This table shows the dates and total number of visitors to the major exhibitions held in New Zealand from 1865 to 1940. The numbers show a marked increase in the 20th century by comparison with the previous century. This was partly because the exhibitions began opening in the summer, but also because they became less common and so special promotion went into the few exhibitions that were held. The top exhibition by attendance was the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition held in Dunedin in 1925–26. The Centennial Exhibition in 1939–40 was clearly affected by wartime restrictions.