Waikato Home and Garden Show opened today with plenty of positivity and promise from exhibitors and show visitors.

Exhibitors have commented on how many people are out and about on the first day of the show compared to previous years. 

Callum Lockington is Brand Development Manager for Robomate, a New Zealand home robotics company specialising in robotic lawn mowers and automation solutions. This is the company's third year exhibiting at the Waikato Home & Garden Show, and he says there has been a steady flow of visitors and enquiries.

“I was surprised coming in the parking lot how busy it was. We’ve had good interest and good quality leads too,” he says.

“People know our products and what they do now. They’re asking more complex, intelligent questions.” 

Robin Nitschke from For the Love of Tams says the Northland tamarillo chutney business has built a strong following in the Waikato. He was pleased to see loyal customers returning to the show, along with referrals from existing customers and plenty of new people keen to try the products for the first time.

"We've had a very good show this morning. It's a good indication that it’s going to be a good show."

The Waikato Home & Garden Show at Claudelands Events Centre brings four days of home inspiration, practical advice, family-friendly activities and more than 300 exhibitors under one roof. 

Alongside returning favourites like the Landscape Design Awards and Artisan Food Village, this year visitors can also leave with a second-hand bargain, a styling trick from a Block judge, and some nicely tired kids!

Here are five reasons this year's show is worth carving out a day for.

1. Patch it, fix it, then go bargain hunting

If your home could use some TLC, Habitat for Humanity's Home Maintenance Workshops will show you how, with sessions on stopping draughts, patching walls, fixing a leaky tap and sealing gutters, led by Habitat builder Dwayne McMenamin. There is even a session on turning old t-shirts into garden twine! Wander to the Pop-Up Op Shop for pre-loved furniture and clothing, décor and garden finds worth stopping for, with every purchase going straight back into Habitat's local housing work.

2. Wander the Landscape Design Awards

One of the show's biggest drawcards returns, with four landscapers transforming blank sites into fully realised gardens over the four days with a theme of ‘Gardens of the future’. Take in the different approaches to sustainable planting and outdoor living, then cast your vote for your favourite.

3. Keep them busy, keep the peace

It is school holidays, and the Kids' Zone and the Kip McGrath Little Explorers Treasure Hunt are there to buy mum and dad a bit of peace and quiet while the kids hunt for clues and burn off energy on the games and activities. Plus kids 16 and under are free!

4. Steal a few tricks from a Block judge

The show's new headline feature ‘The Style Stage’ sees a blank bedroom styled live each day, with Shaynna Blaze of The Block Australia, Auckland's Evie Kemp and Waikato's own Kerryn Elwin each taking a turn. Free with entry, it is the chance to pick up real styling tips, from layout to layering, that you can put to use in your own home the same weekend.

5. Shop small, taste even bigger

From boutique spirits to handmade fudge and gourmet cheese, the Artisan Food Village is where you go to shop small and eat well. Expect new flavours from returning favourites alongside artisan producers you may not have discovered yet.

The Waikato Home & Garden Show runs from 1 to 4 October at Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton. Tickets are on sale now. 

The Waikato Home & Garden Show

Thursday 1st October 10am - 5pm

Friday 2nd October 10am - 5pm

Saturday 3rd October 10am - 5pm

Sunday 4th October 10am - 4pm

Where: Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton