Specialising in Rare, Heritage Pedigree Cavy Breeds: The New Zealand Plume & New Zealand Peruvian
Welcome
Welcome to the online home of Mamaku and Tintola Guinea Pigs, a dedicated partnership of two specialised cavy studs working in harmony to safeguard New Zealand's most unique, homegrown pedigree bloodlines. Driven by an enduring passion for heritage breed preservation and exhibition excellence, our mission is to ensure these magnificent, rare varieties continue to thrive for generations to come. We are proud, active preservationists working alongside the New Zealand Unique and Rare Guinea Pigs Club to raise awareness, protect vulnerable breeds, and exhibit our beautiful stock at independent cavy shows.
Established in 1992 by the late Marilyn, Mamaku Cavy Stud is a foundational pillar of the New Zealand cavy fancy. For over three decades, our family has dedicated itself strictly to the preservation of the New Zealand Plume.
About the Breed: The New Zealand Plume is a striking, rough-coated heritage pedigree breed defined by a highly architectural coat. It features a sharp, vertical ridge of hair standing about 1cm tall that runs straight down the spine from the shoulders, flowing into a dramatic, high-arched "rooster tail" at the rump. Plumes are recognised in all beautiful colours and patterns.
Our Legacy: From our humble multi-generational roots to celebrated exhibition milestones - such as breeding the spectacular Champion Mamaku Snowman—the New Zealand Plume.
Founded in 2001 by Jen, Tintola Cavy Stud represents a deep connection to ancestry and a fierce commitment to a critically vulnerable bloodline. "Tintola" translates to Sweetheart in the language of Norfolk Island, honouring Jen's unique heritage.
About the Breed: The New Zealand Peruvian is a magnificent heritage pedigree breed recognised for its luxurious, dense coat of timeless elegance. As New Zealand’s only genuine homegrown longhair cavy breed, their thick coat sweeps elegantly outward from the body to create an impressive and beautiful, full-circle "curtain effect.
Our Mission: After a temporary hiatus from the breed, Jen returned to the NZ Peruvian over a decade ago with a singular, vital goal: to rescue the heritage breed from the brink of extinction.
Our Pillars of Excellence
Heritage Breed Preservation: As small, highly specialised studs in Northland, we do not breed for commercial sale. Our primary focus is managing careful, strategic pairings purely to sustain and protect the survival of the homegrown pedigree breeds in our country.
Selective Availability: While we breed strictly to keep these unique lineages going, we occasionally have pedigree guinea pigs available to genuine preservation or exhibition homes, as well as wonderful pet-quality cavies looking for loving pet homes. We do ask a few questions of anyone interested in adopting or buying from us to ensure a safe, suitable, and lifelong match. If you are interested, please reach out to express your interest.
Exhibition Quality Standards: Our guinea pigs are bred to meet the rigorous show standard from the New Zealand Cavy Judges Association and exhibited with Independent Cavy Clubs.
Mentorship & Community: We love connecting with fellow enthusiasts and supporting new exhibition breeders.
