This year’s Wānaka A&P Show could be its biggest yet. 

For the second time in its history, the show will fill both Wānaka Showgrounds and Pembroke Park with a cornucopia of offerings for visitors over the next two days (March 8 and 9).

“Last year was our biggest show ever, with 44,000 people attending across the two days, and we expect similar numbers this year,” Wānaka A&P Show digital comms and event coordinator Penny Bell told the Wānaka App.

The offerings will fill both the Wānaka Showgrounds and Pembroke Park for the second year.

Some tweaks to the layout have allowed organisers to fit more into the show than ever.

“This year, we have had a few layout changes; most notably, we have moved Gate 2 around the corner to highlight our reimagined Rural Village with sheep shearing, woodchopping, farriers and Boer goats,” Penny said. 

“We have also introduced the Farmland Farmyard and a new bar area, which is hosted by b.social.”

The annual A&P show features long-running traditional events from wool classing and wood chopping to novelty favourites like the Jack Russell Race and sheaf tossing.

There are also equestrian events, farm animal competitions, food and wine, hundreds of stalls and live entertainment. 

The team behind the event has also grown to help it deliver what could be its biggest show yet. 

Read more: Wānaka A&P Show team grows

A small army of volunteers - paid an hourly rate with the money going to the club or group the volunteer is representing - also help make the event possible.

Read more: Volunteers keep A&P Show humming

Penny said show organisers have made some adjustments to parking and Park n Ride with the increasing numbers in mind.

The long-running Wānaka A&P Show is one of New Zealand’s largest agricultural and pastoral events.

“We have introduced a new Park n Ride location, which is adjacent to the Mt Iron parking area; this is in addition to the McDougall St Park n Ride (opposite the Medical Centre),” she said. 

“We also have two bike parking areas at Gate 1 and Gate 2; make sure to BYO lock. Please allow extra time to get to the Show as various roadworks around Wānaka mean there will be delays.”

The Wānaka A&P Show will take place tomorrow (Friday March 8) and Saturday (March 9), running from 8.30am-5pm both days.

Buy tickets or find more information here.

PHOTOS: Wānaka A&P Show