That’s exactly what he did in 2019, when he casually strolled into Tawa Library with one of his llamas, Hob.
Little did he know, that one library visit would kick-off a series of llama-related events and fame for him and his livestock.
Stephen, who moved from the United States 20 years ago, decided that he wanted to try small farming when he settled in Wellington.
“We looked at our livestock options and decided that llamas and alpacas looked so fun, compared to other animals that needed far more property maintenance.”
While they live on a farm, he treats them like any other domestic pet. He gives every llama and alpaca a name based on different themes, and even takes them on daily walks.
He says he normally takes a llama out around 2pm when he needs to stretch his legs from work.
“I've had llamas and alpacas for two decades years now, and just for the hell of it I would walk them down the Main Street of Tawa when I needed a break. They’re my pets, but there’s a certain toddler like aspect to them – if your toddler is 150kgs and llama.”