About Ellerslie Racecourse
Ellerslie Racecourse is Auckland’s premier thoroughbred horse racing venue, with a history stretching back to the 1850s. It sits on grounds originally farmed by Robert Graham (first races in 1857) and has been in constant use since the Auckland Racing Club began meetings there in 1874. Today it’s one of two tracks run by Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, serving as a social hub as much as a sports venue. The site is noted for its park-like setting – decorated with flower beds, palm trees and a restored 1913 “Julius” mechanical totalisator machine – giving it a garden-country atmosphere. Architecturally, Ellerslie blends old and new: heritage red-brick stables and the century-old parade ring are paired with modern grandstands and a recently installed state-of-the-art StrathAyr racing surface. Centuries of great horses have raced here (champions like Sunline are immortalised on site), and it hosts major national races. In sum, Ellerslie is unique for its 160+ year heritage, scenic design and status as the heart of Auckland’s racing culture.
Events and Programming
Regular race days: Horse racing is year-round at Ellerslie, with day or evening meetings on weekdays and weekends. Expect typical summer twilight races (late afternoons), mid-week afternoon meetings (often free entry) and headline Saturday fixtures. Events are publicised months ahead, especially on Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s club calendar.Major itinerary dates: Ellerslie is home to several flagship racing festivals. In late January it hosts the TAB Karaka Million series (high-stakes two-year-old races). Early March features Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day (formerly Auckland Cup Day) and the Auckland Cup Week carnival, with the New Zealand Derby and Auckland Cup as headliners. Boxing Day and New Year’s Racedays form the SkyCity Christmas Carnival (floral themes, family fun). The biggest spring event is Melbourne Cup Day (early November) – billed as New Zealand’s largest Melbourne Cup party – featuring fashion parades and full infield picnics. Easter Monday traditionally brings the rich Easter Handicap Day. Each of these special events blends top-tier racing with entertainment (fashion awards, live music after the last race, themed celebrations).Other activities: Beyond racing, Ellerslie’s conference and events center (adjacent to Gate 6) hosts corporate functions, weddings, expos and community events. However, live concerts or sports (outside of racing) are rare at the track itself. Occasionally the parade ring and lawn have seen afternoon concerts or charity gatherings, but the venue’s calendar is dominated by racing and hospitality events.Ticketed performances: Racing programs typically list 6–8 races per meeting, with races roughly every 40–60 minutes. Times vary – gates often open 1–2 hours before the first race (e.g. gates at 11:00am for a 12:00pm start). Pop-up attractions like children’s shows or pony rides sometimes run between races, especially on family-themed days. Ticket prices vary – general admission is often free or low-cost for midweek meetings, while marquee days (Derby/Cup, Melbourne Cup) charge anything from $30 early to $65+ on the day. Hospitality packages (tables, marquees, private lounges) run higher. Advance purchase discounts and membership benefits are common, and there’s usually a small online booking fee.
Tickets and Booking
Where to buy: Tickets are sold through the official Auckland Racing Club channels. The safest route is the club’s own website or in-person at the racecourse box office (opened on race mornings). Because third-party sellers are not mentioned by name, your best bet is to check the official schedule online or ask at the Club’s information desk. Credit cards are accepted; most tickets are issued as e-tickets to scan on entry, but a small number of tickets may be available at the gate on race day if an event isn’t sold out.When to buy: Popular racedays (e.g. Champions Day, Cup Day) often go on sale a few months ahead and can sell out. It’s wise to purchase early online or via phone. Less-attended midweek/weekday events often allow GA entry for free or nominal fee on arrival. Sign up for newsletters or alerts from Auckland Thoroughbred Racing to learn about presales and first-release pricing.Price range: General admission can range from free (many weekday and some GA-only events) to $30–$65 for big days if bought early. Tickets at the door on major race days may be 50–100% higher than advance prices. Seating or hospitality levels cost more – for example, private boxes or lounge packages can exceed $1000 for marquee events. Children typically have reduced pricing or free entry in general areas (official policy may vary by event). Regardless, all prices include GST; a small booking fee (around $2 per ticket) is usually added.Strategies: For the most popular events, buy as soon as they go on sale. Check if “early bird” pricing is offered (sometimes on the first release of GA tickets). If you miss the presale, weekday racing is much easier to access last-minute. Members of the racing club often get first dibs on premium tickets or special areas. There are no officially sanctioned resellers beyond the race club’s channels, so be cautious of any unofficial ticket source.Box office / Will Call: If you paid online, you’ll normally receive an e-ticket; there’s rarely a need to pick up paper tickets. However, a ticket booth is located at the main entrance (near 100 Ascot Avenue) on race days. If you have issues (wrong name, lost e-ticket), the staff there can often resolve it. It’s open from when the gates open until the first race. For hospitality areas, you may also present a membership card or confirmation at dedicated entry points.
