Come kick up your heels at Auckland’s racecourses this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Ellerslie, Alexandra Park and Avondale have fun for everyone. Avondale’s New Year’s Day Market is family-friendly. For those who want to party, head to Ellerslie Racecourse or Alexandra Park Raceway. Alex Park will also have a kid-friendly programme for the day.
For those who can’t make it in-person on the day, online sports betting is still available! For betting on the horses in New Zealand sometimes online is simply the best way to go!
Avondale Racecourse
Though races are postponed until February, Avondale still has their weekly market that is on come rain, hail or shine. For those abstaining from alcohol (and its deleterious next-day symptoms!) on New Year’s Eve, you’ll be happy to know that the markets are open on New Year’s Day from 5 am .
What’s at the Markets?
From bric-a-brac and Garage Sale style items to high-end bakery goods and hot meals, there’s something for everyone. Live entertainment and busking can amuse the little kids as they munch on a cake. While Mum and Day can stock up on fresh seafood, fruit and veg for the household and plan their New Year in a lovely, peaceful but stimulating environment.
Parking is only $3.
Why are the Avondale Races not Running?
The TAB revoked Avondale Jockey Club’s licenses following damage to the racetrack’s turf in September. Safe conditions couldn’t be guaranteed and there was no Track Manager to help the shorter races run smoothly and be able to work around the damaged areas. Avondale’s President has the scoop and explains the real backstory of the controversy between the racecourse and its governing body, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) around the no-racing edict.
Ellerslie Racecourse and Pukekohe Park
While Ellerslie fans will need to wait until mid-January for Summer Raceday, their sister track, Pukekohe Park, is hosting both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day thoroughbred races. For the first time ever, Pukekohe is taking over the New Year’s Day Races from Ellerslie.
Pukekohe Park is a 40-minute drive, south of Auckland. It’s a well-known and well-loved day trip for locals. There are ten races on the cards, with lots of Black-type races. The Grandstand opens at 11 am and the first race will begin at 12:10 pm.
The New Year’s Day Races are part of the Grand Tour Racing Festival. Patrons are encouraged to find The Grand Tour Bar when they arrive oncourse. General admission is free but if you want to have a fancy day out, “The Lunch” is $140 per head (club member discounts can be applied).
If you need Hair of the Dog after a big New Year’s Eve party session, the package includes a free drink on arrival and a cash bar that features French Champagne, and premium local and imported wine, beer and spirits (as well as non-alcoholic drinks).
The package also includes:
- Premium buffet lunch, including afternoon tea and a cheeseboard
- Pre-allocated, reserved seat at a table of 10
- Level 1 admission
- Complimentary racebook and access to betting facilities within The Lunch precinct
- A dedicated outdoor area
- Live racing coverage broadcasted
Alexandra Park Raceway
The NYE 2023 Event at Alexandra Park has loads of kid-friendly activities like Kidz Kartz, roving entertainment and hands-on interactive activities. There’s also fun for the big kids later on in the day with Twilight Racing and dining experiences.
Both the Lyell Lounge and the Tasman Room will offer premium viewing and dining experiences. The Tasman will open at 5:30 pm and the Lyell from 3:30 pm.
The DJ and cash bar begin after the final race of the day in the Tasman Room. It will be open to the public until 12:30 am, after the big Midnight Countdown.
The TAB will be oncourse and open for all the races.
For those wishing to support the horse racing industry in Auckland this New Year, you will not be disappointed with the offerings available.
