Nestled within the lush landscapes of Rotorua, the Agrodome Farm Experience offers visitors an immersive glimpse into New Zealand’s rich agricultural heritage. Spanning an impressive 350 acres, this farm-based attraction boasts a captivating Sheep Show, live sheep shearing demonstrations, and hands-on opportunities to interact with a diverse array of farm animals. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, the Agrodome promises an educational and family-friendly adventure that showcases the country’s deep-rooted connection to the land. But the real question remains – what other surprises await those who step onto this picturesque farm?

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Shopping Tours In Rotorua.

Key Points

Agrodome Farm Experience Including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua - Key Points

  • The Agrodome Farm spans 350 acres, showcasing New Zealand’s agricultural heritage and offering guided tours with hand-feeding opportunities for various farm animals.
  • The Sheep Show experience features live demonstrations of sheep shearing, herding, and auctions, highlighting the versatility and significance of different sheep breeds.
  • The live sheep shearing demonstration provides insights into traditional farming practices and the importance of wool production, captivating visitors with the agility and calmness of the sheep.
  • Visitors can engage in hands-on animal feeding sessions, where they can observe the individual personalities of animals like Romney sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, ostriches, pigs, and alpacas.
  • Visitors can combine the Agrodome Farm experience with a visit to the on-site Kiwi hatchery, where they can witness the hatching and incubation of New Zealand’s national bird and learn about conservation efforts.

Exploring Agrodome’s 350-Acre Farm

Spanning a vast 350 acres (142 hectares), Agrodome’s farm offers visitors a comprehensive glimpse into New Zealand’s agricultural heritage and diverse animal kingdom.

The sprawling property is home to a variety of beloved farm animals, from the iconic Romney sheep to friendly cattle, deer, llamas, ostriches, pigs, and alpacas.

During the guided farm tour, guests have the unique opportunity to hand-feed these creatures, fostering a personal connection with the animals.

Along the way, knowledgeable guides share insights into the farm’s operations and the significance of these species in New Zealand’s pastoral traditions.

With its rolling hills and lush pastures, Agrodome’s expansive grounds provide a picturesque setting for this immersive farm experience.

Agrodome’s Entertaining Sheep Show

Agrodome Farm Experience Including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua - Agrodomes Entertaining Sheep Show

At the heart of the Agrodome experience lies the captivating Sheep Show, an hour-long presentation that showcases the unique attributes and talents of 19 different sheep breeds found in New Zealand. Throughout the show, visitors are entertained by live demonstrations, including a thrilling sheep shearing exhibition and an engaging sheep auction where the audience can actively participate. The show also highlights the versatility of these wooly creatures, with sheep herding and dog demonstrations further highlighting the strong bond between the animals and their handlers.

Breed Interesting Fact
Merino Known for its fine, soft wool
Romney One of the most common breeds in New Zealand
Perendale Developed specifically for New Zealand’s climate
Corriedale Prized for its long, lustrous wool

Live Sheep Shearing Demonstration

Agrodome Farm Experience Including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua - Live Sheep Shearing Demonstration

One of the most anticipated segments of the Agrodome Sheep Show is the live sheep shearing demonstration, where skilled shearers showcase their impressive techniques and speed in front of captivated audiences.

Dressed in protective gear, the shearers expertly maneuver the sheep, delicately removing the wool in a matter of minutes. Visitors are amazed by the shearers’ agility and the sheep’s apparent calmness throughout the process.

The demonstration provides a unique insight into the traditional farming practice, highlighting the importance of wool production and the expertise required.

Following the shearing, the freshly shorn sheep are returned to their pen, ready to regrow their fleece before the next shearing cycle.

Hands-On Animal Feeding Experiences

Agrodome Farm Experience Including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua - Hands-On Animal Feeding Experiences

After the impressive sheep shearing demonstration, visitors can look forward to hands-on encounters with the farm’s diverse animal residents. Across the sprawling grounds, friendly staff guide guests through interactive feeding sessions, allowing them to connect with animals like Romney sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, ostriches, pigs, and alpacas. The experience offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these friendly creatures, feeding them by hand and observing their individual personalities. Whether it’s the gentle nuzzle of a sheep or the curious gaze of an alpaca, these intimate moments make the Agrodome Farm Tour a truly memorable and engaging agricultural adventure.