Seating and Layout
Track and stands: The venue is an oval turf course just under 1,900m around, run right-handed. There are two main grandstand complexes: the historic Ascot Stand on the home straight (with multiple levels of seating and corporate lounges) and the secondary Ellerslie Stand on the opposite straight. The “Ascot Stand” has both covered seating and open-air balconies – it faces the finish line and houses the TAB Winning Post bar/lounge on its ground floor. The infield (center of the track) is mostly open space and lawns; here you’ll find extensive grassed viewing areas and parking. A connecting pedestrian tunnel runs under the track to get people from infield to the stands.Viewing spots: Picking a “best” spot depends on your preference. If you dress up, seating in the stands or private areas offers comfort and shelter (and great views of finish); sitting horseside on the grass puts you right in the action but exposed. The Ascot Stand’s front rows have the clearest jumbotron and finish-line sight. Many punters love the grass berms near the final bend and home straight to get close to the horses. The public lawns (near the stable yard) and the Inner Rail side often have kids’ activities or live music, so they’re lively. General Admission: Most ticket types give GA access to the infield and perimeter lawns. In GA areas you can lounge or roam freely (some fans bring fold-up chairs or picnic rugs). There is no reserved seating outdoors; first-come seating applies. On big days, the GA lawn by the halfway point and last bend is packed, creating an electric atmosphere. The TAB Winning Post bar (Ascot Stand GF) is open to all GA ticketholders – it offers drinks, TVs and live music on party days.Sections and hospitality: Certain areas require premium tickets: the Ascot Stand’s upper levels, the members-only Ascot Suite, the Barfoot & Thompson Lounge, and similar spaces are for ticket holders or members only. Some events sell specific area tickets (e.g. The Infield precinct ticket for pole position camping, or The Paddock areas on Boxing Day). If you have such a ticket, signage and staff will direct you. All other areas (Member’s Stand, Ellerslie Stand ground floor, etc.) are generally GA or semi-restricted. Regardless of location, good sightlines mean almost every spot can see the racing – there are no drastically “bad” seats like pillars blocking the finish line, though any far corner spot might feel distant.Acoustics and screens: There are multiple large video screens around the track, especially in the Ascot and Ellerslie stands, showing race broadcasts and odds. A public-address system announces pre-race and results in all areas. The crowd noise isn’t overwhelming, but on busy race days the commentator and jockey microphone can be heard clearly via the PA – so you’ll never miss a call. Sound levels are typically moderate. If you sit trackside, there is no amplifying crowd roar like at a stadium, but the excitement is more casual and spread out.
