A sales manager, who pulled down his pants and pretended to have sex with a statue of a merino ram, told police he was drunk and "just being a clown".
His action was spotted not only seen by a passing policeman, but also by a busload of about 40 international tourists – one of whom took several photos, Rotorua District Court was told yesterday.
Ronald Benjamin Holden, 34, of Mt Maunganui, admitted committing an offensive act and was given diversion.
The court was told he committed the offence in Omarama with the apparent encouragement of the busload of tourists.
A passing police officer arrested Holden and took him to the Omarama police station where he co-operated fully.
He told police he was sorry for his actions and that he had been drinking and was just being a clown.