Marlborough's Waihopai Valley is the location of New Zealand's spy base, but this week it has gained recognition for a completely different reason.
It has now become home to the "famous five" after a ewe on one station delivered more lambs than anyone expected.
Farmer Kelly Burmaz says it is not the first multiple birth for the mother.
"In the last four years she's had four lambs each year," says Mr Burmaz.
"This time she's poked out five."
The chances of producing quins that survive the first four days are said to be around one in a million.
"When they were born I rigged up a shelter for them against the gates and I've been feeding the three smaller ones and topping them up three times a day," says farmer's wife Lisa.
The secret of their survival might be the fashion help from Ms Burmaz.
"They have purely survived because of the jackets," she says.
"With the rainy weather they would have got cold and wet and died without the jackets on."
So will there be the chance of more quins from this record breaking mum?
"I think I might retire her after this," says Ms Burmaz.
As for the lambs, while things look good now, the future may not be quite so bright.
"They're definitely going to have mint sauce and salt and pepper," says Mr Burmaz.
But for now the lambs are enjoying life in Marlborough.
3 News
source: newshub archive
