Three spectacular racedays, world-class racing, fabulous fashion, exceptional hospitality and entertainment to match – New Zealand Cup Week is returning to Riccarton Park this November, and there's something for everyone to enjoy!

One of the most anticipated events on Canterbury's social calendar, New Zealand Cup Week brings together the very best of thoroughbred racing, fashion, food, entertainment and good times across three unforgettable days on Saturday 7, Wednesday 11 and Saturday 14 November.

Whether you're a passionate racing fan, a fashion enthusiast, looking to celebrate with friends or simply after a fantastic day out, Riccarton Park is the place to be this spring. So, gather your friends, plan your outfits and get ready to experience everything New Zealand Cup Week has to offer!

Barneswood Farm NZ 1000 Guineas Day – Saturday 7 November

New Zealand Cup Week kicks off in style with Barneswood Farm NZ 1000 Guineas Day, setting the scene for an incredible week of racing and entertainment.

The opening day features some of the country's most exciting three-year-old fillies competing for Gr.1 glory in the Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas, alongside a quality supporting programme of black-type racing. Approaching the 54^th edition, the 1600m feature brings together an outstanding field of emerging talent, all vying for their place in racing history. With reputations on the line and the chance to join an illustrious honour roll of past winners including Seachange, Legarto, Katie Lee, Daffodil, Tycoon Lil and more recently Well Written, the stage is set for a spectacular contest.

Alongside all the racing action, the southern hospitality that Canterbury is so well known for will be on full display, with a fantastic range of hospitality options to suit every occasion. Whether you're looking to enjoy a premium raceday experience with exceptional food and refreshments, celebrate with friends in a lively social setting or simply soak up the atmosphere trackside, there's something for everyone at Riccarton Park.

From stylish hospitality spaces to relaxed outdoor areas, racegoers can enjoy the perfect blend of great company, delicious food and drinks, and an unbeatable raceday atmosphere. With tickets flying out the door and hospitality spaces filling up fast, now is the time to secure your spot and make sure you don't miss out!

As the final horses cross the finish line, the celebrations are only just getting started, the After The Last Afterparty will keep the good times rolling with DJ Sean Hill and local favourites Rollestxn Ave bringing the beats for an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment.

Barneswood Farm NZ 1000 Guineas Day is the perfect way to kick off New Zealand Cup Week, so gather your friends, lock in your plans and secure your tickets now to ensure you don't miss out on all the action!

Purchase your tickets here. 

2026 Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner, Well Written.  Photo credit: Race Images South

TAB Mile Day – Wednesday 11 November

The excitement continues on Wednesday 11 November as TAB Mile Day takes centre stage at Riccarton Park, bringing another fantastic day of racing, hospitality and entertainment to the heart of New Zealand Cup Week.

A highlight of the midweek programme is the Gr.3 TAB Mile, where a competitive field of talented thoroughbreds will battle it out over 1600m for one of the coveted titles of Cup Week. With a quality supporting programme of racing, there's plenty to keep racing enthusiasts on the edge of their seats throughout the afternoon.

Offering a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the weekend celebrations, it's the perfect opportunity to escape the usual midweek routine, gather your friends or colleagues and enjoy an afternoon of fantastic racing, delicious food and refreshments, and great company. With several hospitality spaces already sold out and others filling up fast, now is the time to round up your friends, lock in your plans and secure your spot before it's too late!

For all you fashionistas out there, the highly coveted heats for The Ned Fashion in the Field take place, bringing together some of the most stylish racegoers to showcase their finest raceday looks and compete for a spot in Saturday’s finals.

Whether you're entertaining clients, celebrating with workmates or simply looking for an excuse to enjoy a day out in the Canterbury sunshine, Riccarton Park offers a range of hospitality experiences to make the occasion even more memorable.

Purchase your tickets here. 

 

TAB Mile Day. Photo credit: Stride Media

Martin Collins New Zealand Cup Day – Saturday 14 November

The grand finale to an unforgettable week of racing, fashion and entertainment, Martin Collins New Zealand Cup Day on Saturday 14 November promises to bring the week to a spectacular close! Attracting sell out crowds year after year, this is one event you don’t want to miss!

Headlined by both the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 54^th New Zealand 2000 Guineas and the Gr.3 Martin Collins 163^rd New Zealand Cup, the day promises an outstanding showcase of thoroughbred racing. With some of the country’s finest equine talent competing for their shot at glory, witnessing these prestigious races unfold in person is a bucket-list experience for any racing enthusiast.

From the emerging stars of the three-year-old ranks battling it out over 1600m to the seasoned stayers tackling the ultimate test of stamina over 3200m, racegoers can expect an unforgettable day of top-class racing action.

Of course, New Zealand Cup Day wouldn't be complete without the glamour and excitement of raceday fashion! The Ned Fashion in the Field reaches its highly anticipated conclusion, with the most stylish racegoers stepping into the spotlight to compete for their spot in The Ned Prix de Fashion final at Ellerslie Racecourse on Champions Day.

Beyond the racing and fashion, New Zealand Cup Day is renowned for its incredible atmosphere and exceptional hospitality. With tickets selling fast and hospitality spaces filling quickly, now is the time to secure your spot and experience one of Canterbury's biggest social occasions in style. Whether you're looking to indulge in a premium hospitality experience, celebrate with friends or soak up the electric atmosphere trackside, there's something to suit everyone!

Gather your friends, plan your outfits and secure your spot for an unforgettable Martin Collins New Zealand Cup Day!

Purchase your tickets here. 

Martin Collins New Zealand Cup Day. Photo credit: Nicole Troost