Agrodome Explained

Agrodome
Location:Ngongotahā, Rotorua, New Zealand
Coordinates:-38.0855°N 176.1906°W
Theme:Working farm
Owner:Ngāi Tahu Tourism
Status:operating
Opening Date:1971
Season:All year
Area Acre:350
Shows:Sheep shearing

The Agrodome is a farm theme park in Rotorua, New Zealand. Founded by Godfrey Bowen and George Harford in 1971, it is a major tourist attraction. It has been majority-owned by Christchurch-based Ngāi Tahu Tourism since 2011.

History

The Agrodome was set up in 1971 by Godfrey Bowen and George Harford as a farm theme park. Bowen was a world championship sheep shearer with a large international reputation and Harford was a local farmer.[1] The venture was part-funded by the government as a tourism initiative.[2] Bowen's brother Ivan, also an expert shearer, was the Agrodome's chief showman.[3]

The National Kiwi Hatchery, previously at Rainbow Springs, opened in a new facility at the Agrodome in December 2023.[4]

Attractions and activities

In 2016, the Agrodome management bought a trio of Clydesdale horses that had been a tourist attraction in the Auckland suburb of Devonport and that had acting roles in The Hobbit and .[5] [6] [7] Since 2018, the Agrodome holds Valais Blacknose sheep, which are new to the country. The purchase brought the number of sheep species at the Agrodome to 26.[8]

The annual Rotorua A&P (agricultural and pastoral) Show is held at the Agrodome.[9] [10] [11] The 2016 secondary schools cross country championships were held at the Agrodome.[12]

There are three farm shows held per day lasting one hour each. Components include sheep shearing, learning about farm animals. The show, which is both educational and entertaining, is popular with tourists and locals alike.[13] [14]

Ownership

The Agrodome was owned by the Bowen and Hartford families. In 2006, the families bought the Lakeland Queen from receivers; the ship is used as a restaurant and for cruises on Lake Rotorua. In 2011, Ngāi Tahu Tourism was brought in as a business partner with experience in the tourism market, with the iwi obtaining a 75% shareholding.[15] [16]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Godfrey Bowen . 8 November 2017 . NZHistory . . 17 December 2019.
  2. Web site: McClure . Margaret . Tourist industry . . 17 December 2019 . 11 March 2010.
  3. News: White . Tina . Memory Lane: A hot time in the old woolshed . 17 December 2019 . . 8 December 2018.
  4. News: National Kiwi Hatchery opens for tours at new Rotorua Agrodome home . Maryana . Garcia . 5 January 2024 . Rotorua Daily Post . 7 March 2024.
  5. News: Hubbard . Briar . Stable of gentle giant Clydesdales need a new home . 17 December 2019 . . 20 March 2016.
  6. News: Hubbard . Briar . Dan Dufty's Clydesdales will roam pastures of Rotorua together . 17 December 2019 . . 3 May 2016.
  7. News: Gentle giants new star attraction at Agrodome . 17 December 2019 . . 1 May 2016.
  8. News: Rotorua Agrodome's new lambs may be the cutest in the world . 17 December 2019 . . 11 October 2018.
  9. News: Overseas shearers dominate at Rotorua Show . 17 December 2019 . . 29 January 2018.
  10. Web site: Rotorua A&P Show . Rotorua A&P Association . 17 December 2019.
  11. News: 'World's cutest sheep' living in Cambridge . 17 December 2019 . Waipa Post . 7 May 2019.
  12. News: Nelson duo finish in top 10 at national schools cross country champs . 17 December 2019 . . 20 June 2016.
  13. News: Binning . Elizabeth . Rotorua: A sheepish confession at the Agrodome . 17 December 2019 . . 6 May 2016.
  14. News: Brennan-Tupara . Nicola . Family getaway to Rotorua: Lost in a maze, in the rain . 17 December 2019 . . 2 June 2019.
  15. News: Taylor . Julie . Agrodome-Ngai Tahu deal key to future options . 17 December 2019 . . 23 August 2011.
  16. News: Twose . Helen . Success: Asia sales focus delivers growth . 17 December 2019 . . 25 January 2016.