The Wānaka A&P Show is all about the country coming to town and nowhere showcases this better than the many animal and agri-industry events and competitions taking place over the show's two days. Here's where you can find your fill of all the animal and agricultural-focused events.

Agri Areas at the Wānaka A&P Show

For many, the heart and soul of the Wānaka A&P Show is the animal and agricultural experiences. This year, we are ramping up the demonstrations at the Rural Village and introducing the new Farmlands Farmyard.

The Farmlands Farmyard is new to the show for 2024 and will be located beside the Pembroke Stage. This interactive, petting-zoo-style farmyard area will feature a menagerie of farmyard friends. Younger visitors will love the chance to pet a pony, ducks, lambs and much more. Farmlands Farmyard will be open from 8:30am – 5pm each day. There is no additional charge to enter the farmyard, which is open to all ages. However, parental supervision is recommended for young ones.

The Rural Village is the place to see rural skills on display. Located near Gate 2, the Rural Village has a few new experiences this year so make sure you drop by. There will be live demonstrations of woodchopping, sheep shearing and the farriers. This is also where you will be able to watch the Boer Goat Competition, where the finest examples of the breed will be on display. The Rural Village will run each day from 8:30am – 5pm. Times of the live demonstrations vary, and more information can be found on the show programme.

And it wouldn't be an A&P Show without the livestock events and competitions. This year is shaping up to be a good one, with a jam-packed schedule of events. While some events are for fun, like the chaotic Jack Russell Race, other events bring out some of the best in the business. The dog trials and equestrian events, along with the livestock competitions are an opportunity for showgoers to see the best in class. In 2023, the Wānaka A&P Show became the home of The New Zealand Fine Wool Supreme Competition. Expect to see some exceptional examples of New Zealand wool in the fleece competition.

For most of the competitions, there are no entries on the day. So, make sure you get your entries in as soon as you can. Entries for the livestock competitions close February 9^th (late entries are accepted up until February 29^th), and the Home Industry, Pets & Dogs, and Jack Russell Race entries close March 7th at 4pm.

Here's a line-up of the animal, livestock, and home industry competitions happening at Wānaka A&P Show 2024.

Home Industry

A showdown of inspiring arts and crafts and delicious delights at the home industry pavilion. The Home Industry competitions show off the many talents of our community, from our youngest bakers and makers to our most skilled sewers and growers. Categories include photography, arts, crafts, flowers, paintings, homebrew, vegetables and baking. Entries are welcome from exhibitors of all ages.

Home Industry entries open February 1st 2024.

Fleece

A stalwart of any A&P show, the fleece competition celebrates the mastery of wool craftsmanship. The Wānaka A&P Show is proud to be the home of The New Zealand Fine Wool Supreme Competition. Judging is based on micron yield, clean fleece weight, and the unyielding metrics of length and strength.

Fleece competition entries open on January 9th 2024.

Dog Trials

Working dogs are a crucial part of farm life in New Zealand. The dog trials are a chance for dogs and their owners to show off their skills in front of a crowd. Guiding livestock through gates and pens, these clever canines will demonstrate their remarkable abilities in a series of events running throughout the show – and is a spectacle not to be missed.

Entries open on the day; for more information, email entries@wanakashow.co.nz.

Jack Russell Race

A highlight of the show since 1998, the Jack Russell Race is a chaotic and hilarious event that always draws the crowds. Just for the Jack Russells, this event sees an unruly group of pint-sized contestants chasing the scent of a hare to claim the title of the fastest Jack Russell in town. Arrive early to secure a ringside position. Dogs will need to be pre-entered into the race via our website in order to be entered through the gates on the day of the competitions.

Entries for the Jack Russell Race open February 1st 2024.

Pets & Dogs

Does your beloved pet have what it takes to be judged top pet at the Wānaka A&P Show? Always a crowd favourite, the Pets & Dogs competition draws out the best dogs, ponies, birds and a few unusual pets for judging. The judges will look for contestants' elegance, charisma, uniqueness and quirkiness. Don't miss out on the chance to show off the talents of your furry or feathered friend. All animals will need to be pre-entered into the race via our website in order to be entered through the gates on the day of the competitions.

Pets & Dogs competition entries open February 1st 2024.

Livestock & Equestrian competitions

The Wānaka A&P Show for 2024 will feature livestock competitions for boer goats, cattle, and sheep, as well as the full schedule of equestrian events. We can't wait to welcome these wonderful animals and talented riders back to the Show. Entries for these events will be open from January 9th 2024.

Whether you're a regular showgoer or 2024 will be your first visit, make sure you check the Show timetable sometime to watch these incredible events and competitions.

The Wānaka A&P Show will be held on March 8th and 9th, 2024, at the Wānaka Showgrounds.