Big weekend for Wanaka with two major events
Wanaka is gearing up for a huge weekend next month with major events like the Wanaka A Show and the National Finals Rodeo being held on the same weekend.
The 77th annual Wanaka A Show, which takes place at the Wanaka Showgrounds on March 7-8, attracts about 30,000 to the popular event each year.
And the National Finals Rodeo, held at the Wanaka Rodeo Grounds on March 8-9, is expected to draw big crowds. It’s the
first time in 13 years that the National Finals are being held in Wanaka.
This year’s Wanaka A Show boasts more than 400 trade exhibitors and will see about 400 competitors take part in traditional livestock and
equestrian events.
“Participants and spectators come from all over New Zealand to attend the Wanaka A Show. Show weekend is one of the biggest weekends for Wanaka each year and thousands of people come to experience rural
life in a tourist town setting,” Show Coordinator Jane Stalker says.
“It’s a fantastic event for the visitors but it’s also brilliant for the trade exhibitors, who do a huge amount of
business over the two days.”
The National Finals Rodeo is the pinnacle event of the national rodeo circuit and a strong following should see more
than 4000 people attend the two-day event. It’s being hosted by the Wanaka Rodeo Club and will be held at the new
purpose-built arena in Albert Town for the first time.
“It’s great to be hosting this national event in Wanaka and as the Show winds down on Saturday afternoon, people are
invited to come on out to the Rodeo Grounds and enjoy the first round of elite rodeo competition at our magnificent
Isuzu Arena”, Wanaka Rodeo Club President Lyal Cocks says.
“It won’t be until completion of the competition on Sunday afternoon that the new champions of each of the eight events
will be known, so people are encouraged to take advantage of the two day entry concession to see the winners emerge from
all the thrills and spills of rodeo at its best.”
The Wanaka A Show and the National Finals Rodeo are great for the local economy and are an important part of the busy Wanaka events
calendar, Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager James Helmore says.
“Set against the backdrop of pristine Lake Wanaka, the Wanaka A Show showcases our agricultural roots. It celebrates innovation, passion, people and the land and brings thousands to
enjoy Wanaka every year. With the National Finals Rodeo being held over the same weekend, Wanaka will be the place to
be! The weekend will provide an economic boost to the region and provide significant opportunities for local
businesses,” Helmore says.
ENDS