Royal Easter Show

About

The Royal Easter Show is New Zealand's largest annual agricultural event, transforming the ASB Showgrounds into a spectacular celebration of farming, entertainment, and Kiwi culture every Easter. Kids will be thrilled by farm animal encounters, thrilling carnival rides, woodchopping competitions, and interactive agricultural exhibits that bring rural New Zealand to life. It's a quintessential Kiwi experience that combines education with non-stop family fun across four action-packed days.

What to Expect

Families can expect a bustling festival atmosphere with hundreds of farm animals to meet (sheep, cattle, alpacas, and more), a full carnival with rides and games, live entertainment stages, equestrian events, sheepdog trials, and shearing demonstrations. The show features interactive zones where kids can learn about farming, try their hand at milking cows, watch livestock judging, and explore agricultural machinery. There are also craft pavilions, food stalls showcasing New Zealand produce, and stunt shows that keep the excitement levels high throughout the day. The venue is outdoors with some covered areas, so be prepared for variable weather conditions typical of Auckland's autumn season.

Highlights for Kids

• Meeting newborn lambs, calves, and piglets in the animal nursery and petting farm areas
• Watching thrilling shearing competitions and working sheepdogs demonstrating their incredible skills
• Riding the carnival attractions, from classic Ferris wheels to adrenaline-pumping modern rides
• Experiencing uniquely Kiwi events like woodchopping championships and equestrian displays
• Sampling iconic New Zealand treats like hot roast pork sandwiches, fairy floss (cotton candy), and pavlova

Pro Tips for Families

1. Purchase tickets online in advance for significant savings compared to gate prices, and consider multi-day passes if you're staying in Auckland for the Easter weekend
2. Arrive early (gates open at 9am) to experience animal exhibits before crowds build and to secure good viewing spots for popular events like the woodchopping finals
3. Download the official show app before visiting to map out your day, as the showgrounds are extensive and it's easy to miss favourite attractions without a plan
4. Bring a wagon or sturdy stroller for young children as you'll cover significant distances, and pack layers as Auckland autumn weather can shift from sunny to showery quickly

Best Time to Visit

Weekday visits (Good Friday or Easter Monday) are typically less crowded than the Saturday, making it easier to navigate with children and experience shorter wait times for rides and attractions. Arriving when gates open at 9am gives you cooler temperatures and access to animal areas before peak crowds, though many families prefer arriving mid-morning (10-11am) to avoid early traffic. Plan to catch the main arena events which are scheduled throughout the day, with evening visits offering a magical carnival atmosphere with illuminated rides, though this means staying until the show closes around 6-8pm depending on the day.

Food & Drinks

The show features extensive food options ranging from classic fair food (hot dogs, chips, candy floss) to New Zealand specialties including hangi-inspired dishes, meat pies, and fresh produce. You'll find dedicated food precincts with picnic areas, though prices are typical festival markups. Kids will love the show favourites like dagwood dogs (corn dogs), Dutch poffertjes, and fresh donuts. You're allowed to bring your own snacks and water bottles, which is highly recommended for families to manage costs and accommodate picky eaters. Dietary options including vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly foods are available but more limited.

Parking & Access

The ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane is easily accessible, located approximately 5km south of Auckland's city center. Onsite parking is available but fills quickly and costs extra (usually NZD 10-20), so arriving early is essential if driving. Public transport is highly recommended: buses run frequently to the venue, and it's a 20-minute walk from Greenlane train station. For international visitors, rideshare services (Uber) are readily available throughout Auckland. The showgrounds are largely stroller-friendly with paved pathways, though some grassy areas can become muddy if it rains. Stroller parking areas are available near major attractions, and wagon rentals may be offered onsite.