Animal Feeding Experiences
Romney Sheep Hand-feed these friendly wool producers
Cattle Offer carrots and apples to the herd
Deer Watch them eagerly approach for a tasty treat
Llamas/Alpacas Delight in their curious and gentle nature

Diverse Farm Animal Encounters

Agrodome Farm Experience Including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua - Diverse Farm Animal Encounters

Visitors to the Agrodome Farm can delight in the diverse array of farm animals they’ll encounter during the guided tour, from the gentle Romney sheep to the curious llamas and alpacas.

The all-weather vehicle takes guests on a journey through the 350-acre property, where they can hand-feed a variety of creatures, including cattle, deer, pigs, and even the iconic ostriches.

Rare sheep breeds may also make an appearance, offering a unique glimpse into the farm’s diverse animal population.

With the opportunity to interact closely with these animals, the Agrodome Farm Tour provides an immersive and engaging experience that allows visitors to appreciate the vibrant ecosystem of a working New Zealand farm.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

Agrodome Farm Experience Including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua - Accessibility and Visitor Information

The Agrodome’s comprehensive visitor information and accessible facilities cater to the diverse needs of its guests, ensuring an enjoyable and inclusive experience for all.

With a maximum of 35 travelers per tour, the Agrodome offers wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as infant seats for the little ones.

Visitors can rest assured that:

  1. Food and drinks aren’t included, unless specified.

  2. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

  3. Both the Agrodome Farm Show and Farm Tour are accessible as part of the admission ticket.

  4. Visitors can combine their Agrodome experience with a visit to the adjacent Kiwi hatchery for a more comprehensive farm adventure.

Agrodome’s Positive Guest Reviews

Agrodome Farm Experience Including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua - Agrodomes Positive Guest Reviews

Agrodome’s engaging presentations and close animal encounters have earned it a positive reputation, with 131 reviews and an overall rating of 4.5 stars.

Visitors consistently praise the family-friendly and educational experiences, highlighting the highlights like the sheep shearing demonstration and chance to hand-feed various farm animals.

Many reviewers noted that the Agrodome offers a unique opportunity to interact with a wide range of species, from sheep and cattle to deer, llamas, and even ostriches.

While some visitors felt the show content was repetitive and had issues with acoustics, the vast majority praised the Agrodome as a must-see attraction that makes for an entertaining and memorable farm experience in Rotorua.

Combining Agrodome With Kiwi Hatchery

Agrodome Farm Experience Including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua - Combining Agrodome With Kiwi Hatchery

By combining the Agrodome farm experience with a visit to the on-site Kiwi hatchery, visitors can enjoy a more comprehensive exploration of Rotorua’s agricultural and natural wonders.

The Kiwi hatchery, located on the same 350-acre property, offers visitors the chance to:

  1. Witness the hatching and incubation process of New Zealand’s iconic national bird, the kiwi.

  2. Learn about the conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.

  3. Observe the distinctive features and behaviors of these unique flightless birds.

  4. Appreciate the biodiversity and environmental significance of Rotorua’s rich natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food to the Farm?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food to the farm. However, food and drinks are not included in the admission price unless specified. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and meals to enjoy during their visit.

What Is the Dress Code for the Experience?

There is no strict dress code for the farm experience. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes, as the tour involves walking on uneven terrain and interacting with farm animals.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Locals?

Agrodome offers discounted admission for local visitors. Residents of the Rotorua region can purchase tickets at a reduced rate, providing an affordable opportunity to experience the farm’s attractions. Discounts may vary, so visitors should inquire about any available local pricing.

How Do I Get to the Agrodome From Rotorua City Center?

The Agrodome is located 6 miles (10 km) from Rotorua city center. It’s accessible by public transportation, with regular shuttles and buses transporting visitors from the city. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes.

Can I Book a Private Tour at the Agrodome?

Yes, the Agrodome offers private tours for groups. Visitors can book a private farm tour with customized experiences, such as interacting more closely with the animals or tailoring the itinerary to their interests.

Recap

The Agrodome Farm Experience in Rotorua offers an immersive agricultural adventure.

Visitors can enjoy a captivating sheep show, witness live shearing, and interact with diverse farm animals.

With knowledgeable guides and a limited group size, the experience is both educational and family-friendly, making it a must-visit attraction in Rotorua.

Combining the Agrodome with the nearby Kiwi Hatchery provides a well-rounded introduction to New Zealand’s natural and agricultural heritage.