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Since 1863, the Canterbury A&P Show has been New Zealand's biggest stage for agriculture, food, equestrian excellence and country entertainment. From the grandstand spectacles in the Bayleys Premier Show Ring to the backblocks of trade on Deans Ave, it's three days that bring the country and town together like nothing else. Check out what competitions are taking place across the event:

AlpacaBoer GoatsCattle - BeefBecome a MemberCattle – DairyDairy GoatsDog TrialsBecome a StewardHorse & PonyPigsPoultrySheepWoodchoppingWool & FibreBecome a Sponsor

Alpaca

With a mix of championship and non-championship classes, the alpaca section is popular with exhibitors and visitors alike. Alpacas have been turning heads at the Show since 1872, when RH Rhodes exhibited a pair at our old Sydenham Showgrounds.

Where: Alpaca Arena
When: Thursday, Friday

Boer Goats

Held inside the PGG Livestock Pavilion, the Boer Goat classes are a firm favourite with both breeders and Show visitors. It's a hands-on, close-up section where families and newcomers get to see the animals up close, alongside dedicated exhibitors putting their best stock forward.

Where: PGG Livestock Pavilion
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Cattle - Beef

Robsons Cattle Lawn hosts over 200 classes covering all major beef breeds, judged by a world-class panel of national and international judges, and culminating in the Champion & Reserve Champion All Breeds. The Show's top beef prize, the Meat and Wool Cup, has been awarded since 1945 and remains one of the most prestigious wins in the cattle ring.

Where: Robsons Cattle Lawn
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Become a Member

Did you know Canterbury A&P Association members receive discounted entry fees? Select a membership option on Showday Online to see the discount applied to your account. CAPA Membership fees go directly back into paying for the running costs of our competitions, including covering essential expenses and infrastructure to deliver a high quality experience for our competitors. Click here to find out more about the benefits of becoming a CAPA Member.

Learn more Become a member

Cattle – Dairy

The Dairy Section features over 72 competitions covering all major dairy breeds, judged by a world-class panel, and culminating in the prestigious Supreme Champion All Breeds Female Award. Dairy showing runs deep in Canterbury families — one exhibiting family has shown Holstein Friesians here across five generations, a tradition that started with cattle loaded onto the train to make it to the Show.

Where: Robsons Cattle Lawn
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Dairy Goats

Held inside the PGG Livestock Pavilion, the Dairy Goat classes are a firm favourite. It's a hands-on, close-up section where families and newcomers get to see the animals up close, alongside dedicated exhibitors putting their best stock forward.

Where: PGG Livestock Pavilion
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Dog Trials

Set in the Mighty Mix Dog Trial arena, there are classes spread over all three days of the Show. Dog trialling has been part of the Show since the Addington days, with some competitors and stewards giving 50-plus years of service to the section.
Where: Mighty Mix Dog Trial Arena
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Become a Steward

Our competitions couldn't run without the dedication of our stewards. Volunteering as a steward is a great way to get involved behind the scenes, support competitors, and be part of the Show from a whole new perspective. Reach out to our team to find out more about becoming a steward.

Enquire here

Horse & Pony

The Ravensdown Canterbury A&P Show hosts one of the country's largest equestrian programmes. This year, our equestrian events will be spread out over four areas including the Bayleys Premier Show Ring, Isaac Arena, Ballantynes Clydesdale Arena and The Common. Some of the ring's oldest contested trophies date back over 130 years, including the wire jump, first won in 1890.

Where: Bayleys Premier Show Ring, Ballantynes Clydesdale Arena, Isaac Arena, The Common
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Pigs

The Pig competition is an exciting event that encourages people to grow pigs for the competition and dress up in theme. The BBA competition has been running since 2014 and has since become the premier pig competition at the Show.

