Our Story

New Zealand’s Agrodome Farm was established in 1971 by Godfrey Bowen, a world champion sheep shearer, and George Harford, a local farmer.

In 1970, Godfrey Bowen was asked to produce a show to represent New Zealand at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan. The ‘Sheep Show’ was such a hit that he decided to create a permanent home for it.

So, partnering with George Harford, Agrodome opened its doors for visitors in 1971. Although created as a tourism initiative, it showcased New Zealand farming lifestyles and was popular with both New Zealanders and international visitors. Godfreys brother Ivan Bowen, who was also an expert shearer, served as the Agrodome's chief showman and the Agrodome Farm Show became renowned the world over, and remains mostly unchanged today. 

In 1983, the sons of the original founders joined the Agrodome team and started the second generation of this family business. Godfrey Bowen and George Harford both passed away in 2006.

The Agrodome has become a big success over the years, with winning the coveted New Zealand Tourism Award for the New Zealand’s Best Visitor Attraction a number of times and has been awarded more than once for outstanding service and contribution to the New Zealand tourism industry.

In 2011, Ngāi Tahu Tourism was welcomed into the Agrodome family by Warren Harford and Paul Bowen, forming a partnership that guaranteed continuing investment and development for the future.

In 2023, at this time fully owned by Ngāi Tahu, National Kiwi Hatchery moved to the new purpose-built facility on the farm. Godfrey & George’s legacy continues at Agrodome with George and Valerie’s grandson and great grandchildren now working in the business.