Make it major: Mackenzie A&P Show
The Mackenzie Country’s A&P Highland Show is the largest one-day show in New Zealand, with 12,000 to 15,000 visitors through the gates. Organisers say this year is set to be the biggest and best yet.
Held on Easter Monday (6 April) at the Mackenzie A&P Showgrounds in Fairlie, what began in 1899 has become a cornerstone on the South Canterbury calendar for its 128th year running. A report in The Timaru Herald at the time predicted what would soon be fact: “… the Easter Monday Show will become one of the chief outdoor festivals of the pastoral and agricultural commercial year”.
In 2026, the show celebrates everything from A&P classics such as wood chopping, vintage machinery, carnival rides and farm animals to popular attractions including the grand parade, home and farm produce, wine and home brew, flowers, arts and crafts, Country Kids Agri-sports, and equestrian. Plus, iconic drawcards like The Mackenzie Shears shearing competition, wearable arts, and highland dancing return.
“There is a full day of entertainment and activities for the whole family that costs less than going to the movies,” organisers say. More than 150 stalls and exhibits showcase their goods, while the Barwoods Entertainment Stage offers magician Josh Grimaldi for family entertainment, The Bedford School of Music, and
Dunedin-based band Callum & Andy.
Don’t miss these attractions
- The Mackenzie Shears competition serves skillful handling and sheep shearing expertise.
- Woodchopping always draws an exhilarated crowd with an exciting atmosphere.
- Highland dancing, where talent, dedication and tradition takes stage.
- For the young ones, catch the the Pleasant Point Young Farmers Club Pet Tent, Country Kidz Agri-Sports, and Point Lumber Cadet fencing competition.
- See incredible entries from categories like photography, jewellery, and pottery, plus cute farmyard animals on their best behaviour – think alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, pigeons, cattle, and more.
What you need to know
- Public entry opens from 8am, Monday 6 April.
- Adult tickets $20, Under-15 $5, and pre-schoolers free.
- Find free parking conveniently located off School Road.
- Organisers encourage the continued tradition of wearing highland dress – the kilt adds colour and style to this event. Join (fourth-ever female president) Susanna Izard and committee members in anything tartan print, think a kilt or skirt, tie, tam-o’-shanter, scarf or tunic.
- No dogs are allowed unless they are entered in a competition or guide/assistant. Those dogs must be dosed for sheep measles.
- Find more information and keep up to date with the latest at www.facebook.com/mackenzieshow or www.mackenzieshow.co.nz
