Wanaka A&P Show & Jack Russell Mayhem!

Saturday 14 March

Second big sunny Saturday in a row - this time was our return trip to the fabulous Wanaka A&P Show which we loved so much in 2025, we just had to come back for this year’s event.

We packed a picnic, hopped on our bikes and were through the gates at around 10am.

First thing we spotted was the motorbike stunt show with Jake Whitaker which was pretty cool, then next door was the Rural Village with wood chopping, shearing and farrier competitions.

The latter was strangely absorbing, watching the 4 guys create a horseshoe from scratch in 8 minutes. They were shown the horse's hoof then had to cut a length of iron, heat it, shape it, reheat it, add3 nail holes on each side and a clip for the front of the hoof - all under timed conditions. A beautiful old fashioned skill still happening in some areas in the modern era.

We missed out on the shearing and the wood chopping - every time we passed that ring they were prepping the wood for ages but we somehow were never there when the chopping happened! The sheepdog trials in the adjacent ring were cool, but not as sharp as the demonstration we saw at Oamaru.

We spent the next hour and a bit wandering happily between rows of tractors, craft stalls, foodie tents and all sorts of exciting products we could neither afford nor carry in Banjo! Spent a few minutes watching the Two Raw Sisters demonstrating a recipe for a haloumi salad on the Life & Leisure Local Larder stage, and gave them a big whoop when they recommended the haloumi from the Geraldine Cheese Company which I absolutely adore! Took in the final judging of the cattle and the show ponies (turns out either I have lost my eye for judging ponies or NZ has different criteria!) then nabbed a spot at the ringside ahead of the infamous Jack Russell Race.

It was, as ever, joyful chaos as 80 cheerful waggy dogs lined up (one escaped and made his owner do the walk of shame) then they chased a dead rabbit around the arena in pursuit of $800 worth of veterinary vouchers which was the first prize. Except that only about 10% were on task, with the rest hooning around madly in all directions and having a lovely time! Too much fun!

We stayed in our ringside seats for the grand parade which was led by a pipe band, then some local dignitaries and show VIPs in vintage cars, who were followed by the winning sheep (and fleece), cattle and show ponies & horses. Then we set off in search of free food from various sponsors and product demonstrators. Guzzled a free estate agent sausage (ooo err missus), lots of delicious samples from a posh BBQ demo, a hot chocolate and a coffee from Harcourts and Louis had a lovely time sampling gin, whisky & liqueurs from assorted local boutique distilleries.

Met up with Jonny & Debs and spent the rest of the afternoon perusing various stalls selling the dream. I also enjoyed the people watching - this event really appealed to the kids who had a lovely time climbing on things, testing out products, watching the animals and sometimes just chilling in the shade. For the grown-ups, not as many cool outfits as Selwyn Sounds, but these caught my eye - but I couldn’t afford the Devold turquoise sweater or the pink wool overcoat sadly 💰💰💰

There were some gorgeous flowers in the luxury home & fabric stores, which made me happy - especially the hydrangea sheep. And I loved the lady from “Cured” salami stall giving the sheepdog a wee drink after her hard work in the rural village ring. And what about these amazing expandable rooftop camping pods or “Motohotels” which slot onto the back of a Ute tray. These incredible pods are TARDIS like, with so much well planned space on the inside - even a shower & bathroom in one!

We encountered a few of the Websters' favourite stalls including the Real Feather Accessories guys who made the the most stunning jewellery (earrings, brooches, hat pins etc) from bird feathers and precious metals - I was very taken by the blue fringed green earrings and the green hat pin, but don't really have an occasion to justify purchasing them whilst out on our Odyssey! Jonny & Debs however, have a lovely grounded home and they took home one of the leadlight mirrors created from antique stained glass by a lovely Dutch lady who reminded me of Mrs VdB (who is not Dutch, but a neighbouring Belgian!) - I had to make do with a selfie in one of her creations. Little Lammies was also a favourite - felted wool fruits & veggies, bunting and wildlife birds & animals - super cute.

We should have sent Abby & Jez a link to "Bernies Barrows" - perfect for wheeling Abby home in after a drunken night, but as usual - too heavy for travellers! As was the ginormous Top Gun drone - thought TBF we have a wee camera drone and have only used it about 4 times on Banjo's Odyssey as there is always a reason why we can't fly it!

And finally before we parted ways - we got a selfie with the Websters at the giant sculpture stall. These outdoor sculptures were stunning - you can hire the Corton steel arch for weddings for $550!

Caught some more black smithing on our way out - shoeing 4 horses against the clock -missed the axemen again, then called it a day and cycled back to Banjo.

Louis took a dip in the Clutha, but it was too cold for me - I only made it to ankle deep; then we had lunch leftovers for dinner and I hung out with Bonnie & her parents as she learnt the fine art of rabbit burrow excavation from Kaia who was still intent on digging out the same hole as she was working on last time we were here!!

Evening ended with a faint Aurora, (thanks for the alert, Jonny) which was just visible over Wānaka street lighting! Wow!