About Arapawa Sheep

Photo Source: New Zealand Rare Breeds (www.rarebreeds.co.nz).

Historical accounts trace the presence of sheep on Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand back at least 130 years. It is believed that the Arapawa feral sheep population originated from escapees of Merino sheep flocks. Despite their initial ungainly appearance and ragged fleece, Arapawa sheep exhibit unique characteristics that set them apart.

Arapawa sheep are relatively small in size, characterized by a lean and light-boned build. They feature a clear, narrow face and head with alert bright eyes, set atop a long neck and adorned with slender ears. Rams may display spiraled horns, sometimes reaching lengths of over a meter. Their agile nature, evidenced by their long legs and light build, reflects their adaptation to surviving in steep and hostile terrains for more than a century.

In repose, Arapawa sheep carry their heads rather low, contributing to their distinctive hunched appearance, especially when coupled with their low-set, long tails. While their most common coloration is all black, sometimes with white points, pure white or spotted variations, known as 'cocktail' Arapawas, are also observed, with the depth of blackness particularly striking in lambs.

The fleece of Arapawa sheep closely resembles that of Merino sheep in fineness, with high bulk and insulating properties ideal for surviving in the wild. Although individual fleece weights are lower than those of commercial wool breeds, their fleece is of interest to textile manufacturers and is known for producing excellent waterproof felts for headgear and footwear.

Arapawa sheep are naturally more resistant to fly-strike, a characteristic being researched for introduction into new sheep breeds aiming for minimal maintenance. Additionally, their fine-grained, sweet, lean meat with a distinctive 'gamey' flavor is highly sought after by restaurateurs, adding to their appeal.