Engaging. Educational. Authentic.

No trip with kids to New Zealand, a country with a large agricultural trade blessed with stunning scenery and landscape, is ever complete without a visit to a local farm. Finding a farm visit that offers a comprehensive, one-stop, and truly engaging experience is important to manage time efficiently during a self-drive trip. Moreover, the experience must also be captivating enough to keep kids, who can virtually ‘experience’ anything these days from their laptops, fully engaged.

This is where our visit to Agrodome Rotorua comes in. Situated over 350-acres of lush farmland, yet only 10 minutes from Rotorua city centre, you’ll find New Zealand’s Agrodome. Agrodome is not just any farm; with lush landscapes dotted with rolling hills and graced by the clear blue summer sky, it’s a quintessential Kiwi experience that brings agriculture to life in the most entertaining and engaging way.

A Day at Agrodome: Must-See Attractions

As we arrived, Dana and Buddy were immediately drawn to the Agrodome Farm Show. This live show is a must-see, showcasing New Zealand’s farming heritage in a fun and interactive way. From witnessing the impressive shearing of a sheep to learning about the 19 breeds of sheep, the kids were hooked. The highlight? Watching the well-trained sheepdogs obeying the commands of their handlers and watching them herd a family of ducks with precision – simulating the herding of sheeps, left everyone in awe and laughter.

After the show, we enjoyed interacting with the sheep and sheepdogs up close. Buddy was thrilled to pet the fluffy sheep, while Dana couldn’t get enough of the friendly sheepdogs. This hands-on interaction made the experience all the more memorable for the kids, allowing them to connect with the animals in a way that’s hard to replicate in the city.

A Day at Agrodome – Must-go hands-on Experiences

Next, we hopped on the Farm Tour, a ride pulled by a large farm tractor that took us across the expansive farmland. Here, we encountered alpacas, llamas, deer, and even ostriches, all of which we could feed right from the tractor. This interactive experience was a favorite for both kids, as they enjoyed the close encounters with these gentle creatures.

Tips for Visiting Agrodome

1. Book Early: To make the most of your visit, book tickets online in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
2. Time Your Visit: Arrive early to catch the first Farm Show, which will set the tone for your visit.
3. Dress Comfortably: With plenty of outdoor activities, ensure the family is dressed in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and if you are visiting during Summer (like we did), apply lots of sunscreen and bring a hat/cap.
4. Bring Snacks and Water: Although there’s a café onsite, packing some snacks can be handy for the kids, especially during the Farm Tour. Bring sufficient drinking water.
5. Engage with the Staff: Don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff questions—they’re knowledgeable and can offer fascinating insights into farm life and animal care.
6. Explore Rotorua: After your Agrodome visit, take some time to explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, such as the bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers at nearby geothermal parks. Stay tuned for our blog posts as we share more highlights in Rotorua!

Ending on a High Note

Granted, these animals may not be exclusively available at Agrodome, but what truly capped off our experience was how friendly, humorous, and engaging the staff were. They delivered the entire experience in an authentic farm setting that was both clean and well-kept, setting them apart from other farm visits we’ve had.

Agrodome Rotorua is not just a stop on your itinerary; it’s an immersive dive into New Zealand’s agricultural heart, perfect for families looking to connect with nature in a hands-on, memorable way. For Singapore families planning their New Zealand adventure, Agrodome is a destination not to be missed.

Agrodome Rotorua | Ngāi Tahu Tourism

Website: https://www.agrodome.co.nz/

Contact

• Phone: +64 7 357 1050
• 141 Western Road Ngongotaha, PO Box 52 Rotorua, New Zealand New Zealand