Alpaca

Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) originate from South America, and have been bred there for thousands of years. There are two types of alpacas – the vast majority being ‘Huacaya’ with a thick dense fleece and then about 10% of alpacas are ‘Suri’ which have long silky fleece.

Alpaca farming is a growing industry in New Zealand, and they are becoming more common on lifestyle blocks.  They are valued for their luxurious fleece which is lighter and silkier than wool.