Getting There and Parking
Location: Ellerslie Racecourse is on 100 Ascot Avenue in Remuera, just off the Great South Road/Greenlane intersection (Auckland 1051). Postcode 1051 covers the Ascot Avenue address. It’s about 5km southeast of the CBD. From SH1 southbound, exit at Greenlane. Follow the Ellerslie/Remuera signs: at the roundabout swing right into Greenlane, then right at the next roundabout into Ascot Ave. You’ll see the Novotel and Ascot Hospital landmarks on left/right. Turn right at the next roundabout into Derby Downs Place to enter the parking tunnel as described below.Car and parking: There is ample free parking for racegoers. Do not use Gate 6 (Event Centre) unless you are heading to a function there. Non-member visitors use the Infield Carpark: drive through the tunnel on Derby Downs Place (this runs under the main track) and continue to the large infield lot. Parking is first-come, no reservation, and is free on racedays. Once parked, walk through the same tunnel to reach the Ascot Stand side of the course. If you have a Racecourse membership badge, you may park in the reserved Members’ Carpark accessible via 100 Ascot Avenue (nearest Ascot Stand). Accessible/mobility parking is also at 100 Ascot (next to the main entrance) – anyone needing wheelchair access should use that entrance.Transit: Public transit to Ellerslie is convenient. The closest train station is Greenlane (Southern Line); it’s about a 10-minute walk north via Green Lane. From there, head east along Greenlane Road and turn right onto Acacia Avenue, then continue to Ascot Ave. Several AT Metro buses run nearby: routes along Ellerslie-Panmure (e.g. #70 on Great South Road), Greenlane (e.g. #70, #66), or the Ellerslie West Loop will stop within a few blocks. Check the AT Journey Planner for exact schedule/route on your event day. If using a rideshare or taxi, drop-off is easiest at 100 Ascot Avenue – this leads directly to the main entrance.Rideshare/Taxi: Ellerslie is serviced by Uber/CAB/Local.coop Taxis. Drop-off at the Ascot Ave driveway (outside the main gate) or in the infield if you have infield tickets. Pick-up after races can be busy; it’s wise to pre-book a taxi/ride-share for a set time if you want to leave promptly. For large events, ATR sometimes runs special shuttle buses from the city (e.g. on Melbourne Cup Day), so watch for announcements.Walking/Cycling: If staying locally, it’s walkable. From Ellerslie Village (shops on Great South Road), it’s about 1km along Manukau Rd and Ascot Ave – a 15-minute walk. Secure bike parking is not officially provided on-courses, and cycling paths are minimal, so driving or transit is recommended. Using a ride-share or train keeps you free from parking hassle.
Inside the Venue
Entry and security: Present your tickets (printed or on phone) to gate staff at the Ascot Avenue or infield tunnel entrance. Bags may be subject to a quick scan or check; large suitcases or coolers are discouraged. There is no strict dress requirement, but some hospitality areas do enforce a smart-casual code (no athletic shorts or jandals). ID is checked at full bars and R18 lounges (you must be 18+ to enter the upper TAB Winning Post or alcohol-only zones). Generally, days to the races have a relaxed but friendly atmosphere. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas (as per NZ law).Food and drink: Numerous refreshment stalls and bars operate around the course. Expect kai kart-style offerings (burgers, hot dogs, fish & chips, Thai curries, sushi, hot chips, etc.) and café snacks at fixed concessions. The Newmarket Room (ground floor, Ascot Stand) is a public bistro open in GA areas on major race days – it offers sandwiches, light meals and coffee inside a covered dining room. Beer, wine, and spirits are available at multiple bars in stands and by the Kubota Corral. On big social days there may be craft beer stands or branded bars (e.g. racing sponsors). Credit/debit cards are widely accepted for food/drink, though having some cash is wise as small vendors sometimes take cash only.Merchandise and extras: A souvenir booth usually sits near the main entrance (Ascot Stand) selling official branded merchandise: caps, shirts, race cards, umbrellas and the like. Larger events may feature popup stands for memorabilia and photography. Inside, directional signage will help you find: public restrooms (CleanTrips portable and permanent restrooms by each stand), baby-change facilities (in main stand toilets), and first-aid (look for high-vis staff or ask an attendant). Lost children or items can be reported to any steward or the info desk. There is limited free drinking water – either small water fountains or water bottle refill stations – but you may prefer to bring a refillable bottle (unopened non-alc drinks from outside are permitted on lawns).Connectivity: The venue does not offer public Wi-Fi, but 4G/5G mobile coverage is usually reliable on major NZ carriers. You’ll be able to use racing apps and social media without much trouble, although in a very crowded infield you might notice some lag. There are no official charging stations, so plan accordingly. Television screens around the