Entries are up for this year's Wānaka Rodeo as contestants from all over the country participating in the national rodeo circuit will arrive in Wānaka next week.

Around 200 competitors have signed up for the 10 events, including the new Open Women's Breakaway contest.

Wānaka Rodeo Club president Deanna McCarthy said it was a big day for club members, with many volunteers working hard behind the scenes and members also competing in the day's events.

“We’ve been working really hard, the grounds are looking amazing and we are expecting a pretty big crowd,” Deanna said.

“We’ve got a lot of exciting events and great entries.”

The rodeo will feature the eight regular championship Open and Second Division events, from Bull Riding and Steer Wrestling to Roping and Barrel Racing. Junior contestants (under 15 years) will also compete in Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing and Steer Riding.

Deanna said the Breakaway Roping is something a lot of people won’t have seen before.

“This is the first year that it has been an official event in New Zealand,” she said.

The rodeo will also feature the New Zealand Rodeo Association Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year Champion, Bandit. Bandit is the Wānaka Rodeo Club’s club horse and is expected to provide plenty of thrills.  

Bandit leads the club's rough stock on a circuit of the arena.

The Second Division events start at 11am, followed by a break for the rodeo's official opening ceremony, before the open championship events take the event through to its close around 5pm.

Numerous food stalls and a bar will be on site and singer Brad Staley will provide live music at the lunchtime break and after 5pm. There will be bus transport available back to Wānaka after 6pm.

Rodeo season starts in October and runs through to March, with many contestants on the road for weeks earning championship points to put them in line for a chance at a national title.

There are several rodeos planned in the 10 days between Boxing Day and January 6 this year, including Omarama, Te Anau, Waikouaiti and Wānaka, making this holiday period one of the busiest on the circuit.

The public entrance and free car parking, just off the Wānaka-Hāwea highway (SH6), about 500m west of the Albert Town bridge, opens at 9am on Tuesday January 2. 

Entrance fees are $20/adult and $40/family of four (there is cash and EftPos at the gate). 

Dogs and alcohol are not permitted.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App