Mystery Creek Upgrade: 15-Year Infrastructure Plan Unveiled for National Fieldays Venue
The venue for National Fieldays, the Southern Hemisphere's largest agribusiness show, is getting a major infrastructure upgrade.
Returning to Mystery Creek, Hamilton, 10–13 June, South Island ticket buyers will automatically go in the draw to win a $2,000 cashback to help cover travel costs, making it easier than ever before to be part of Fieldays.
“We know it’s a big commitment to travel from the South Island, so we wanted to give people a real incentive to join us,” says New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Richard Lindroos.
The $2,000 cashback prize is designed to help offset the costs of flights, accommodation, and travel. Tickets purchased before May 11 will automatically go into the draw to win.
“We have Hamilton Airport on our doorstep, and it is not only a great opportunity to come to Fieldays but stay and have a look around the mighty Waikato region and enjoy local hospitality,” says Lindroos.
More than 1,200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services, with sites nearly sold out. Visitors can expect a diverse and engaging experience, from cutting-edge agri-tech and advanced farm machinery to artisan food and new-to-market vehicles. A wide range of financial and insurance solutions will also be on display.
The introduction of a new Fieldays Function Centre located on the Village Green will create additional opportunities for businesses to host innovative and engaging functions during the event.
A strong lineup of feature areas will give visitors the opportunity to explore emerging technologies, career pathways, sector insights, and the latest developments shaping the future of agriculture and rural industries. These are showcased across the Fieldays Hubs, including Innovation, Careers & Education, Forestry, Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing, Rural Advocacy, and the Drone Zone.
Several key features are also reaching important milestones, with the Fieldays® Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub celebrating its 10-year anniversary and the Fieldays® Forestry Hub marking five years as part of the Fieldays programme.
Competition highlights include Tractor Pull, Fencing and Excavator Competitions. These features continue to celebrate capability, skill, and a strong sense of grassroots entertainment, providing popular entertainment for visitors.
Families will find no shortage of action in the Fieldays Family Fun Zone. Packed with free, hands‑on activities, the zone invites kids and parents alike to scale the rock wall, try the bungy trampoline, test their swing on the golf simulator, or burn off energy on the inflatables.
Just steps away, families can wander through the Heritage Village, where highlights include the historic church, the old Kihikihi jail, and the National Dairy Museum. For those interested in rural art, The Fieldays Creative Space, also located in the Heritage Village, offers visitors a chance to slow down and engage with the creative side of rural life, celebrating storytelling and humour inspired by artist David Henshaw. The space showcases artworks, exhibitions and creative displays that reflect rural heritage, landscapes and lived experiences, providing a thoughtful contrast to the event’s technology and innovation focus.
Visitors can get involved with voting for their favourite Fieldays Innovation Awards via the kiosk in the Innovation Hub and Exhibitor Site Awards through the official Fieldays App.
The Gate Prize also returns, supported by JAC and Stoney Creek. Every personalised ticket that comes through the gates is a chance to win a JAC T9 Ute (RRP $49,990) and $10,000 of Stoney Creek gear. Visitors can triple their chances of winning during the event by visiting the JAC site at I30 and Stoney Creek at site F55.
General admission tickets are priced online at $36 for a one-day adult pass and $18 for a one-day child pass, with free entry for children under five. A family pass is available for $108. Ample free parking is available and limited VIP parking can also be purchased, giving visitors access through Gate A on Airport Road, just steps from the North Entry.
As part of ticket purchasing for 2026, customers have the option to donate during checkout to the Rural Support Trust.
“We’re proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Rural Support Trust through our donation initiative. Donations support the Trust’s vital work providing practical assistance and wellbeing support to farming families and rural communities across New Zealand," says Lindroos.
Also on sale is the Fieldays® Business Lounge ticket, brought to you by One NZ. This premium ticket option includes access to an all-inclusive lounge, VIP parking, complimentary meals, barista and beverage service, and dedicated meeting spaces with workstation facilities.
