Tourism is back with strong support from the domestic market as hundreds of visitors flocked to the Agrodome last weekend.

More than 1,500 people flooded the gates for Locals Day on Sunday with the Agrodome selling out its 550-seat farm show for the first time ever post Covid-19.

"It's really heartening seeing so many visitors back at the Agrodome enjoying everything the park has to offer and we look forward welcoming many more guests back over the upcoming summer holidays," says Ngāi Tahu Tourism, General Manager of Tourism Jolanda Cave.

The Agrodome, which is owned by Ngāi Tahu Tourism, is an icon of New Zealand tourism. The working farm is located on the outskirts of Rotorua and offers an interactive farm experience; with a nursery of baby animals, farm tours, shearing shows, adventure playground and a cafe. It's been offering Kiwis and overseas tourists an authentic ‘hands on' experiential farm experience for 40 years.

Movie and TV star Shaun the Sheep and his sidekick Bitzer the Dog welcoming visitors to the Agrodome. Photo: Dom Thomas.

In tandem with its post Covid-19 reopening Agrodome welcomed their famous new attraction, movie and TV star Shaun the Sheep and his sidekick Bitzer the Dog.

'You'll get to meet Shaun, watch episodes of Shaun the Sheep in the dome and take home your own Shaun from the souvenir shop," says Agrodome Business Manager Shelley Burnett says. "And there will be even more Shaun adventures and antics next year.

'Shaun and Bitzer are an exciting addition to the fun at the Agrodome and I'm sure they will bring lots of smiles to everyone's faces.”

Ever since hitting the screen back in 1995's Wallace and Gromit short 'A Close Shave', Shaun's been a valued part of his Aardman creator family, stealing the hearts of everyone he meets.

For more information about the Agrodome click here.

Getting up close with sheep at Rotorua's Agrodome. Photo: Dom Thomas.