stands broadcast ongoing race coverage, so even if you’re not right at the rail, you can watch the action in replay.Child amenities: Ellerslie is family-friendly. On many race days the club provides kids’ entertainment: past examples include mini-golf, inflatable bouncy castles, face painting or pony rides on the lawns. These usually happen near the public lawns or the stable end of the track. Young children (and well-behaved teenagers) are welcome throughout; however, children under 5 are not allowed in some bars or R18 zones. There are stroller-friendly pathways in the main concourse areas, though curbs and crowding can make maneuvering tricky. Strollers are generally fine on the grass but don’t block aisles. Consider ear protection for very young kids if you’re in a loud, excited crowd.Atmosphere: The vibe at Ellerslie is often described as a lively outdoor party. Between races you’ll hear music (from pop tunes to live jazz on special days), commentary announcements, and plenty of crowd chatter. Many people picnic on blankets near the track, with catering provided by on-site vendors or brought-in food (see BYO info below). Betting terminals (TAB betting windows) have friendly staff to take tote bets, and you can also bet from most smartphones via licensed apps. Cash is king at the betting booths, so keep small bills ready if you plan to place bets. Drinking is legal from age 18; drink responsibly and be aware bars close after the final race (except private lounges might stay open for a short wrap-up).Rules and policies: The club prohibits outside alcohol (strictly enforced) – only alcohol purchased on site may be consumed. Sealed water bottles and snacks are okay. Illegal items (like weapons or cannabis) and drones are banned. Photography is allowed for personal use (just no professional shoots without permission). Dogs and pets are not permitted (other than service animals). If you’re caught doing something against the rules (intoxication, unsportsmanlike conduct), staff can remove you from the property. On entry, you agree to club terms including image release: photographers and cameras often circulate for promotional shots.
Nearby Amenities
Food and drink before/after: Just a few minutes’ drive or a 10–15 min walk from Ellerslie, you’ll find plenty of eateries. Ellerslie’s main strip on Great South Road has cafes (like Tu Art Kitchen for brunch or local sushi spots), bakeries, and takeaway joints. One popular choice is “The Good Home” pub in Ellerslie, known for beer on tap and gourmet pub food (a local favorite for a pre-race pint). Around Remuera and Greenlane junction you’ll find upmarket dining (e.g. Grien over beer, or Acacia Restaurant steakhouse). Right by the racecourse on Greenlane is a small cluster of food outlets (including Thai and Malaysian cafes) as well as the Novotel hotel’s restaurant which guests can use. If you have time, the Newmarket or Parnell areas (10-15 min drive) offer an even wider range of cuisines.Bars and nightlife: After the races, many Aucklanders continue the party nearby. On race nights, adjacent hotels like Ibis Ellerslie and Novotel have open 24-hr cafes/bars for late refreshments. In Ellerslie village, the Domain Bar (just off Great South Road) and nearby breweries (like a Fulton Bridge brewpub) often welcome race crowds. If you’re staying overnight, consider enjoying a cocktail at the Yasuda Lounge (Novotel) or a drink at the Ramada-Domains’ bar – both are a short walk or drive away.Hotels and accommodation: For out-of-town visitors, several hotels are minutes from the track. Immediately adjacent is the Ibis Auckland Ellerslie (Portage Road), with budget rooms and a 24/7 cafe. Across Greenlane Road sits the Novotel Auckland Ellerslie, which has mid-range rooms and a restaurant (Acacia) noted for Asian fusion dining. A little further out on Great South Road is the Best Western Ellerslie International (with the heritage Acacia Steakhouse). There are also motels and backpacker hostels within 5km (like Kiwi International in Mount Eden). Downtown Auckland is about 10–15 minutes’ drive or a short train ride on event days if you need city-center lodging. Arrival timing: To avoid last-minute crowds, plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before the first race time. Ellerslie neighbors suburbs like Remuera and Ellerslie village, which have limited parking streets, so if you can carpool or use a shuttle/bus it’s easier. If you’re driving, note that the motorway exit (Greenlane) can get busy an hour before big events. On major race days, some attenders even stay overnight in a nearby hotel to simplify logistics.Late-night options: Racedays usually wrap up by early evening (often 5–6pm with end-of-day events like live music). If you need food or transport after the races, Ellerslie Shopping Centre (on Manukau Rd) has a late-night supermarket, dairies and liquor stores. Several bus lines run until late evening on weekdays; the last trains from Greenlane to the city leave around 11pm (check the day’s schedule, as weekend timings differ). For late-night drives, exiting via Viaduct Harbour or joining the Southern Motorway north can avoid local traffic.
