Rotorua: Agrodome Farm Show & Tour with Animal Feeding

Summary

Real kiwi farm life up close with hands-on animal moments

You’ll meet friendly sheep and alpacas at Rotorua’s Agrodome, feed animals by hand during a guided farm tour, watch working dogs in action at the famous Farm Show, and sample local honey and kiwifruit juice. Expect laughter, muddy boots (sometimes), and a real taste of rural New Zealand life that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect when we pulled up to the Agrodome just outside Rotorua — I mean, how different could a “farm show” really be? But right away, the air smelled like grass after rain (and a bit of sheep, honestly), and there was this low hum of kids laughing and sheep baa-ing somewhere in the distance. Our guide, Pete, had that dry Kiwi humor — he winked at my attempt to say “Romney” sheep in a New Zealand accent. Didn’t nail it.

The actual farm show was way more lively than I thought. There’s this whole bit where the dogs round up the sheep on stage — you can hear their nails skittering on the wood while Pete talks about wool grades and why Kiwis are so obsessed with their flocks. At one point he handed me some raw wool to feel. It was oily and soft at the same time, which surprised me. Afterwards we climbed onto these tractor trailers for the farm tour part (they’re covered, so don’t stress about rain). The ride bumps along past paddocks full of alpacas looking at you like they know something you don’t.

We got to hand-feed llamas — their lips are ticklish — and I still have a blurry photo of a kid giggling when an emu tried to snatch his snack. Pete pointed out some rare sheep breeds too; he seemed genuinely proud of them. The air tasted sweet near the orchard where we tried fresh kiwifruit juice and honey (the honey is ridiculously good). Honestly, it’s all pretty relaxed — nobody rushes you if you want to linger by the baby animals in the nursery or ask questions about how things work here.

I left feeling oddly calm. Maybe it’s just being around animals or maybe it’s something about Rotorua’s light in late afternoon that makes everything look softer. Either way, if you’re curious about real New Zealand farming or just want a break from city stuff, this Agrodome farm tour is… well, it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Agrodome Farm Tour and Show

• Check in 15 minutes early
• Join the Agrodome Farm Show
• Meet and hand-feed farm animals
• Enjoy natural kiwifruit juice and honey
• Board all-terrain vehicle for farm tour
• Spot rare sheep breeds and other animals
• Take photos with friendly animals

Top questions

How far is Agrodome from Rotorua city center?

It’s about 10 minutes by car or 10 km (6 miles) from central Rotorua.

Is animal feeding included in the Agrodome Farm Tour?

Yes, you can hand-feed animals like sheep and alpacas during the tour.

What animals can I see at Agrodome?

You’ll see Romney sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, alpacas, emus, ostriches, pigs and more.

Is there a live farm show at Agrodome?

Yes, your ticket includes entry to the one-hour Sheep Show with dog demonstrations.

Are there activities for young children?

Yes—kids can visit the farmyard nursery to see baby animals and enjoy feeding sessions.

Do tours run if it rains?

The farm tour uses all-weather tractor trailers so tours run rain or shine.

Is Agrodome wheelchair accessible?

Yes—Agrodome is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Can I get to Agrodome by public transport?

Yes—there are public transport options available from Rotorua city center.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to both the Farm Show and Farm Tour at Agrodome near Rotorua. You’ll get hands-on animal feeding with alpacas and sheep, access to see baby animals in the nursery, an hour-long tractor trailer ride through working paddocks (rain or shine), plus live dog-and-sheep demonstrations—and samples of local honey and kiwifruit juice along the way.