportunity to meet the long-lashed lovelies face to face.
Visitors to the van Neuren's property, on May 5, also purchased alpacas, their fibre, and products crafted from the fibre.
Mrs van Neuren said the event was another great success.
The couple started farming alpacas in 2004 and have taken part in the nationwide open day every year, but one, since 2008.
Chinese travellers Sheng Zhang (left) and Fangyi Qian take two alpacas for a walk. It was the first time the pair had experienced alpacas, much to their enjoyment.
''We just came across them and just liked the look of them,'' Mrs van Neuren said, of their first encounter with the animals.
''So we brought a couple of pets. It [was] just so much fun that we bought a few pregnant girls and had babies and more babies and the rest is history.''
The open day is an event the van Neurens look forward to and this year was no exception.
''We just had a lovely time. We sold quite a bit of yarn and goods, and we sold some alpacas as well, so it was really quite a successful day for everyone,'' she said.
''When [the visitors] left they all left with a smile on their face.
Marianne Korton, of Kakanui, makes a new friend.
''[Alpacas] are not cuddly like dogs and cats, but they will come up to you.''
During the open day, the alpaca were placed in a pen, so the public could stand around them and get a close up look.
''It was really good fun.''
The van Neurens were among the many farmers who opened their gates during the popular day-long event.
Three North Canterbury alpaca farmers also joined in the annual event earlier this month, along with two from Mid Canterbury and two in Otago.
