Fire fighters quickly controlled a fire at the Alpine Spas stand.
Fieldays’ record crowds came with a catch – getting in from the north felt less like a drive and more like joining a very patient convoy.
A few nose‑to‑tail mishaps added to the crawl, turning the approach into a full-length farm parade.
The Fieldays vehicle queue from the north was more than a kilometre long. Photo: Roy Pilott
The Fieldays vehicle queue from the north to the Tamahere turnoff was more than a kilometre long. Photo: Roy Pilott
Inside the gates, success brought its own drama. Cleaners barely turned their backs before toilet facilities descended into chaos, proving that crowds and cleanliness have a complicated relationship.
Cambridge News 18 June 2026
Long queues and maintenance issues were among the most frequent complaints, and improvements will include more facilities and upgrades to existing blocks.
“Toilets were a challenge,” Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos said.
“That’s a classic sign of success. We need to invest more in facilities and keep lifting standards.”
Traffic management also came under scrutiny. While some routes worked well, including shuttle services from Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Hamilton, others were slower to clear.
Safety systems were tested in a minor fire at an exhibitor site on closing day, which Lindroos said demonstrated the team’s preparedness with a quick and controlled response.
.. and while sales were excellent, it took a long time to spend a penny. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Fire fighters quickly controlled a fire at the Alpine Spas stand. Photo: Supplied