What Makes This Venue Special
Ellerslie’s special charm comes from blending history, scenery and community. Its red-brick grandstands and classic parade ring are set amidst lush gardens right in the city, giving it a “garden racecourse” feel unlike any other Auckland sporting arena. The heritage Julius tote building (the world’s first automated betting machine, installed in 1913) has been lovingly restored as a centerpiece. Over the decades Ellerslie hosted royal visitors (Queen Elizabeth II underlined its prestige) and even served as a wartime hospital – touches that give the place a storied aura. Legendary Kiwi horses like Kindergarten, Balmerino, Sunline and Bonecrusher made Ellerslie their proving ground; in fact Sunline is buried there, a draw for fans of racing lore.
On premier race days it exudes pageantry: hats and frocks on one side of the track, laid-back tailgates and lawn picnics on the other. Multitudes of Auckland families see racing holidays here — e.g. Boxing Day break-outs and Cup Day festivities — as ritual. Despite that festival vibe, the facility is thoroughly modern. Its new state-of-the-art StrathAyr track (completed in 2024 after a $50M rebuild) means racing can continue in heavy rain when other courses close, earning Ellerslie a national reputation for reliability. Fans rave about the quick drainage and consistent surface, keeping racing on schedule. All these threads make Ellerslie more than a racecourse; it’s part of the city’s sporting identity. To artists and racegoers alike, it’s famous for having great horses within reach of the crowd, a beautiful parkland atmosphere, and the electric thrill of that final straight under the Dunedin sun.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: If you need accessible parking or ramp entry, use the 100 Ascot Avenue entrance. That way you can park close by and enter level with the Ascot Grandstand. There are designated accessible parking spots and drop-off zones at the Ascot gate. Note: the infield tunnel (via Derby Downs) has stairs, so wheelchairs/scooters should avoid it. Inside, lifts and ramps reach most areas of both grandstands. Accessible toilets are located in the main stands. If you have questions or special needs (e.g., disabilities, prams), contact the race club a few days in advance for guidance.What to bring: Check the weather – Ellerslie is outdoors, so sunhats and sunscreen in summer, or warm rain gear in winter. Bring a refillable water bottle (you may fill it inside) or buy bottled drinks on site – you cannot bring outside alcohol but unopened non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are allowed onto the lawns (www.aucklandracing.co.nz ). Folding picnicking chairs or a small blanket can make lawn-watching comfier (camp chairs with cup-holders are fine on grass, but please move them aside during races). Don’t forget cash for quick betting (there are TAB agencies but lines can form), and any medications/earprotection for kids if you’re sensitive to noise. A small backpack or tote is handy, but oversized luggage is discouraged.What *not* to bring: Absolutely no outside liquor. By the club’s rules, all alcoholic drinks MUST be bought on-course. Illegal items (drugs, weapons, drones) are banned. Simple items like glass bottles (even of soda or juice) and large insulated coolers are often refused at entry. Umbrellas with sharp tips might be disallowed in crowded areas. Pets other than assistance dogs are not permitted. If you’re in doubt about an item, leave it in your car or check with a staff member before entry.Dress code: The infield and general admission areas have no strict dress code – casual attire (shorts, T-shirts, sundresses) is common. However, tidy and presentable clothing is expected (no ripped basketball shorts, ragged clothes). If your ticket includes a hospitality or members area, smart casual is required: for example collared shirts, smart jeans or dresses are fine but avoid sports jerseys or beachwear. On glamour days (like Melbourne Cup), you’ll see many men in suits and women in fancy hats, but it’s not enforced. The Inverness check rule: always have a spare tie or fascinator if you want last-minute photo ops!Age restrictions: Parents and families are welcome in public areas. General and infield admission are all-ages. The main restriction is in the TAB Winning Post bar/club on Ascot Stand’s ground level – it’s an 18+ zone (exceptions: children under 3 are sometimes allowed if accompanied). All other open areas including lawns and stands do not have a minimum age. Groups bringing minors should ensure constant supervision. On big race days, be aware the bars close by mid-afternoon or