26 Dec
-
100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland
- 09 524 4069
High-octane racing, hospitality & family entertainment combine to bring you the iconic occasion that is the SkyCity Boxing Day Races.
Ask any Aucklander how they spend Christmas, and chances are they’ll say it’s with the people they “have to” spend it with – but that’s okay, because Boxing Day is when they get to be with the ones they choose at the iconic SkyCity Boxing Day Races.
After a few years on pause, this beloved event is making its much-anticipated return to Ellerslie.
With its signature carnival atmosphere, Ellerslie transforms into a vibrant sea of colour and energy as racegoers celebrate the end of another long year and the excitement of the new one ahead.
Whether you’re looking to kick back and soak up the vibes or join the party, the SkyCity Boxing Day Races are the place to be.
Keep reading to see what’s on offer at this year’s event!
In addition to shared precincts (see ticketing below), private hospitality options are available. Contact us to learn more.
Located in The Infield, little ones will enjoy FREE pony rides, games & activities from the team at Kelly Sports, a mobile barnyard, a bouncy castle, swingball and outdoor games to enjoy (subject to weather conditions).
Plus! Under 15s get free admission into The Infield and General Admission areas on course (no ticket required for them).
The iconic SkyCity Boxing Day Races racewear competition returns in 2024, offering over $8,000 in prizes for the day's best dressed men and women.
AND the Best Dressed Woman and Runner-up will each qualify for a spot in the national racewear final, The Ned Prix de Fashion, on 8 March 2025.
The go-to party hotspot spot for under-30s is back with all-day beats thanks to The Grand Tour, set in an exciting new location on the Barrett Lawn.
DJs including Pixie Lane, Bontempo and Hamish Crocker will be keeping the party going between races all day and, after the last race, anyone with a hospitality ticket is welcome to come join in on the fun in this precinct (entry conditions apply).
Hawaiian Airlines, together with LOVERACING.NZ and the team at Ellerslie are giving racegoers the chance to win a trip to Hawaii!
Simply pick which horse you think will win the day's Group 1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic and if your selection wins the race, you're in the draw.
10 races, headed up by the Group 1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic, are set to entertain on the day with horses and jockeys racing for $1.685 million in stakes.
Raceday carparking is in our Infield Carpark, accessible via 16 Derby Downs Place.
Mobility / accessible parking, drop-offs and foot traffic should enter via 100 Ascot Avenue. All cars entering off this road will need to exit the grounds via Mitchelson Street.
Get $5 off any tanning service at Tan In The City (Ponsonby or Remuera salons).
All you have to do is show your ticket to the team when you arrive for your appointment in salon or add the code ELLERSLIERACES24 when booking your appointment and you’re golden!
Racegoers are encouraged to embrace the summer holiday season and dress in celebration of that.
A dress code applies in most precincts on course with a tidy standard of dress otherwise expected.
As a general rule, we race rain or shine, and only in exceptional circumstances - where the safety of our patrons, horses, and riders is at risk - would an event ever be postponed or cancelled. In that (very rare!) event, we would reach out directly to all ticketholders and post updates here too.
Turn up the raceday volume.
Brought to you in association with The Grand Tour Racing Festival.
A space for those seeking a stylish & lively Boxing Day, Cuvée is one of the most-coveted areas oncourse
Once you arrive at this prime trackside viewing lounge, you won't want to leave
If you’re looking for a fun precinct that’s shared with likeminded people on Boxing Day, there’s nothing quite like the infamous Champagne Lawn
If you require accommodation in Auckland to rest your hooves following a big day trackside, our partner SkyCity Auckland has you covered.
SkyCity Auckland offers a trio of exceptional accommodations that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences with SkyCity Hotel, The Grand by SkyCity, and Horizon by SkyCity.
We’re excited to offer our racegoers an exclusive 20% discount on the standard room rate at these three locations, valid until the end of March 2025.
Simply click the hyperlinks above for the discount to be automatically applied.
