NZ Cup Week in Christchurch: Addington Raceway and Riccarton Park
We wait for it all year – and it’s finally almost here. New Zealand Cup Week in Christchurch brings no shortage of thrill or entertainment, so secure your spot to all the best events now.
Addington Raceway
As the jewel in the crown of Addington Cup Week, IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup Day draws thousands to witness Australasia’s greatest harness race. With electric energy, stunning style, and unmatched excitement, it’s a day that truly stops the city. Whether you’re a passionate racing fan or simply love a great day out, this is about celebration, connection, and making your mark at one of the most iconic events on the Aotearoa New Zealand sporting and social calendar.
Find a wide variety of hospitality options to suit every group and occasion, including packages in the Metropolitan Stand, outdoor precincts, and premium marquees. Choose from shared spaces, private marquees, all-inclusive food and beverage packages, or food-only options with access to bars to purchase drinks. Many of these are sold out already – so be quick to secure one of the limited remaining packages.
Enjoy The Ned Lawn, located on the grass area, popularly known as the Lindauer Lawn, which offers allocated seating, catering throughout the day, and the gorgeous Ned bar to keep you quenched. The Grey Goose Terrace is another exciting addition, featuring an all-inclusive food and beverage package, located in marquees on the IRT Stables rooftop with exceptional views and an exclusive Grey Goose bar serving vodka cocktails. Or, choose the Christian Cullen Lounge, located on the first floor of the Metropolitan Stand, which includes all day catering, allocated seating and direct access to the seating bowl to watch all the races.
Riccarton Park
A Canterbury social highlight, featuring high-class racing, fashion, food, and entertainment across three magnificent days. Don’t miss the opportunity to dress up, dance, and delight at the racing and exciting events.
The Grand Tour brings us one of New Zealand’s most celebrated live acts, dance music duo SACHI live on Saturday 8 November, Barneswood Farm NZ 1000 Guineas Day. Dominating festivals worldwide, SACHI is a spectacular experience, and all you need is a general admission ticket from just $20 to enjoy the performance after the last race.
Limited promenade hospitality tickets are still available throughout the week. Riccarton Park’s most exclusive hospitality offering, this stylish elevated marquee area has fabulous views of the world-class racing, all-inclusive food and beverages, and is the perfect spot for groups (50 per villa) or individuals. Villa options from just $220 per person to host your favourite customers or friends.
Promising another wonderful three days, don’t miss the famous Riccarton Park feature – the car parks with options in both the members and general areas where hosts look to impress. Riccarton Park’s Chris Rowe says “It’s amazing how our Wednesday has become such a magnet for corporates looking to host at a car park, the atmosphere generated is incredible.” He’s gearing up for another week of unbeatable entertainment – are you?
Addington Cup Week at Addington Raceway 11 to 14 November
Get ready for a thrilling week at Addington Raceway, kicking off with the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup Day on Tuesday 11 November. The excitement begins early with gates opening at 11am, giving you a head start to explore the vibrant raceway. Indulge in food and beverage options from 11.30am onwards.
This year, Addington Raceway is excited to introduce a highly anticipated new area. Located in the centre track, The Infield, brought to you by Hyoketsu and The Edge, will be the biggest party on course with DJs playing all day followed by the renowned Savage and Shapeshifter headlining after the last race. The Infield will be the ultimate party destination, delivering an unbeatable vibe for those looking to dance, socialise, and make memories on Cup Day.
The Crossing Cup Day Fashion Competition is the ultimate fashion-forward experience once again – with crowd favourite competitors and a coveted judging panel. Set within Addington’s Public Village, the competition is accessible to everyone on course, regardless of the ticket you hold. So, no excuses – round your lads and ladies up and lock this in your calendar now.
New Zealand Cup Week at Riccarton Park 8, 12, 15 November 2025
The New Zealand Cup at Riccarton Park is fast-paced and fantastic. A stunning venue for it, Riccarton Park invites you to enjoy its open spaces, mature trees, and park-like setting.
All three days provide world-class racing, culminating on the 15 November, with the biggest crowd of the week offering a wonderful finale. Experience New Zealand Cup Day at its best, get your friends together for a day full of fun with the excitement of high-class racing. Look out for the ZM Entertainment Zone on Saturday 15 November at Martin Collins New Zealand Cup and Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 2000 Guineas Day. Get your party on because this space keeps you pumped with DJs Zesty Boi and Jezza returning, food stalls, bars, and full-on action. The Ned Fashion in the Field competitions feature on both Wednesday 12 and Saturday 15 November race days, a must-see for the best in racing fashion. Last year’s winner, Danni Alfeld, went on to secure the title of New Zealand’s most fashionable racegoer at Ellerslie.
You can book a fashion package for 15 November at just $170 per person, so join Fashion in the Field coordinator Zane Tate and his
team for all the fun.
