Golden Shears

February/March 2014 TBC
Genesis Energy Recreation Centre, Masterton

With more sheep per capita than anywhere else in the world, it is no surprise that New Zealand’s national sheep shearing competition, the Golden Shears, is recognised as the world’s premier sheep shearing and wool handling competition.

The competition originated in 1958 when a group of young, enthusiastic farmers had the idea of holding a shearing competition. The first Golden Shears event was held in 1961, with nearly 300 shearers from New Zealand and Australia taking part. The competition, held in March each year, now attracts global competitors from Japan, South Africa and the UK. In 2012 the Golden Shears also hosted the World Championships and featured competitors from 25 countries vying for six world titles.

Masterton is the home of the Golden Shears and is the biggest town of the Wairarapa region. You can find out more about its sheep farming history at the Wool Shed, the National Museum of Sheep and Shearing. The Wairarapa is a region full of character. With its bush-clad ranges, rugged coastline and characterful small towns , it has plenty of attractions. Take the coast road to Cape Palliser and you can climb a lighthouse, see a seal colony and visit the quirky fishing village of Ngawi.

The region is also one of New Zealand’s premier food and wine destinations, and sits at the heart of the Classic NZ Wine Trail. The Martinborough wine region is renowned for its award-winning pinot noirs and sauvignon blancs, and Greytown, a Victorian country village, is known for its excellent coffee and great food.

Add to
Trip Planner

Tweet 0