Southern Field Days

This is a biennial event, next taking place in 2026

You never know who you might bump into at the Southern Field Days at Waimumu.

Every couple of years, farmland near Gore transforms into a hub of rural activity, with thousands converging on paddocks showcasing ag machinery and innovations from New Zealand and around the world.

Whether you’ve got skin in the game or just like a great day out, you’ll find yourself fascinated by the great ideas, fabulous food and amazing events on show.

Next event date: TBC 2026
Location: Gore District
Keen to learn more: southernfielddays.co.nz

From humble beginnings, the Southern Field Days now features more than 700 exhibitors, spanning out across a dedicated 60ha site (that’s about 150 rugby fields), all run by a dynamic group of previous and current members of the Eastern Southland Young Farmers Club. It’s a true community event with lots of local groups running services as fundraisers. 

The three-day show is a great social occasion - you can't go from one side to the other without seeing someone you know.

People browse in and out of the multitude of stalls as they make their way towards the centre of the site where the large AgriCentre houses covered exhibits.

Fancy a crack at the Scavenger Hunt? Suitable for all one and all, it’s a great way to criss-cross the site and discover the world of wonder on show.

The ag sector’s best and brightest are on show - with innovative ideas designed to surprise and delight.

There’s nothing quite like that tactile experience of jumping in a cab or getting behind a remote control to find out how a new piece of machinery can save you precious time and energy.

It’s not just fabulous on-farm gear, with loads of recreational temptations too, from hunting supplies to jetboats and everything in between.

An amazing array of events will keep you enthralled, from the giants of the tractor world going head to head in the Tractor Pull NZ to the NZ Fencing Competition, as contestants show off their post-placement, height wirework and tensioning skills.

Fleeces fly at the Speed Shear competition as some of the country’s best shearers battle it out against the clock. The Excavator Operator Competition is a fascinating watch as contestants work their mechanical magic.

You won’t go hungry here either, there’s sumptuous fare and tasty treats at every turn, great coffee, and the option of a cold beer or wine at the end of the day.

The reviews are in and they make for some pretty good reading: “Awesome event”; “Well run - amazing technology and services”.

So head to the Southern Field Days at Waimumu - and why not make a week of it as you discover the south.

Southland is renowned for its unmatched beauty which provides a natural playground – no matter what your passion. As New Zealand’s ultimate nature and wildlife destination, its dramatic scenery spans pristine rainforests, fertile farmlands and rugged coastlines.

With an abundance of hiking trails, farm tours, cycling routes, fishing spots, classic motors, the world-famous Bluff oyster and the regions iconic cheese roll, Southland has something for you!

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