There is no more perfect place to celebrate National Lamb Day than Totara Estate, where the first frozen shipment to leave New Zealand for London in 1882, was processed.

This Saturday, February 15, is the exact date, 143 years ago, when the ship Dunedin left Port Chalmers with about 5000 sheep and lamb carcasses, for the three-month voyage.

The moment was a significant one for the New Zealand economy, marking the beginning of a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Totara Estate property lead Jacqui Allison says the day, which runs from 10am to 3pm, will be full of festivities and suitable for all ages.

“We will have demonstrations, live music, learned lectures, games and more,” she says.

“Visitors can enjoy watching a blade shearer at work, try their hand at weaving or felting and step up for the challenge of tug-o-war.”

Local vendors will be there to offer woollen goods such as hand-dyed yarn and dog beds, along with the regular goodies available from the Totara Estate retail store.

To fuel the fun, there will be food and drinks for sale, with lamb most definitely on the menu, thanks to That Food Guy, Jacqui says.

Even the sheep are excited about National Lamb Day. Photo: Supplied/Jo Hay

Herbert sheep farmer and National Lamb Day Lambassador Jo Hay says February 15 is a "milestone in New Zealand’s history", and is a reminder to celebrate food producers.

"To take the time to appreciate and celebrate all of our New Zealand food producers – from farm to fork," she says.

With the weather looking good for Saturday, Jo encourages Kiwis to fire up their barbecues on National Lamb Day, and

"And raise a chop in salute of our food champions."

National Lamb Day used to be held in May to coincide with the day the meat shipment arrived in London, but last year it was changed to February (the day it left New Zealand) when the weather is much more conducive to popping some chops on the barbie, Jo says.

Entry at Totara Estate is $10 for adults, $5 for Heritage New Zealand members and children (under-18) are free.

The Totara Estate National Lamb Day programme.