Where: PGG Livestock Pavilion
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Poultry

The poultry section has always been a colourful section in the shows history with entrants exhibiting a wide variety of birds. Poultry has been part of the Show since 1862, when Dorking, Spanish and Cochin China fowls were judged alongside geese, turkeys and ducks — and Association benefactor George Gould was himself a leading prizewinner in the fowls classes in the Show's early years. Where: PGG Livestock Pavilion
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Sheep

A mainstay since the first Show, sheep competitions celebrate top breeding, with entries judged on conformation, wool quality, and overall presentation. The Corriedale — one of the Show's most competitive breeds for decades — was developed right here in Canterbury, when James Little crossed Longwool rams over Merino ewes in the 1880s. In 1950, an underdog Waiau stud upstaged all the big established names: breeder Les Iverach turned up with a single covered ram in the back seat of his car, and it was declared grand champion on the spot, going on to be known as "Royal Charlie."

Where: PGG Livestock Pavilion
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Woodchopping

Compete in one of the Show's standout events, held in the purpose-built Woodchopping Arena. With 43 events across three days — including chopping, chainsaw, standing saw, axe throwing, and tree events. Where: STIHL Woodchopping Arena
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Wool & Fibre

A longstanding part of the Show, fleece competitions celebrate fine wool quality through micron, weight, length, and strength, find your fleeces on display in our Wool Zone at the Show.

Where: Wool Zone
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Become a Sponsor

More than 70,000 people come through the gates each year, we've love to chat through sponsorship options with you or your business, sponsorship options start from $50 for Ribbon & Rosette sponsorship.

Learn More

Find the right  section for you

One of New Zealand's premier A&P Shows, with over 5,000 classes across livestock, equestrian, dog trials, woodchopping and more, the Ravensdown Canterbury A&P Show brings together competitors from across New Zealand and abroad. Compete for your share of over $120,000 in prize money and products from Wednesday 11 – Friday 13 November 2026.

Entry open/closed status

Livestock | Equestrian | Dog Trials

Entries Open

Showday Online Start your entry →

Showjumping

Entries Closed - Opening Date TBC

Main Events Join our mailing list →

Shearing | Woolhandling

Entries Closed - Opening Date TBC

Elite Wool Industry Training Join our mailing list →

AlpacaBoer GoatsCattle - Beef Become a MemberCattle – DairyDairy GoatsDog TrialsBecome a StewardHorse & PonyPigsPoultrySheepWoodchoppingWool & FibreBecome a Sponsor

Alpaca

With a mix of championship and non-championship classes, the alpaca section is popular with exhibitors and visitors alike. Alpacas have been turning heads at the Show since 1872, when RH Rhodes exhibited a pair at our old Sydenham Showgrounds. Fleece judging takes place on Monday 9th November Breed judging takes place on Thursday 12th November Entries are open now Entries close Wednesday September 30th

Enter & view schedule

Boer Goats

Held inside the PGG Livestock Pavilion, the Boer Goat classes are a firm favourite with both breeders and Show visitors. It's a hands-on, close-up section where families and newcomers get to see the animals up close, alongside dedicated exhibitors putting their best stock forward. Judging takes place Friday 13th November Entries are open now Entries close Wednesday September 30th

Enter & view schedule

Cattle - Beef

Compete in New Zealand's largest cattle competition. Robsons Cattle Lawn hosts over 200 classes covering all major beef breeds, judged by a world-class panel of national and international judges, and culminating in the Champion & Reserve Champion All Breeds. The Show's top beef prize, the Meat and Wool Cup, has been awarded since 1945 and remains one of the most prestigious wins in the cattle ring. Positioned beside Deans Avenue with grandstand seating across all three days, it's one of the most closely watched competitions on the Show calendar and is a chance to showcase your stock in front of a large, engaged crowd alongside the country's top breeders. Judging takes place from Wednesday 11th November – Friday 13th November Entries are open now Entries close Wednesday September 30th

