He’s starred in BAFTA-winning series, conquered global screens, and made mischief in 170+ countries – and this year, Shaun the Sheep is celebrating a special milestone in his most down-to-earth home: Rotorua’s iconic Agrodome.
Agrodome has been Shaun’s official New Zealand home since 2022, thanks to a partnership with global animation studio Aardman. It’s a perfect match: both Shaun and Agrodome are icons of rural life – one on screen, the other in real life.
Set on a 350-acre working farm just 10 minutes from Rotorua’s city centre, Agrodome has been giving visitors an authentic taste of Kiwi agriculture for over 40 years, making it the perfect base for Shaun’s adventures in Aotearoa.
To mark 30 years since Shaun first trotted onto screens in the 1995 Wallace & Gromit classic A Close Shave, Agrodome – one of New Zealand’s most beloved tourism experiences – is throwing a year-long celebration filled with woolly antics, interactive AR trails, cheeky sleepovers and farmyard fun for the whole family.
Visitors can meet Shaun and the rest of the Flock in the heart of Rotorua.
From July through to the summer school holidays, families can enjoy a packed schedule of Shaun-themed fun:
Fun with the Flock AR Trail: Meet Shaun the Sheep, Bitzer and the Flock. Gather your flock to follow the Shaun the Sheep Fun with the Flock trail, spot the markers, and help Bitzer complete his checklist of fun activities, and find the Flock on the way!
Shaun the Sheep Teddy Bear Sleepover: Over 5th and 6th July, send your favourite teddy for a fun-filled sleepover at the Agrodome with Shaun the Sheep! Pick them up the next day and see what mischief they got up to in a special photo set.
Championsheeps Live: Get ready for quirky, and interactive school holiday fun with Shaun and friends – running from September 20 to October 5. Join in hilarious games like Cabbage Keepie Uppie and Shirley’s Pie-athlon, with Shaun and Bitzer making special appearances. The games will be held every day of Spring School Holidays & every school holidays thereafter.
Celebration Party: Join us on 9th November for a fun- filled day featuring a big birthday cake, face painting, Shaun themed snacks and mini-tours with Shaun and Bitzer.
“Shaun is more than just a cartoon – he’s a global symbol of rural life, curiosity and cheeky fun. We’re proud to be his New Zealand home and thrilled to share his 30th anniversary with Kiwi families and visitors from around the world,” said Agrodome Business Manager, Shelley Burnett.
“Whether you’re three or 93, there’s something magical about meeting Shaun against the backdrop of a real working farm. We’re excited to see families come through the gates, meet Shaun, snap some pics and enjoy all the farmyard fun that comes with him.”
As domestic travel rebounds and families look for unique, memory-making experiences, Agrodome’s Shaun the Sheep celebration is poised to be a highlight of the 2025 calendar, combining nostalgia, rural storytelling, and hands-on fun in the heart of the North Island.
Of course, no visit is complete without catching the legendary Agrodome Farm Show and Farm Tour, where kids can see sheep shearing, working dogs in action, and cuddle baby animals – all part of the magic that’s made Agrodome a Rotorua icon for over 40 years.
