The 129th Mackenzie A&P Highland Show is on Easter Monday, 29 March 2027, at the Mackenzie A&P Showgrounds in Fairlie. It is the largest one-day A&P show in New Zealand, with 12,000 to 15,000 people through the gates for livestock, sheep and equestrian classes and a classic high-country day out. Gates open at 8 am. No dogs are allowed unless entered in a competition or a guide or assistance dog.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Easter Monday, 29 March 2027
- Hours
- Gates open 8 am
- Where
- Mackenzie A&P Showgrounds, Fairlie, South Canterbury
- Crowd
- 12,000 to 15,000 people
- Dogs
- No dogs unless competing or a guide or assistance dog; sheep measles dosing certificate required
- Updates
- Programme and catalogues on the show site and Facebook page
What it is
The Mackenzie A&P Highland Show is a proper high-country agricultural show, held every Easter Monday in Fairlie, the gateway to the Mackenzie Basin. The 129th show is on Monday 29 March 2027 at the Mackenzie A&P Showgrounds, with gates open from 8 am. With 12,000 to 15,000 people through the gates, it is the largest one-day show in New Zealand.
The show is run by the Mackenzie A&P Society, affiliated with the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand. A committee of 47 members and 100 to 150 volunteers make it happen, paying only two part-time contractors. The oldest active volunteer is well into his 80s.
What to expect
The society publishes a programme, a catalogue of entries and separate sheep and equestrian catalogues each year, which shows where the heart of the day is: livestock judging, horses and the farming skills of South Canterbury. The 2027 programme and catalogues will appear on the show site closer to the day; check the Facebook page for updates. Expect a big crowd of farming families, local food and stalls, and a festive Easter Monday mood.
Who it suits
Anyone who wants to see rural New Zealand as locals live it, and travellers heading through Fairlie to Takapō or Aoraki Mount Cook over Easter.
Dogs
The show’s rules changed: there are now no dogs on the grounds unless they are entered in a competition or are guide or assistance dogs. Owners of permitted dogs must show a dosing certificate proving the dog was treated for sheep measles at least 24 hours before arrival.
Getting there
Fairlie is on State Highway 8, about 2 hours’ drive from Christchurch and 45 minutes from Lake Tekapo (estimates).
Where to stay
Fairlie has a few motels and campgrounds. Takapō and Timaru are nearby bases. Our Lake Tekapo guide covers the lake.
What to bring
Layers for a high-country autumn morning, sunscreen and sturdy shoes.
Make a trip of it
Continue to Takapō and on to Aoraki for the Hooker Valley Track.
FAQ
When is the Mackenzie Show 2027?
Can I bring my dog?
How big is it?
Who runs it?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
