"Tarras - the Home of Shrek the Sheep" Top 5 Page for this destination Otago Things to Do Tip by Kakapo2

Updated on 6 June 2011 when Shrek the sheep died. He had to be put down due to age-related ailments. The merino wither was 16 years old - this is about 90 human years. Usually merinos do not get older than seven years because at this age they produce less wool and end up at the meatworks...

Shrek was a very special animal that - assisted by his owner John Perriam - made the world a better place. He raised huge amounts of money for "Cure Kids". You can support this worthy organisation by buying the books that have been written about Shrek, one about his life and fame, and two children's books. All proceeds go to "Cure Kids".

I was lucky enough to visit Shrek in late 2008 and interview him. Yes, really! His owner was out and told me where to go, then put a red rope around Shrek's neck, and walk around with him and chat with him. And so I did, and Shrek did, as if he had known me forever. He has a place in my heart and I will not forget him.

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Don't be disappointed: This is probably more a café tip than information about how to track down Shrek the Sheep whose story touched the world in April 2004 when he was captured having grown 27 kgs of fleece after having escaped shearing for six years.

As you surely know, Shrek has become a star. He visited Parliament in Wellington, and at the end of 2006, to celebrate his 10th birthday, he was flewn to the icebergs that were floating along the coast of NZ's South Island, and he even got a "shave" on one of the icebergs.

As I write these words (April 2007) Shrek is fine and well. He lives at Bendigo Station which is located between Tarras and Cromwell in Central Otago. As you will not recognize Shrek and not every traveller can call in at the farm, just think of him when you pass the region - and you will most certainly do this if you travel from Christchurch/Geraldine to Queenstown via Lindis Pass.

At The Merino Shop and Country Coffee Shop in Tarras you will surely find a hint of Shrek's proximity. The last time we were there they had noted on the chalk board in front of the café: "Tarras - Home of Shrek the Sheep". This café BTW is a great stop in the middle of nowhere, serving nice coffees, cakes and small meals. I do not know if it ever rains there, I am sure it does, but every time we pass there and make our compulsory stop, the sun shines at its best, it is hot, there is no wind, and we sit outside in the sun. I always get the perfect holiday feeling there. In the shop they sell toy sheep made of real fleece.

In the meantime I have learnt that Shrek is not the only sheep on the run in this area. A year ago another farmer discovered two unshorn rams that rivalled Shrek in fleece size. He named them Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Those two had obviously lived as hermits on an island to which they could have escaped in low water, until the arrival of 600 ewes. They did not like to be mustered and tried to butt the farmer's dogs. Unless Shrek the farmer said they would not get special treatment. Poor devils!

Photo 2 shows the café and country store in Tarras.