Secure your spot at the races

With less than three weeks to go until the Garden City’s biggest event, Cantabrians will be busy shopping for dresses and fascinators, purchasing tickets and rallying friends and family for a fun-filled week.

Punters get a great view from the comfort of the Lindauer Lawn at NZ Cup Day at Addington Raceway.
Christchurch City Council Marketing Manager Richard Stokes says this will be an exciting time for people who have been through a lot over the past six weeks.

“It’s really great that we are nearing such a fun time in Christchurch, especially following recent events which have not been quite so pleasant.

“It has, however, been great to see communities rally together and we hope they’ll continue to come together for more positive reasons during New Zealand Cup and Show Week,” he says.

The country’s premier racing, fashion and agricultural event will kick off on Saturday 6 November with the NZ 2000 Guineas $1 Million Magic.

Punters will get to witness the making of future champion horses as the cream of the crop three-year-olds compete over 2,000 metres at Riccarton Park Racecourse.

Chris Rowe, Sponsorship and Promotions Manager at Riccarton Park, says one of the best places to catch all the action is from a Grand National Lawn Reserved Car Park.

“Racegoers will need to purchase an entrance ticket each and then buy a car park for $100 – but it’s well worth it once you arrive in your premium spot with magnificent views of the track and big screen. It also puts you close to the birdcage and fashion competitions – providing entertainment all day long.

“But probably the best part about this package is you have the option to self cater. While there are alcohol limits in place, people like to purchase these car parks because they can bring their favourite food and drink with them,” he says.

When it comes to finding the right spot at the next big racing event during New Zealand Cup and Show Week, the Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup at Addington on Tuesday 9 November, there is a premium package that ticks all the boxes.

Joanne McMaster, Corporate Sales and Membership Executive at Addington, says the Lindauer Lawn is the perfect place for those wanting to make their Cup Day a little more special.

“As part of the package, you’ll enjoy the new spacious expanded lawn and live entertainment from the Shadow Puppet, as well as get access to the Lindauer Rooftop which provides magnificent views over the entire racecourse – adding even more glamour and excitement to any racegoer’s day.”

The Lindauer Lawn package is $60 and includes admission, access to the lawn and rooftop as well as a complimentary racebook (R18).

According to Rowe, those finishing off the week’s activities at the Christchurch Casino NZ Cup Day at Riccarton Park will be best to grab a table at the Tea House, a historic and unique venue sited in its own private park setting.

“If you get a bit overwhelmed by all the crowds on the big day, then this is the ideal spot to get a breather and relax.

“But it’s still only a short walk to the Grand National Lawn, the Super Screen and Fashion in the Field competition – making it the ultimate place to spend your race day,” he says.

With The Tea House Cup Day Dining Package, punters will be guaranteed a reserved seat; tables of ten are available or, a table can be shared with other guests. The cost is $225 per person, which includes a gourmet BBQ lunch and afternoon tea, a seven hour beverage package (including premium wines and beers), private betting facilities and reserved car parking nearby.

“The count down for NZ Cup and Show Week is well and truly on. So we’d like to encourage all Cantabrians to get into the glamour and fun that comes with the Garden City’s biggest and best event,” says Stokes.