Wānaka A&P Show 2026: Celebrating rural

A Merino ram is assessed during livestock judging, highlighting the strong agricultural focus at the heart of the Wānaka A&P Show. Supplied

The Wānaka A&P Show has grown into one of the South Island’s biggest rural gatherings -  but at its heart, it remains exactly what an A&P show should be: a celebration of farming, families and community.

Running over two days in mid-March, the show draws farmers from across the lower South Island, many of whom lock it into their calendars months out.

It’s a chance to reconnect, compare notes, showcase livestock, and bring the kids along for a proper country day out.

Marketing coordinator Annabel Roy says while Wānaka has a reputation as a destination town, the show itself is firmly rooted in agriculture.

“This is first and foremost a rural show. The livestock competitions are strong, the cattle classes are big, and there’s real pride in the farming skills on display - fencing, farriery, fleece, equestrian. It’s built for rural people.”

The Wānaka Show is run by the Upper Clutha A&P Society - and what makes it truly distinctive is what happens after the gates close.

Proceeds from the show help fund the work of the Upper Clutha A&P Foundation, which reinvests back into the district through grants supporting leadership, agriculture, sustainability and rural wellbeing.

The foundation offers two key grants:

• Capability Development Grants, helping individuals grow skills in leadership, agriculture and future thinking.

• Rural Development & Well-being Grants, supporting community groups working in environmental protection, sustainable practices, infrastructure and local economic resilience.

Previous funding has backed initiatives including the Women’s Health Bus and local catchment groups — practical, grassroots support that flows directly back into rural communities.

“It’s not just about running a show,” Roy says. “The funds raised go back into the Upper Clutha. That’s something we’re really proud of.”

Jack Russell handlers line up ahead of the much-loved Jack Russell races - always a crowd favourite.

What’s new for 2026

While tradition remains central, this year brings several new additions.

For the first time, live music will run into the evening, giving visitors the option to stay on site and make a full weekend of it.

Food also takes a bigger role this year, with demonstrations continuing to be a popular drawcard.

Personalities like Two Raw Sisters - a well-known New Zealand food duo -  are confirmed to be doing live kitchen demos in the Life & Leisure Local Larder area, celebrating regional produce and simple seasonal fare.

There’s also a new Strongest Man and Strongest Woman competition, plus the return of the Agri Exchange hub, showcasing innovation and new ideas across the agricultural sector.

A standout addition is the All Breeds Beef Youth Round Up — a hands-on initiative aimed at getting young people involved in cattle showing. Participants learn from experienced mentors before stepping into the cattle ring on show day, helping grow the next generation of rural competitors.

. Two Raw Sisters will give live cooking demonstrations at the Life & Leisure Local Larder celebrating fresh, seasonal produce at the Wānaka A&P Show.

Still proudly old-school

Despite the expanded entertainment, Roy is clear that the soul of the show hasn’t shifted.

“Celebrate Rural is really our guiding principle,” she says. “We love the retail and the shopping, but that’s almost a by-product. The agricultural and pastoral side always comes first.”

That’s evident in the packed livestock schedule, the bustling Home Industry Pavilion -filled with baking, preserves, fibre crafts and produce -and the much-loved Jack Russell races.

For families, there’s plenty on offer, including free kids’ activities and a new Silk & Circus performance group made up of young Upper Clutha acrobats. It remains one of the most accessible and affordable ways to introduce children to rural life.

Roy’s personal favourite? The Home Industry Pavilion.

“It’s a celebration of timeless skills — preserving, gardening, natural fibres. It’s inspiring.”

More than a show

With hundreds of trade sites, strong livestock entries and crowds that rival the country’s biggest A&P events, the Wānaka Show has become a fixture for rural South Islanders.

 But its impact stretches well beyond two days in March.

“It’s about connection,” Roy says. “People catching up, families spending time together, and celebrating both our agricultural heritage and our future.”

For first-timers, her advice is simple:

“You really have to see it to believe it.”

Creativity on display in the Home Industry Pavilion, where entrants showcase produce, baking and imaginative fruit and vegetable creations.

Wānaka A&P Show 2026

When: Friday 13 & Saturday 14 March | 8.30am–5pm

Where: Wānaka Showgrounds & Pembroke Park, 15 McDougall St

Tickets: Online or at gate