Enter & view schedule

Become a Member

Learn more Become a member

Cattle – Dairy

Compete in one of New Zealand's largest A&P dairy cattle competitions. The Dairy Section features over 72 competitions covering all major dairy breeds, judged by a world-class panel, and culminating in the prestigious Supreme Champion All Breeds Female Award. Dairy showing runs deep in Canterbury families, one exhibiting family has shown Holstein Friesians here across five generations, a tradition that started with cattle loaded onto the train to make it to the Show. Judging takes place from Wednesday 11th November – Friday 13th November Entries are open now Entries close Wednesday September 30th

Enter & view schedule

Dairy Goats

Held inside the PGG Livestock Pavilion, the Dairy Goat classes are a firm favourite with both breeders and Show visitors. It's a hands-on, close-up section where families and newcomers get to see the animals up close, alongside dedicated exhibitors putting their best stock forward. Judging takes place Friday 13th November Entries are open now Entries close Wednesday September 30th

Enter & view schedule

Dog Trials

Set in the Mighty Mix Dog Trial arena, there are classes spread over all three days of the Show. Dog trials have been part of the Show since the Addington days, with some competitors and stewards giving 50-plus years of service to the section. Take a look at our Schedule of Classes for the right class for you. Events take place from Wednesday 11th November – Friday 13th November Entries are open now Entries close Friday 2nd October

Enter & view schedule

Become a Steward

Enquire here

Horse & Pony

The Ravensdown Canterbury A&P Show hosts one of the country's largest equestrian programmes. This year, our equestrian events will be spread out over four areas including the Bayleys Premier Show Ring, Isaac Arena, Ballantynes Clydesdale Arena and The Common. Some of the ring's oldest contested trophies date back over 130 years, including the wire jump, first won in 1890. Events take place from Wednesday 11th November – Friday 13th November Entries are open now Entries close Wednesday September 30th *Showjumping entries close Friday October 30th

Enter & view schedule

Pigs

The Pig competition is an exciting event that encourages people to grow pigs for the competition and dress up in theme. The BBA competition has been running since 2014 and has since become the premier pig competition at the Show. Judging takes place Thursday 12th November Entries are open now Entries close Wednesday September 30th

Enter & view schedule

Poultry

The poultry section has always been a colourful section in the shows history with entrants exhibiting a wide variety of birds. Poultry has been part of the Show since 1862, when Dorking, Spanish and Cochin China fowls were judged alongside geese, turkeys and ducks. Association benefactor George Gould was himself a leading prizewinner in the fowls classes in the Show's early years. Judging takes place Wednesday 11th - Thursday 12th November Entries are open now Entries close Wednesday September 30th

Enter & view schedule

Sheep

A mainstay since the first Show, sheep competitions celebrate top breeding, with entries judged on conformation, wool quality, and overall presentation. The Corriedale — one of the Show's most competitive breeds for decades — was developed right here in Canterbury, when James Little crossed Longwool rams over Merino ewes in the 1880s. In 1950, an underdog Waiau stud upstaged all the big established names: breeder Les Iverach turned up with a single covered ram in the back seat of his car, and it was declared grand champion on the spot, going on to be known as "Royal Charlie." Judging takes place Wednesday 11th - Thursday 12th November Entries are open now Entries close Wednesday September 30th

Enter & view schedule

Woodchopping

Compete in one of the Show's standout events, held in the purpose-built Woodchopping Arena. With 43 events across three days, including chopping, chainsaw, standing saw, axe throwing, and tree events. The programme features Open, Junior, and Ladies divisions, culminating in the highly anticipated New South Wales vs South Island Test Match. Events take place Wednesday 11th – Friday 13th November Entries are open now Entries close Wednesday September 30th

Enter & view schedule

Wool & Fibre

A longstanding part of the Show, fleece competitions celebrate fine wool quality through micron, weight, length, and strength, find your fleeces on display to the public in our Wool Zone at this year's Show. Judging takes place on Friday 30th October Entries are open now Entries close Friday 23rd October

Enter & view schedule

Become a Sponsor

More than 70,000 people come through the gates each year, we've love to chat through sponsorship options with you or your business, sponsorship options start from just $50 for Ribbon & Rosette sponsorship.

Learn More