Practical
What to wear on the farm tour
What to wear and bring to the Rotorua farm show and tractor-trailer tour: layers, rain, shoes, the front-row splash zone, sensory kits and small children.
Check dates for the farm show ↗Quick answer
Dress for the weather outdoors, in layers. The tractor-trailers run in all weather, and the booking page says to dress warmly in winter, with two to four layers, and to bring a rain jacket on wet days. You can hop off to meet animals, so wear shoes that can get dirty, and expect a splash if you sit in the front row.
The short answer
Think of the tour as a walk in a paddock with a ride in between. The booking page says the trailers run in all weather, that you should dress warmly in winter with two to four layers, and that you should bring a rain jacket on wet days. Agrodome calls itself an all-weather attraction, so the show and the tour go ahead in most conditions. Dress for being outdoors for about an hour, not for a seat in a theatre.
Layers beat one big coat
The visit moves between a show room, an open trailer and the paddocks, so your temperature changes through the morning. A thin base layer, a fleece and a waterproof outer shell can come off and go on again as needed. The booking page's advice of two to four layers in winter points the same way. In summer, one light layer and a rain jacket may be enough, and a hat helps on the tour.
Rain on the tour
The booking page says the tractor-trailers run in all weather, and Agrodome describes its tour vehicle as all-weather and all-terrain and as covered. A rain jacket still matters, because you can hop off the trailer to meet animals and may stand in the paddocks. Bring jackets for children, too, and a spare dry top in a bag. If the weather looks wet, check your voucher and the booking page for any change on the day.
Shoes for paddocks
You will walk on farm ground when you hop off the trailer and between the show, the nursery and the café. Closed shoes that can get dirty are the sensible choice, and sandals are not. This is general advice, not a rule on the booking page. For small children, a spare pair of socks or shoes in a bag is cheap insurance.
The splash zone
Reviewers say the front row of the show may be picked to go on stage and is in a splash zone. If you or your child sit there, wear something you do not mind getting damp and avoid your best clothes. Sitting further back avoids the problem and still gives a good view. If you are happy to be picked, tell the host and enjoy it.
Small children and sensory needs
Agrodome says it has several sensory kits to borrow, each with fidget toys, squeezable toys, earmuffs, sunglasses and an accessibility guide in a backpack, and that visitors can ask on arrival or email ahead. It also takes part in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard programme. For babies and toddlers, bring a carrier or a light pram that you do not mind leaving, plus a snack, a drink and a change of clothes.
What else to bring
Bring a camera or phone, because Agrodome tells visitors to bring one. Bring a bottle of water, hand wipes or gel for after the feeding, and a small amount of money for the café, because food and drink are not in the ticket. Sun cream is worth packing on a bright day. You do not need luggage: travel light and leave the large bags in the car.
Who this advice isn't for
This advice is for a daytime visit. It does not cover an evening outing, a wet-weather closure or a booking you made for another activity. If you need a wheelchair-accessible trailer, read the access notes in the getting-there guide and contact the farm before you travel. Always follow the instructions on your voucher over any general advice in this guide.
Read next: Getting to the farm in Ngongotahā
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to the Rotorua farm show?
Layers and shoes that can get dirty. The booking page says to dress warmly in winter with two to four layers and to bring a rain jacket on wet days.
Does it go ahead in the rain?
Usually. The booking page says the trailers run in all weather, and Agrodome calls itself an all-weather attraction. Check your voucher for any change.
Will I get wet in the front row?
Possibly. Reviewers say the front row is a splash zone and that guests there can be picked for the stage.
Are there sensory supports?
Agrodome says it lends sensory kits with earmuffs, sunglasses and fidget toys. Ask on arrival or email the farm before you visit.
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