THE POINT SHEEP SHEARING SHOW

New Zealanders may be quick to discount taking in a shearing show. It's practically in the blood, right? But a visit to Peter Smith's third-generation shearing shed may be just the thing to prove the doubters wrong. The Point Farm once stretched across 242ha of Kaikōura Peninsula during the region's sheep-farming heyday.

But while the farming side of the business has been downsized, the Smiths still have some 300 drysdale sheep. Peter's twice-daily shows offer a reminder of the grit and sweat that goes into such a venture. He handles the shearing effortlessly while explaining breeds, wool types, and the mechanics of being a sheep farmer. Anyone with a soft spot for lambs should stop by between August and January for the chance to bottle feed one. Shows run daily at 1.30pm and 4pm.

85 Fyffe Quay, Kaikōura. (03) 319 5422, pointbnb.co.nz

Peter Smith.