What gets irrigated?
Irrigation helps a range of land uses in New Zealand. This includes dairy, sheep and beef, arable (crops), vegetables, fruit production and wine.
- Watch this Irrigation NZ video about what irrigation helps to grow in New Zealand - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRmLSNsK9QU
Where does irrigation happen?
The east coast of New Zealand gets lower rainfall than the rest of New Zealand and regularly suffers drought. The main irrigation areas in New Zealand include the eastern parts of Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago.
About 65% of irrigation in New Zealand takes place in Canterbury. More than 3/4 of farms in this area rely on access to water for irrigation.
- Ready for a quiz? Try the Irrigation in New Zealand activity.
