Fieldays attendance hits five-year high with 132,000 visitors

Opening day crowd numbers smashed recent records as the 58th Fieldays wrapped up four days of booming ticket sales and perfect weather.

More than 132,000 people flocked to the four-day agricultural showcase at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton, which ran from Wednesday to Saturday.

The agricultural event, known to be the largest of the Southern Hemisphere, came incredibly close to breaking its historical peak of 133,000 visitors set back in 2017.

Organisers confirmed that overall attendance climbed 20% compared to last year, with exhibitor sites completely selling out well ahead of the event.

New Zealand National Fieldays Society Chief Executive Richard Lindroos stated that the strong turnout highlighted deep confidence within the primary sector.

"Fieldays continues to be where the primary industries come together to do business, share ideas and build connections," Lindroos said.

Fieldays isn’t just an event, as this year has proved, it is a national strategic asset that brings together the best of our primary industries in one place.

Lindroos added that the gathering firmly proved its status as a genuine "mega event".

Throughout the four days, attendees interacted with cutting-edge agri-tech, viewed live demonstrations, and explored practical tools designed to support on-farm productivity.

But for many visitors, the true value of the event came from the chance to reconnect face-to-face with industry peers.

Lindroos credited the overwhelmingly positive feedback to a dedicated behind-the-scenes team, volunteers, staff, exhibitors, and sponsors.

"Beyond the numbers, success isn’t just reflected in attendance figures," Lindroos said.

It’s seen in the energy on site, the conversations happening, and the genuine connections being made.

While organisers noted that the full economic impact will take time to emerge, the long-term benefits will extend well past the four days of the event.

The official dates for Fieldays 2027 are set for 16–19 June.