14 Nov 2018

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Christchurch residents have turned up in their droves for the opening day of the New Zealand Agricultural Show 2018 at a sun drenched Canterbury Agricultural Park.

The three-day event features a packed schedule of top livestock and equestrian events, fun-filled family entertainment, carnival rides, sheep shearing, gumboot throwing competitions and much more.

The children’s petting area where youngsters can get up close and personal with animals was the big hit early on day one, with lambs, pigs, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and even rats on display.

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Maia, who is nearly two years old and from Beckenham, was right in the thick of it in her first experience of the Agricultural Show, petting the lambs and piglets in the pens with a smile from ear to ear.

 Her nanny, Sarah, said Maia loves her cat and dog at home so it wasn’t surprising to see her so inquisitive surrounded by different animals.

The new Food and Wine village also proved popular with some of the best food on offer by top kiwi chefs, while there was a strong crowd in the cattle section and the arena where horses were on show.

Here's what you need to know if you're planning on heading to the Show over the next couple of days.

Opening hours

The show is open from 8am to 5.30pm on Wednesday 14 November, Thursday 15 November and Friday 16 November.

Tickets

Gate price tickets cost $28 for adults and $10 for children aged five to 12 years. Family passes (for two adults and three children) are available for $62. Children under five are admitted for free. On Wednesday and Thursday seniors can get into the show for $18.

Bring cash

There will be EFTPOS machines on site, however, cash will make your life easier. Withdrawals from the EFTPOS machines will incur a $3 transaction fee and queues are likely during busy times.

Food and drink

There will be a great selection of food and drink to buy at the Show but if you prefer, you are welcome to bring a picnic. No alcohol can be brought onto the site.

Getting there by public transport

On Thursday and Friday Red Bus is running a service from the Bus Interchange that will drop commuters directly to the Showgrounds.

On Thursday the service will depart from Platform A at the Bus Interchange every hour from 9.30am to 3.30pm. It will return from the Show every hour from 10am to 4pm.

On Friday the service will depart from Platform A at the Bus Interchange every 30 minutes from 9.30am to 4pm. It will return from the show every 30 minutes from 10am to 4.30pm.

Prices are $5 one way for adults and $3 one way for children.

Getting there by car

Public parking during the Show is free. There are three entrances to the public car park: McMahon Drive entrance, Augustine Drive entrance and Wigram Road entrance. There is no public parking available from Curletts Road.

Getting there by bike

There will be bike stands available for public use at the Lake Turnstile and River Turnstile entrances.