Clydesdale trio causing a stir (+video)

Agrodome's new addition of three Clydesdale horses have now arrived and are already causing a stir.

The trio arrived on Tuesday and Agrodome operations manager Steve Whyte said they had settled in really well and there had been heaps of interest.

Ngai Tahu Tourism North Island general manager Fraser Leddie said they had caused a bit of a stir, which had "been fantastic".

Mr Leddie said the Clydesdales would be pulling a wagon which Agrodome visitors would be able to sit in.

However the wagon would not be used for a couple months as the staff would have to be trained in using it and because of health and safety requirements, he said.

Agrodome operations manager Steve Whyte with their three new Clydesdale horses. Photo / Stephen Parker

The horses - Jon Boy, Cid and Egon - have starred in movies such as The Hobbit and Xena: Warrior Princess.

Mr Leddie said the trio was used to working with people and tourists, and they "thought it was a great opportunity to bring them here".

"It's a life they are used to and enjoy."

When the horses' owner, Dan Dufty, died his daughters wanted these three to stay together, he said.

They have never lived apart and have the same father.

"They are really very, very friendly."

Ideas for the trio in the future at Agrodome included showing ploughing and wedding photo opportunities, Mr Leddie said.

Agrodome business manager Dominik Strobel said the biggest thing they noticed was that as soon as they were put together when they arrived, the whole afternoon they would "just hang together".

They were never apart and always as a trio everywhere, he said. Mr Strobel said that everyone was really excited about the new arrivals and a lot of the staff had come down to see the horses as they arrived.