Your guide to New Zealand’s hottest summer racing events!
Whether it’s the party, the ponies, or the punt that you LOVE – summer racing is for you! Three balmy months and more than 70 electrifying racedays, get set for the ultimate Kiwi summer spent track side. Diaries at the ready, let us introduce to you our premier summer racing events…
Wellington Christmas at the Races, Trentham Racecourse – 4 December
‘Tis the season to go racing! Make it a Christmas party to remember and join Wellington Racing Club for the ultimate days of festivities. Combining fine hospitality, fabulous fashion, and Group 1 racing – Wellington Christmas at the Races has it all.
There will be no general admission at this year’s event. To attend, you’ll need to book a hospitality package (like you needed an excuse to splash out!). Book your spot.
SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup, Te Rapa Racecourse – 11 December
It’s the day that brings all of Waikato out to play, and this year will be no different. Following a Covid enforced hiatus, the crowds will be returning to Te Rapa this summer and the celebration will be BIG. Think festive feasts, party precincts, fashion in the field and some serious black type racing.
This day is a sell out! Don’t go leaving your run too late – secure your Waikato Cup Day tickets.
SkyCity Boxing Day Races, Ellerslie Racecourse – 26 December
A favourite on Aucklander’s social calendars for over 160 years, Boxing Day Races combines everything a great summer raceday should – fashion, entertainment and high-octane thoroughbred racing. Kick back with the kids, party it up in The Paddock or enjoy the finer things in Cuvée. Boxing Day Races is the day for anyone and everyone to enjoy.
Sounds like a bit of you? Get your tickets.
SkyCity New Year’s Day Races, Ellerslie Racecourse – 1 January
Kick off the new year the right way – track side! Pack up a picnic (and nurse a potentially sore head from the night before) on the general admission lawn or spend the first day of 2022 in style in The Turf on Champagne. Racing enthusiasts rejoice, with SEVEN feature races on the 10-race card including the Group 1 Sistema Railway, you’re in for a treat. There’ll be free children’s entertainment and entry for those under 15, so be sure to bring along the next generation to this stunning summer event.
Group 1 Glory Day, Trentham Racecourse – 15 January
Love your racing? Wellington Racing Club’s Group 1 Glory Day is the raceday for you! With not one but two Group 1 races (plus a pretty exciting card of supporting group races), witness some of New Zealand’s most elite thoroughbreds battle it out for ultimate bragging rights. Kicking off the Wellington Cup Carnival, it’s a day to appreciate the timeless class of racing and sophisticated indulgence of Wellington Racing Club’s signature hospitality.
New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million, Ellerslie Racecourse – 22 January
Think fast-paced, high stakes and high energy - Karaka Million has an electric vibe that’s truly like no other event. Kicking off in the late afternoon, kick up your heels in the Garden Party, indulge in the Italian inspired Cavallo Club or sit back and enjoy the afternoon indoors from Silks. Throw a couple of million-dollar races into the mix and you’ve got yourself one of the most exciting nights on the New Zealand racing calendar.
Don’t be the one with FOMO. Secure your Karaka Million tickets.
NZCIS Wellington Cup Day, Trentham Racecourse – 29 January
An iconic summer event for Wellingtonians; Trentham racecourse buzzes from the get-go. With a raft of entertainment (think live music, craft beer village and fashion in the field), stunning hospitality and high-octane racing, there really is no party like Wellington Cup Day.
With early bird ticket prices on offer, grab your tickets sooner rather than later!
Legends Day, Te Rapa Racecourse – 12 February
Sunline, Bonecrusher, Mufhasa – celebrate the legends of the Te Rapa Turf at Legends Day and watch the next chapter of New Zealand racing history be written. With the running or New Zealand’s richest Weight For Age race – the $400,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes - and the BCD Group Sprint, the race card will be star-studded and the action on the track, second to none.
Finish summer on a high, get your Legends Day tickets.
You know the dates – now to get them in the diary! We’ll see you out there.
Check out our full list of summer racing events at summer.loveracing.nz/events.
