The second weekend in March is the best time to visit Wānaka every year, especially for families.

There’s something nostalgic about the annual Wānaka A&P Show. Maybe it’s the traditional agricultural attractions and equestrian events, the classic carnival rides or the quintessential Kiwi entertainment line-up, but a visit to the Show always evokes feelings of patriotism. 

It’s no wonder parents from the lower South Island flock to Wānaka for two days of family fun, sharing the experience with the new generation. And as the Show planning gets seriously underway, there are even more highlights on the jam-packed two-day schedule. Here are our unmissable picks for fun (and free!) family activities within the Wānaka A&P Show.

THINGS TO SEE
Shearing demonstrations and wood chopping competitions: Local farmers show how it’s done with speedy sheep shearing and the traditional fast-and-furious wood chopping competitions. 

Equestrian: The Wānaka A&P Show hosts one of New Zealand’s most anticipated equestrian events with jumping competitions, flat classing and games. This is the place to see a collection of beautiful horses and incredibly talented riders, with ages ranging from four to 70 years old. 

Livestock: As with equestrian, the livestock at the Wānaka Show is the backbone of the event, with the crème de la crème of cattle, sheep and Boer goats on display.

K9 Natural Jack Russell Race: On your marks, get set, go! With a little encouragement from a horse and a rabbit, this hilarious and world-famous race pits Upper Clutha Jack Russells against each other for first place. It’s usually held around lunchtime on the Saturday of the Wānaka Show every year, along with the Grand Parade.

And of course all the other fantastic entertainment on the two stages and within the kids zone play areas.

THINGS TO DO  
Home industry displays: No A&P show is complete without the traditional home industry displays, and the Wānaka Show truly excels in this department! Browse the amateur art, photography, flower arranging and baking by locals of the Upper Clutha in one place in the Home Industry building on-site at the Wānaka Showgrounds.

The Runway: Art You Wear: Wānaka’s own wearable arts competition, The Runway: Art You Wear features incredible fashion creations crafted from recycled materials. Don’t miss the runway fashion show!

Trade stalls: We have been inundated with requests for sites this year with well over 500 trade stalls confirmed from clothing and fashion brands right through to crafts, artisan foods, homewares and farming equipment.

Carnival rides: A Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, bumper boats, bouncy castles … the hardest part is trying to decide which one to try first. The classic carnival rides at the Wānaka A&P Show provide hours of fun for the kids (and some, the adults). There is also face painting and a designated Kidz Zone for the younger ones. (These activities require an entry fee paid to the operators).

SIGN ME UP!  
We strongly encourage all locals coming to the event to sign up for a membership to the Society giving you cheaper entry fees and in some membership levels include entry to the Members tent. Join as a couple and you’ll receive $20 off your entry fees for 2*two-day adult passes to the the Wānaka A&P Show.  Being a member also gives you voting rights and is a great way to be an integral part of this iconic Wanaka event. All membership details are on the website.