Tarras Village, located in Central Otago, New Zealand, has a rich history tied to agriculture and the rugged landscapes of the region. The area was originally inhabited by Māori, who used it for seasonal hunting and gathering. European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, attracted by the fertile land ideal for farming. By the late 1800s, Tarras was established as a farming community, with a strong focus on merino sheep farming, which became the backbone of the local economy. The area's dry, sunny climate and rough terrain were perfect for raising merino sheep, renowned for their fine wool.

During the Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s, Tarras became an important stopover point due to its proximity to the Lindis Pass, a crucial route for gold prospectors. While the village itself was not a gold mining hub, it played a key role in supporting the influx of people and goods traveling through the region.

As the gold rush declined, Tarras returned to its agricultural roots, and sheep farming continued to thrive. The village became well-known for producing some of New Zealand's best merino wool, with local farmers pioneering new techniques in wool production. Tarras maintained its small, close-knit community, with a focus on agriculture and the preservation of its rural character.

In 1984, they also acquired the local cafe in Tarras Village, just a short distance from Bendigo. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish the Merino Shop, showcasing the merino wool garments they were producing at Bendigo Station. This marked the beginning of Heather's deep passion for both people and her new shop.

Shrek was a special merino sheep from Bendigo Station in New Zealand. He became famous in 2004 because he managed to avoid getting his wool cut for six years, even though sheep usually get a haircut every year. Shrek was named after a character in a popular story.

Finally, on April 15, 2004, Shrek was caught and had his wool cut by a professional in just 20 minutes. This event was even shown on TV in New Zealand. His wool was so thick that it could make 20 large men's suits and weighed about 60 pounds, which is much more than what most sheep's wool weighs.

Shrek became famous all over New Zealand. He even went to meet the Prime Minister in 2004 for his 10th birthday. Then, in November 2006, 30 months after his first haircut, Shrek had another shearing, but this time, it happened on an iceberg near Dunedin.

The village is also home to a must-visit café run by the enthusiastic duo, Antonia and Paul. Their culinary creations evoke the essence of the countryside, and the cosy ambiance of their establishment is simply delightful.