early evening, so plan a safe way home for kids before it gets late.Timing: Plan to arrive early – at least 30–45 minutes before the first race, especially for big events or if you need parking. Gates often open 60–90 minutes ahead of racing. Arriving early lets you find a good viewing spot, place first bets, and soak up the atmosphere (many punters hold sweepstakes or do a light picnic beforehand). After the last race, venues clear quickly – if you’re driving, note that the underpass and exit roads (Ascot/Mitchelson roads) can back up, but the layout efficiently guides most cars out onto the motorway or local streets.Prohibited items: See above, but highlights: no weapons or pyrotechnics; no drones; usually no fruit peel thrown on lawns (use bins). Glass containers of any kind (even empty) are not allowed in. Smoking must be done outside and well clear of entrances (there are bin areas marked “Smoking Area” a short distance from stand exits). Photography is allowed for personal use only – filming for commercial or social media streaming may require permission. Keep an eye on your belongings, as large crowds mean lost items do happen.Insider tips: On milder days, the stable yard area (north end of the course) is open to GA ticketholders. You can walk the perimeter path behind the stables to get a close-up view of the horses before they parade – it’s a great photo op with the old-style stables as backdrop.
If it rains, the new track drains extremely well and racing usually goes on as scheduled; bring a rain cover just in case but don’t expect cancellations unless a severe storm hits NZ.
For betting newcomers: start small and ask an experienced punter for help. Racedays are social, so don’t hesitate to smile and make friends; it’s a very friendly scene.
Last tip – on a sunny day midfield, the shade can be limited out of the stands, so pick a spot under the grandstand overhang if you burn easily.Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t try to park on local residential streets near Ascot or restrict access – council patrols those. Remember horses run regardless of weather unless cancelled; check ATR’s site for any last-minute status. If you buy general admission, know your exact entrance (Ascot vs Derby Downs) because they lead to different sections. Finally, avoid crossing the track – use the tunnel or walk around to get from one side to the other. The racecourse is large, so walking distances within it (e.g. from lawn to Ascot Stand) can be longer than they appear on a map; wear comfortable shoes.Accessibility Services: The race club is very accommodating. If you have a mobility/passport permit, you can park at Ascot Avenue and use dedicated lifts. The Ascot Stand concourse and most public paths are wheelchair-friendly. Service animals are permitted everywhere except food prep areas. For hearing or visual assistance, bring your own gear – there is no hearing loop system. Staff and volunteers are generally happy to assist elderly or disabled guests, so feel free to ask. Disabled toilets and ramps are clearly marked in all stands.Weather contingency: Racing goes on rain or shine; the new track was built specifically to handle heavy downpours. Nonetheless, a heavy storm might delay racing start or evacuate parts of the crowd briefly if lighting is severe. In a pinch, the covered stands will keep you dry, but GA lawns have little cover – an inexpensive poncho or umbrella (point down while races are running) can be handy. Always check the forecast, as Auckland weather is famously changeable.
What is the address of Ellerslie Racecourse?
The main entrance is at 100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland 1051. For navigation, use Ascot Ave just off Greenlane/Great South Road. Parking entrance (Derby Downs Place underpass) is nearby. The address 100 Ascot Ave will get you to the gate.
Is parking available, and is it free?
Yes – there’s large free parking on racedays. Non-members park in the infield via Derby Downs Place (go through the tunnel under the track). Members have a separate Ascot Ave carpark. Parking is first-come anywhere in those areas. Just follow signage and staff directions once on-site.
Can I reach Ellerslie Racecourse by train or bus?
Absolutely. The nearest train station is Greenlane (Southern Line). It’s about a 10-minute walk north along Greenlane Road and Acacia Avenue to Ascot Ave. Several Auckland bus routes stop nearby on Great South Road and Greenlane. For planning, use the Auckland AT Journey Planner and enter “Ellerslie Racecourse” as your destination. Taxis, Uber or local wheelchair-accessible shuttle services also operate to drop-off points at Ascot Avenue.
