The 133rd annual Waikato A&P Show 2025 is back at The Oval and Claudelands Park, Hamilton and going by the curtain-raiser today, it promises to be a ‘ultimate family day out’ with a series of fun events lined up. Like earlier years, it’s going to be very special day for young and old.
The three-day event opened today (Oct 31) and at this year’s event, there are rides, live music, an animal petting zone, food, archery and blacksmith demonstrations, market stalls and competitions. There will be live music both Saturday and Sunday.
The Waikato A&P Show, established in 1892, is one of the oldest in New Zealand. The show is a long-running event held at Claudelands and the adjacent Claudelands Park – both of which are managed by Hamilton City Council.
Visitors will be able to see a variety of breeds of livestock all in one place over this three day event. The show has both dairy and beef cattle onsite, as well as over 10 different breeds of sheep. There’s a ‘Miss Waikato’ competition in the Sheep section.
Caro’s Critters is expected to be a show favourite and will have all types of animals from the farm, including pigs, calves, goats, sheep, pony rides, alpacas, and rabbits. This will be a fantastic learning experience for kids to be able to meet the animals up close to enjoy cuddles and even help with grooming.
It was great seeing the kids and their lambs in action today at the show. Today, some primary-school kids were also there enjoying petting and feeding lambs.
Organisers are also promising an ‘enchanted’ magical experience for kids and show-goers will also have the chance to try their hand at archery under the guidance of skilled experts. You can also witness the master of fire and iron as a skilled village blacksmith will also join the event.
There will be several animal competitions on all weekend from sheep dog to equestrian.
For the hungry stomachs, there will be farm-to-fork treats to savour from a range of food trucks with a variety of delicious flavours.
Entry to the event and rides were free today (Friday), but entry over the weekend is ticketed. Tickets can be bought online by clicking here.
