Arapawa Island Goat

Unique and Resilient

Small, hardy, and full of character, the Arapawa Island goat is one of New Zealand’s rarest heritage breeds.

Raised on rugged cliffs, they’re sure-footed, independent, and known for their striking coats and sweeping horns.

Once at risk in the 1970s, Willowbank helped bring them back and today, we’re proud to care for this special piece of our farming heritage.

Arapawa Island Goat

Found In

Arapaoa Island

Found mainly on Arapaoa Island in the Marlborough Sounds, these rare goats are right at home in rugged coastal landscapes. Small mainland herds help protect and preserve this special piece of New Zealand’s farming history.

Habitat

Hilly Terrain

Right at home in rugged, hilly landscapes, Arapawa Island goats thrive where others can’t. Sure-footed and adaptable, they forage across steep slopes, scrub, and grasslands with ease, perfectly suited to their wild island home.

Diet

Herbivores

Arapawa Island goats are herbivores, feeding on grasses, shrubs, herbs, and leaves. Their adaptable foraging habits allow them to survive in the island’s rugged terrain, grazing efficiently on a variety of vegetation.

Behaviour

Alert and Social

Alert, agile, and full of personality, these goats live in tight-knit herds, scrambling easily across steep terrain. They forage together, keep a natural pecking order, and show off the resilience and sure-footed charm that make them perfectly suited to island life.

Size

70–90 cm

Small to medium sized, adults typically measure about 70–90 cm at the shoulder and weigh 25–40 kg, making them compact yet sturdy for navigating rugged island terrain.

Life Span

8-12 years

Arapawa Island goats typically live 8–12 years, with some individuals reaching up to 15 years in protected or managed herds.

Conservation Status

Rare, Heritage

Arapawa Island goats are considered rare and heritage-listed and are carefully managed in conservation herds to preserve this historic breed and maintain its unique genetic lineage.

Willowbank Location