Tarras facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tarras
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Village
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 Tarras
Location in New Zealand
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Otago |
| Territorial authority | Central Otago District |
| Elevation | 290 m (950 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| Area code | 03 |
| Local iwi | Ngāi Tahu |
Tarras is a small village in Central Otago, located in the South Island of New Zealand. It's a quiet farming community nestled on hills above the Clutha Valley.
You can find Tarras right on State Highway 8. If you're traveling south through the beautiful Lindis Pass, Tarras is the first village you'll reach. It's also near a key turn-off for people heading to popular spots like Lake Hāwea, Wānaka, and the Haast Pass / Tioripatea from Aoraki / Mount Cook.
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Farming Life in Tarras
Farming is a big part of life in the Tarras area. Most farms here raise sheep, especially a type called merino. These sheep are famous for their super-fine wool, which is used to make soft and warm clothes.
Some farms also have other kinds of sheep or even deer. Since 2010, many farms have started raising beef cattle too, thanks to new large-scale irrigation systems that help water the land.
Shrek the Sheep
One of the most famous residents of Tarras was a sheep named Shrek! He was a Merino sheep who became a bit of a hermit. Shrek hid away in caves for six years, avoiding being shorn (having his wool cut).
He was finally caught on April 15, 2004. Shrek became a national celebrity and was shorn live on television! His huge fleece was used to make men's coats.
Tarras Vineyards
Since the year 2000, vineyards have also grown in the Tarras area. These vineyards mainly grow grapes like pinot noir and riesling, and some pinot gris.
Two well-known vineyards in Tarras are Maori Point Vineyard and Swallows Crossing Vineyard. They are part of the Central Otago wine region, specifically in the Bendigo sub-region.
Sunny and Dry Weather
Tarras is one of the driest places in New Zealand. It gets only about 300 to 500 millimeters (12 to 20 inches) of rain each year.
The valley around Tarras is also very sunny, with over 2,100 hours of sunshine every year. Summers are hot, with average daily temperatures often above 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are cold, with average daily minimum temperatures often below -2 degrees Celsius (28 degrees Fahrenheit).
Tarras Community
The Tarras community is close-knit. The local Anglican and Presbyterian Tarras Church has special kneelers. These were created to celebrate 100 years of women being able to vote in New Zealand.
The Tarras Rural Women group publishes a community newsletter called Tarras Talk. It helps everyone stay updated on local news. The Tarras Tearooms is a historic place where travelers passing through the Lindis Pass can stop for a break.
Education in Tarras
Tarras School is a state primary school for students from Year 1 to Year 8. It's a co-educational school, meaning both boys and girls attend. As of 2023, the school has 41 students.
The school even published a children's book about Shrek the sheep! The book was written by the students themselves and edited by teachers and parents. It helps raise money for the school and its students.
Future Airport Plans
In July 2022, news came out that Christchurch Airport had been quietly buying land near Tarras. Their plan was to build a new international airport there.
When these plans became public, many people in the Tarras community and across Central Otago were concerned about the idea of a large airport in their area.
