Fieldays 2019 in July was definitely my best experience of this iconic event, with quick access, even on the busiest day, Saturday, even quicker departure, and lots and lots of toilets in evidence!
After 12 years of attending Fieldays, I was finally able to really enjoy it without worrying about anything, and the addition of electronic paperless ticketing and a free download online app to the mix made it easy to get in, and even easier to find the car when we were ready to go home.
However, there was a bit of a hiccup when it came to using the online search facility in the app, but this could be easily fixed – my take was that the server used was either not big enough, or was located offshore, resulting in latency or even an inability to produce a result. But as a first time, it did most of the job.
All that said, we did manage to find our way around, with another app informing that we had walked more than 8km during the day!
There was lots to see as usual, but one thing that stuck out was the large number of rooftop tents on display, on utes, SUVs, and on trailers.
From many years I have wondered why these were not more popular in New Zealand, because they’re so handy to use, with the bed already made up, and they keep you well off the ground for both privacy and some semblance of security, as well as ensuring you don’t get a wet bed if you don’t choose the right spot and
it rains.
I had one in my previous life in Africa more than 20 years ago, and wouldn’t camp any other way. But, then, you don’t find marauding lions, hyenas, or baboons invading the native bush in NZ!
One of the reasons I think they have been “discovered” here is that there are now so many different versions available, plus there has been a steady switch in four-wheel driving away from the rough, tough and muddy into using the 4x4, even if it’s a “softroader” SUV, to improve lifestyle. Using a 4x4 ute or SUV you can still get to many places which are off the beaten track, without necessarily requiring a heavily raised suspension and mud
plug tyres.
Anyway, we weren’t the only people who enjoyed the final day at Fieldays this year – official figures showed another 31, 308 went through the gates, and 128,747 over the whole four-day event – not far off the previous record of 133,000.
Feedback from exhibitors has been positive, with many commenting on improvements to the site’s layout.
Sales figures, as well as the overall economic impact of the event, will be available later in the year.
