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Pohatu's rare breeds sheep

Valais Blacknose sheep
Valais Blacknose lambs - Pohatu penguins

The Valais Blacknose, German: Walliser Schwarznasenschaf, is a breed of domestic sheep originating in the Valais region of Switzerland.

It is a dual-purpose breed, raised both for meat and for wool, but mainly wool production which is good for felting and carpets.

Arapawa sheep
Arapawa sheep - Pohatu penguins

The Arapawa Sheep is a breed of feral sheep found primarily on Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, where they have probably been isolated since they were introduced in 1867.

Although there are many theories of how the sheep arrived, it is generally accepted that they are descendants of Merino strains from Australia

Romney marsh Sheep

The Romney, which had originated on Romney Marsh in the English county of Kent, was introduced to New Zealand in 1853 and was the predominant sheep breed being farmed.

Good producer of both meat and strong wool but not high yield or fast growth re-meat.

English Leicester sheep
English Leceister - Pohatu penguins

The English Leicester, from UK is a pioneer breed suited to rough grazing country and was amongst the earliest sheep imported to NZ.

Dual purpose, very good for crossing with Merino to give increased wool, has a good constitution and more meat.

They are also crossed with Merino to produce half breeds and were used to establish the Corridale sheep breed which is still a popular breed in new Zealand.

Perendale Sheep
Perandale lamb

The Perendale isn't a rare breed of sheep but rather common in New Zealand and is commercially farmed on steep hill country such as Pohatu Bay.
They have been developed in New Zealand by Massey University for use in steep hill stations.
The breed is named after Sir Geoffrey Peren, and it achieves its aims by being the offspring of Romney ewes and Cheviot rams with sturdy legs.
It is raised primarily for meat but is a perfect dual purpose sheep for meat and wool.
Every Year we end up with orphan lambs that need to be raised on the bottle. For children especially this is often the highlight of the tour to experience holding the bottle to feed the lambs.