Mr Barker and his family have been in the Maniototo for the past four days, visiting friends and family.
Mrs Barker was born in Ranfurly and attended primary school in the small rural town before transferring to Dunedin.
She and Mr Barker made the most of Ranfurly's warm weather to take their three daughters, Mia (3), Livvy (17 months) and Isla (3 months), to the show.
While soaking up the sights and sounds, Mrs Barker said it had been a long time since she attended the show, which she loved attending as a child.
"You take so much for granted growing up here . . . we don't get days like this in Auckland," she said.
As guest of honour, Mr Barker judged various competitions, including the pet parade, and led the grand parade around Ranfurly's showgrounds from 2.30pm.
The Barkers will travel back to Auckland today, before a three-month stint in Spain, where they will live while Mr Barker races yachts offshore.
Hundreds of people took in the sights, smells, and sounds of the show.
Entries across all categories were high this year, making for great competition and viewing.
More than 850 entries were received in total.
As usual, horses and sheep proved a mainstay of the show, along with rural trade merchandise and machinery.
Stalls selling food, craft, art, and toys lined the Ranfurly showgrounds and there was live entertainment.
A Highland pipe band made its way around showgrounds in the grand parade, followed by vintage tractors, cars, and the prize horses.
Indoors, home industry displays were layed out, as was fleece to be judged.
The show provided businesses and organisations extensive public exposure.
Results will follow.
