Country New Zealand Territorial authority Elevation 290 m | Region Otago Time zone NZST (UTC+12) Area code 03 | |
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Tarras is a small farming settlement in Central Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand.
Contents
Map of Tarras 9383, New Zealand
Tarras is located on the slopes above the upper reaches of the Clutha Valley, on State Highway 8. It is the first village reached by travellers heading south through the Lindis Pass, and is close to the junction where travellers from Mount Cook turn west towards Hawea, Wanaka, and the Haast Pass.
Most farms in the Tarras district run sheep, principally merino sheep farmed for their super-fine wool. Some also raise other sheep breeds and deer. Since the introduction of large-scale irrigation from 2010, many farms are converting to beef cattle.
Vineyards have been established in the region since 2000, growing mainly pinot noir and riesling grapes. The Tarras vineyards are classified as being in the Bendigo sub-region.
Tarras is one of the driest areas in New Zealand, with annual rainfall of between 300 and 500 millimetres (12 and 20 in).
Community Institutions
Tarras School is known nationally as the school whose friends group published several children's books about Shrek, the hermit Merino sheep.
Tarras Church (Anglican & Presbyterian) is known for its historic kneelers created to celebrate the centennial of New Zealand women's suffrage.
Tarras Rural Women publish the community newsletter, Tarras Talk.
The Tarras Tearooms is a historic waystation for travellers through the Lindis Pass.
Wine sub-region
The area around Tarras is in the Bendigo sub-region, one of the major subregions of the Central Otago wine region with several top wineries and vineyards. As with other parts of the wine region, the main grape variety in the area is pinot noir, with some plantings of pinot gris and riesling.