New Zealand A&P Shows
A&P shows are part of a strong rural Kiwi tradition and offer visitors and 'townies' the opportunity to enjoy fun-filled family events with a farming and rural flavour including: sheep dog trials, woodchopping, equestrian events, bull riding, animal farmyard, livestock competitions, live entertainment and competitions.
To find an A&P show on your travels simply browse the internet or look out for local advertising or ask the locals. In the meantime why not take a look at some of the A&P shows being held in October and November:
- Poverty Bay A&P Show, 14th – 15th October, Gisborne
Action packed fun for all the family including side shows and rides, equestrian competitions, wood chopping, bull riding, wine and food tents and animal farmyard. This event has been running since 1875 and attracts over 25,000 visitors.
- Hawke's Bay A&P Show, 19th - 21st October, Hawke's Bay
The largest event in Hawke's Bay features trade sites selling everything from tractors to teaspoons, side shows with something for everyone, top class New Zealand show-jumping and live stock competitions for sheep, alpacas, and cattle. The children's Animal World offers children the opportunity to get up close and friendly with a variety of farm animals including lambs, goat kids, miniature cattle and chicks.
- Hauraki Plains Rural Show, 5th November, Ngatea, Hauraki, Waikato
A lovely family day out with the fun including: tug of war competition, stalls, floral art competition and live entertainment.
- Canterbury A&P Show, 9th - 11th November, Christchurch
This is the largest A&P show in New Zealand and has been entertaining visitors since 1862. Livestock, entertainment, attractions, exhibits, marquees and pavillions – the very best of rural life combined with live music, gourmet food and top Kiwi chefs.
- Bay of Islands Pastoral & Industrial Show, 12th November, Kerikeri
This is Northland's leading food and wine festival including traditional events: livestock, equestrian, demonstrations, exhibitions, live entertainment.
- Clevedon Agricultural & Pastoral Association, 12th - 13th November, Clevedon
The Clevedon Agricultural & Pastoral Association was established in 1908 and the A & P Show has been the premier event of the picturesque Clevedon valley ever since. It offers competitions for horses, sheep, dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats and highland dancing. Fencing and woodchopping events, a Wine & Food Enclosure, local band Famous Fish, children's farmyard, trade and food stalls.
- Egmont A&P Show, 18th - 19th November, Hawera, Taranaki
This is the 128th Egmont show and includes: tractor pull competition, log jousting, children's entertainment, an indoor rowing competition, kidzone, side shows and ever-popular small animal tent. It also has a strong equestrian contingent encompassing dressage, show jumping, show hunter, miniature horses, Pony Puissance High Jump competition and showing classes. Livestock displays, small dog trials and home industry section including the Great Pie Bake Off.
- Nelson A&P Show, 19th - 21st November, Waimea, Nelson
The Nelson A&P Show has something for everyone including: live entertainment, livestock competitions, shearing, wood-chopping, agricultural demonstrations and displays, carnival rides, side shows and a fantastic range of trade exhibitors, both local, national and international.