Canterbury A&P Show 2026

What it is

The Ravensdown Canterbury A&P Show is New Zealand’s largest A&P (agricultural and pastoral) show and the biggest three-day event in the South Island. 2026 is the 163rd show, and organisers say more than 70,000 people come through the gates each year, around 70% of them from towns and cities.

For 2026 the show goes back to its traditional Wednesday to Friday format after two years running Thursday to Saturday. Organisers say the change came from farmers, breeders and exhibitors who wanted “a real rural show again”.

What to expect

There are more than 5,000 competition classes across livestock, equestrian, dog trials, woodchopping and more, plus over 400 trade sites. Highlights listed by the organisers include:

• The Ballantynes Grand Parade of Clydesdales, cattle and sheep
• The Year of the Horse equestrian parade on Thursday
• Top farriers racing the clock in the NZ Farrier Competition
• Shearing and woolhandling, and the STIHL Woodchopping Arena with trans-Tasman competitors
• Tractor pulls with V8-swapped tractors of up to 750 hp, plus lawn mower racing and ATV racing
• Dog trials, scurry racing and the Mighty Mix Jack Russell Race
• The Pig Section on Thursday, which the show calls its cult favourite
• A Wool Zone with 30 Kiwi wool businesses, and heritage breeds from the Rare Breeds Society

On Friday, racing pigeons are released from the Showgrounds to race more than 200 km home to Oamaru. The team behind the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival is also bringing its adventurous food to the show.

Who it suits

Families, anyone curious about farming, and visitors who want to see working dogs, shearers and axemen up close. It is a good rainy-day backup to a city itinerary too, with plenty under cover in the pavilions.

Tickets and entertainment

Buy tickets online from the official site. Once you are through the gates, the organisers say the entertainment is included. Friday 13 November is Show Day, when ZED play. Country acts Karra Rhodes, Benny Farrah and Lexi Sandford perform, along with the New Zealand Army Band and the Sumner Brass Band.

Getting there

Canterbury Agricultural Park is in Wigram, south-west of central Christchurch. Public parking is free, but there is no public parking from Curletts Road. Mobility parking needs a CCS Disability Action permit, and you may cross 200 metres of uneven ground and grass from the main car park, so use the drop-off point if that is hard.

On Wednesday and Thursday the Queenspark to Halswell bus runs about every 10 minutes from the Bus Interchange, and on Friday it runs to the Saturday timetable. The closest stop is about 1.3 km from the River Turnstiles entrance. You can lock bikes to the fencing at the entrances, and taxi stands are at the River Turnstiles and inside the grounds.

Where to stay

Central Christchurch is about 15 minutes’ drive away and has the widest choice. Our things to do in Christchurch guide covers where to base yourself.

Food and what to bring

Food stalls are spread across the grounds, including the Hokitika Wildfoods team. Cash out is available at the Treasurer’s Hut information office. Wear closed shoes for the livestock areas and grass, and bring a hat, sunscreen and a jacket: Canterbury spring weather swings quickly.

Rules and accessibility

Only guide dogs, assistance dogs and dogs entered in competitions are allowed on the Showgrounds. Accessible viewing areas are around the Main Arena and in the Shearing Pavilion, and accessible toilets are in the Trade Pavilion, the Vero Livestock Pavilion and around the site.

Make a trip of it

Stay on in Christchurch for the Botanic Gardens, the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula with our things to do in Christchurch guide, or start a 14-day South Island road trip from the city.