A Natural Fit:
Building Shamarra Alpacas Above Akaroa Harbour
Anya and Frank Walkington came to farming – and to AgriSea – through a love of animals and a commitment to doing things naturally. Fifteen years on from arriving in Akaroa, they run a thriving agritourism business with nearly 200 alpacas, three farm tours a day, a busy farm shop, and pastures that reflect years of patient soil work.
From the Caribbean to Canterbury
Anya and Frank Walkington met in the Caribbean, where they had both been working. Anya is from South Africa, Frank from Zimbabwe. They married, had three children, and immigrated to New Zealand to give their family better opportunities. As avid animal lovers, they started with cattle on a property in Silverdale, north of Auckland – but a chance encounter with alpacas at a local A&P show changed the course of everything.
"The price was rather high, but after some research, we uncovered we could make a bit of a business out of it."
– Anya Walkington, Shamarra Alpacas
They purchased three high-quality females and gradually built their herd, initially as a hobby while they still had businesses in the Caribbean. Fifteen years ago, they bought their current property above Akaroa – 40 hectares with one of the South Island's most spectacular coastal settings – and moved their growing herd south to a climate that suited them far better.
Natural Farming Has Always Been Central
Being keen on natural farming methods from the start, Anya and Frank began using AgriSea products during their Silverdale years – despite initial scepticism from neighbours. The proof came quickly and clearly when their cattle outperformed the neighbours' animals on the same land, in the same climate.
"They were basically the same cattle, being raised on similar land and in the same climate, so it was a great comparison."
– Anya Walkington
Farming naturally has remained central to how Anya and Frank operate, and AgriSea has stayed part of that philosophy ever since. At Akaroa, they use a combination of AgriSea Soil Nutrition and Pasture Nutrition, supported by regular soil testing with their local reps. One result stood out above the others when they first started noticing the changes.
"The earthworm numbers were the first really visible improvement. That tells you straight away the soil is healthier – better aeration, deeper roots, and more resilience in a drier climate."
– Anya Walkington
Earthworms – The First Visible Sign
Earthworm numbers were the first clear indicator of improving soil health – a visible signal of better aeration, deeper root penetration and greater pasture resilience through the drier periods typical of the Akaroa landscape.
Better Aeration & Root Depth
Improved soil structure has produced deeper-rooting pastures and greater resilience during dry periods – important on a non-irrigated hill country property above the harbour.
AgriSea Animal Nutrition for the Herd
Alpacas are supplemented with AgriSea Animal Nutrition at key times – maternity and for older animals – with the focus firmly on maintaining mineral balance and overall wellbeing across the herd.
Supporting the System, Not Overriding It
Everything at Shamarra is processed naturally. No dyes are used on the fibre. AgriSea fits that philosophy precisely – working with the system from the soil up rather than trying to impose on it.
"We process everything naturally, we don't dye our fibre, and AgriSea fits perfectly with that way of thinking. It supports the system rather than trying to override it."
– Anya Walkington
A Business Built on Place, Animals and Story
Anya and Frank had been involved in tourism in the Caribbean, so when cruise ships began arriving in Akaroa after the Canterbury earthquakes, the opportunity was there. They started with guided tours and took time to build relationships with travel agents and develop their market. That patient start has grown into a year-round operation that reflects their confidence in both the land and the animals.
"We don't use any dyes. Alpacas come in 22 colours. Every run of yarn is unique; there are no matching colours, so our items are bespoke, one-off pieces."
– Anya Walkington
The farm shop sells products made exclusively from Shamarra alpaca fleece – available only in the shop or on their website, and popular with both international and domestic visitors who value the NZ-made provenance and the story behind every piece.
"Farm tours – three a day. The farm is open nearly every day of the year. International and domestic visitors arrive for guided tours that take in the animals, the harbour setting, and the story of Shamarra."
"Every product is made from Shamarra alpaca fleece using natural colours only. No two runs are the same – available exclusively in the shop or online."
"Showing is how we market our genetics, and it's fun seeing how we compare to other farms and how other breeders are developing their herds."
"We'd first come across AgriSea at A&P shows and loved the idea of a seaweed-based product. Frank even remembers visiting the Paeroa factory in the early days."
Shamarra Alpacas in Action
Alpacas grazing above Akaroa Harbour and farm operations at Shamarra
Recommended Products
These AgriSea products were used at Shamarra Alpacas to support soil health, pasture quality, and animal wellbeing in a natural, chemical-free farming system.
Animal Nutrition
Support animal health and mineral balance with natural seaweed nutrition
Learn MoreSee What AgriSea Can Do for Your Farm
From hill country alpaca grazing to dairy, cropping and horticulture – AgriSea products support natural, productive farming systems across New Zealand.
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