Where are the best viewing spots at Ellerslie?
The choice depends on your style. For seating and screens, the front rows of the Ascot Stand (near the finish line) are excellent. For grassside excitement, the public lawns at the winning post or along the final bend give an up-close feel. The general admission lawns allow you trackside views (low back chairs are popular). If you want full shade, sit under the covered Ascot Stand. Every location has a decent sightline, so even standing on the grass or the second level of the stand will put you close to the action.
Is there a dress code at Ellerslie Racecourse?
For general admission (infield, lawns, public stands) there is no strict dress code – casual wear like shorts and sandals is fine. However, “tidy casual” is expected. In hospitality areas (private suites, marquees, the TAB Winning Post lounge), smart-casual is usually required (no sports shorts, collarless shirts or flip-flops). Many men wear shirts/slacks and women often wear dresses on major race days. Fancy hats are a tradition but not mandatory unless you fancy it. Check your ticket area: if it’s a named room or marquee, follow the issued dress guidelines for that zone.
Can I bring food or drinks into Ellerslie?
You may bring picnic food and unopened non-alcoholic beverages into the public lawn/general admission areas. Folding chairs and rugs are allowed too. However, outside alcohol is prohibited. All bars and drink stalls sell beverages (with free water refill spots). In short: pack sandwiches and water if you like, but purchase any alcoholic drinks on site.
Is Ellerslie Racecourse wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue accommodates wheelchairs. Accessible parking is available at 100 Ascot Avenue. Enter there and you’ll find ramps and elevators to reach the grandstands. The Ascot Stand’s ground levels and concourses are step-free. Accessible restrooms are located in the main stands. The infield tunnel has steps, so if you need a fist-by entrance, use Ascot Ave. For special arrangements, contacting the club a few days in advance is recommended.
What are the ticket prices and where can I buy them?
Ticket prices vary by event: midweek races often have free or very low-cost entry, while big events range roughly $30–$65 for general admission (early-bird vs day-of rates). Hospitality packages cost more. The assured way to buy is via the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) official channels – their website or box office. Avoid unverified sellers. Keep in mind there’s usually a small booking fee per ticket.
Can I smoke at Ellerslie Racecourse?
Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. You cannot smoke inside the stands, lounges or near building entrances. Look for marked “Smoking Area” signs; these are typically a short distance outside the grandstands. New Zealand law prohibits smoking in crowded or enclosed public places, so always step away from the flow of people if you need to smoke.
Are children allowed at Ellerslie Racecourse?
Children are welcome in the public areas of Ellerslie. The infield picnic zones and most stands have no age limits. There are often special kids’ activities on family days (face painting, games). The only strict age restriction is in certain adult-only areas: the upper TAB Winning Post bar and some private hospitality suites are 18+. Otherwise, kids can go anywhere else. All minors must be accompanied by an adult, and usual race day rules (like not running on verandas or crossing tracks) apply.
What happens if it rains at Ellerslie?
Very little – Ellerslie rarely cancels races due to rain. In fact, its new StrathAyr track is engineered to handle downpours excellently. Racing almost always proceeds as scheduled, so come prepared with rain gear (ponchos, windproof layers). The grandstand provides plenty of shelter from rain, and most guests simply move under cover. Only if extremely severe weather (thunder/lightning) would the program be delayed. Check race updates if a storm front is nearby, but in most cases you’ll still enjoy the races in a drizzle.
How can I best enjoy the Ellerslie race day experience?
To make the most of your visit: arrive early to explore and grab a prime viewing spot or picnic area. Bring cash for quick betting and small vendor purchases. Participate in the fashion or cheering contests (more fun!). Follow the official program (free with your ticket) to know each race and any special attractions. Familiarize yourself with customary terms (e.g. “quinella/minius” bets) if new to racing. Most importantly, mingle – Kiwis are friendly at the races. And always leave a bit of time after the last race just to enjoy the atmosphere and maybe catch a final band or fireworks if it’s a major event.
