Ellerslie Racecourse

A colorful and fun place to spend the day or evening when the races are on. Boxing Day and Auckland Cup Week are two of the most popular times of the year when Ellerslie comes alive. From the fascinating fascinator clad females to the moustached and mankerchiefed males; the muscled and snorting steeds to the pint sized jockeys; the free flowing bubbles to the traditional pies and externally contracted Wagyu burgers from caterers such as Bellota and the Grill; there is much to see and do. Dress up to the nines or set a more casual counterpoint to the elegance of the occasion. Ellerslie is not just for the wealthy. Wager wisely and who knows, you could be the winner on the day!

A day at the races is great fun, especially if it’s one of the more prestigious race meetings. Check out what’s coming up on their web page. Boxing Day’s Fashion in the Field is one of the most popular. Some meetings are free, otherwise expect to pay $ 10-​$ 20 entry depending of the day. There are also hospitality options available which get you into private stands or marquees. An enjoyable day out can be had with or without the hospitality option. I like to watch the horses in the parade area before they jockey up and head out to the track, try to keep my bets at an affordable limit and bury my sorrows in bubbly if I don’t have any luck!

Whips and Spurs at the Ellerslie race course would surely have to be one of the best events on Auckland’s social calendar. Usually the day runs a little like this…
11am: The punters arrive. Gorgeous frocks, fascinators perched proudly, suits firmly pressed, high heels aerating the perfectly manicured lawn. Empty race book, $ 100 in your pocket. The cork is popped on the first bottle of Lindauer
3pm: Your horse has come in! Up $ 50, boom. Drinks are going down very nicely in the sun. Great burgers from the complimentary BBQ. Should we have ANOTHER group photo?
9pm: Pockets are empty but who cares, this party is ROCKIN’. Excellent DJ but now my feet hurt… heels are coming off. Fascinators are limp, suits jackets are slung on chairs. Quickly round up friends before they head home with randoms. What a brilliant day, definitely worth the $ 75!

The last time I went to Ellerslie was for Derby Day and it was sadly a bit underpatronised, mostly due to the typical Auckland rain/​shine/​rain/​shine weather pattern. It was still a wonderful day though, with great gallops and some very nice food and drink options (I think we were in the Goldstar bar, but don’t quote me!).
Ellerslie is a lovely track with good stands and a readily accessible walking ring, which is my favourite place to check out horses’ form, leaving plenty of time to get a bet on, without the panic of viewing a horse in the birdcage and then racing to the TAB.
The ticket prices were very reasonable for Derby Day, and the racebooks and other extras were low cost too. I’ll definitely be back again, hopefully on a sunnier day!

Going to the races is something everyone has to do at least once, and you have no excuse if you live in Auckland. It’s fun to get all dressed up, wear a silly hat, bet on some horses and get wasted. Ellerslie Racecourse is the perfect place to do all those things. It can be pretty pricey depending on the event and what part of the racecourse you choose to spend your time. There’s always food stalls, places to buy drinks and of course plenty of areas to place your bets. It’s a great day out when Auckland decides to let the sun shine.

Ellerslie Racecourse is one of the most renowned racetracks in the country, home to some of the New Zealand horse racing industry’s biggest races.
Races held at the course cater for a range of patrons, from serious gamblers to fashionistas.
The various areas all provide different features with general admission tickets providing a relaxed environment, particularly if you are lucky enough to grab a picnic table trackside. The Ascot/​Members Stand provides gamblers with a more efficient day, with television screens and TAB stalls nearby and the carvery proving very satisfying — with its famous ham and slaw roll.
On bigger race days, the infield is home to the more casual race goer, great for a picnic with its BYO license.

Going to the horse races in the summer is such a lovely affair. Its a reason to get all dolled up for a day of wining, dining and gambling. Tickets vary in price depending on what area you choose to reside to. In all areas there will be some form of food stall, betting stand and a place to buy drinks. After a day of betting (and let’s hope you’ve been successful), Cuvee opens to the public at the beginning of the last race. Here they have a DJ or some form of musical entertainment playing for everyone to mix and mingle before heading off home or into town. Some race days they have a public area that is suitable to bring children to see the horses; otherwise it’s not an event to bring children to.
Keep an eye out on the Ellerslie website to see when the next race day is, it’s a fabulous day you wouldn’t want to miss out on.