Wānaka A&P Show 2027

What it is

A&P (agricultural and pastoral) shows are a much-loved part of rural New Zealand, and the Wānaka A&P Show is one of the largest. Organised by the Upper Clutha A&P Society to support the local rural sector, it fills the Wānaka Showgrounds and Pembroke Park, on the shore of Lake Wānaka, for two days every March. 2027 is the 90th show, and it attracts more than 40,000 people.

What to expect

There is something happening in every corner of the grounds:

• Livestock: sheep, cattle and Boer goats, including the NZ Supreme Merino Show and NZ Fine Wool Supreme Fleece Show
• Equestrian: show jumping, hunter and classing events, a part of the show since the beginning
• Mighty Mix Dog Trials: handlers guide their dogs to move sheep through a course
• Petfirst Veterinary Jack Russell Race: a tradition since 1998 and a crowd favourite
• Rural Village: blacksmith and farrier competitions, sheep shearing demonstrations and woodchopping
• Home Industry Pavilion: baking, preserves, produce, flowers, art and photography
• Farmyard and Pets and Dogs: friendly animals and a pet competition for under-15s
• More FM Main Stage, food trucks and the Local Larder: artisan food and drink, tastings and cooking demos
• Trade stalls: more than 550 exhibitors in 2026, from machinery to clothing
• Scapegrace Show Bar: live music until 7.30 pm each day

Most people spend at least half a day. Download the timetable from the official site to plan around the events you want to see.

Who it suits

Families, above all. Anyone who wants a real taste of rural New Zealand will enjoy it too, against one of the country’s most beautiful backdrops.

Tickets

For 2027 prices, check the official site. In 2026, tickets were cashless, with cheaper prices online than at the gate:

• Online: 1-day adult $25, youth (13 to 17) $12.50, family (2 adults and 2 youths) $65; 2-day adult $45, youth $15
• At the gate: 1-day adult $30, youth $12.50, family $75; 2-day adult $50, youth $20
• Children 12 and under: free

Getting there

The showgrounds are at 15 McDougall Street, next to Wānaka town centre and the lakefront. Queenstown Airport is about 1 hour 10 minutes’ drive away (an estimate).

Parking is limited, so use the free park and ride: shuttles run every 15 minutes from 7.30 am from Three Parks (Umbers Street) to Gate 2 and from opposite the medical centre to Gate 4. Limited mobility parks are on Brownston Street (mobility pass required). Single-seat mobility scooters are allowed inside, and a few are available to hire; bikes, e-bikes and golf carts are not allowed.

Where to stay

Wānaka is very busy on show weekend, so book early. See our things to do in Wānaka guide for areas, or stay in Queenstown and drive over: our where to stay in Queenstown guide can help.

Safety and tips

• Respect the animals: do not enter enclosures or touch animals without permission.
• Agree a meeting point with children. If you get separated, find a blue-vest team member, the Plunket Playground or the Show Office.
• There is no cash-out on site. The nearest ATM is on Helwick Street.

What to bring

Sunscreen, a hat and water: much of the grounds is in the open. Bring a layer too, because Wānaka weather can change quickly.

Make a trip of it

Stay on for Wānaka’s walks, wineries and lake: see our things to do in Wānaka guide and our 14-day South Island road trip.