Swap the barstool for the grandstand: Why Ellerslie is the ultimate spot for Melbourne Cup Day celebrations

Let’s be honest – when Melbourne Cup Day rolls around, Auckland’s bars and restaurants are buzzing. But if you really want to level up your experience this year, Ellerslie is where it’s at. We’ve got something the others simply can’t compete with – real horse racing. Yes, actual thundering hooves and heart-racing action, right here on our legendary track.

We’ve rounded up six reasons why you should swap the bar stool for the grandstand:

1. It’s legit horse power

At Ellerslie you’re going to feel the ground shake as horses fly past you. At a bar, the only thing that’s going to shake is a bartender making his 100^th cocktail, which, if you’re in the right precinct at Ellerslie, you can get anyway.

You’re overlooking the racetrack, shoulder-to-shoulder with your mates, looking glamorous and feeling fabulous. Horses thunder out of the starting line and the crowd erupts. There’s nothing quite like a day at Ellerslie.

2. Dress to impress IRL

Sure, you can get dressed up for a bar event, but at Ellerslie, you’re stepping into the fashion spotlight.

There’s something about being at an actual event (and not your usual Saturday lunch spot) that really makes those ‘gram shots stand out.

PLUS we have your chance to win in our ‘Melbourne Cup Day Style Stakes’ if our judges think your look is a show-stopper fit to turn heads.

So go ahead, bring your A-game – we’ll bring the prizes.

Racewear inspo from our most recent Melbourne Cup Day Style Stakes winners.

3. Hear it straight from the horse’s mouth

Why rely on whispers or bar chatter when you can get your tips direct from the source? At Ellerslie, you never know who you might be rubbing elbows with—trainers, owners, or that savvy punter who has been studying the form since the last Lexus Melbourne Cup jumped from the gates. And don’t forget the horses themselves; one look in their eyes might just give you that gut feeling to back a winner.

A winning ticket in hand, a smile from ear to ear. THIS COULD BE YOU.

4. Bubbles, bites & the (in)famous ‘Birdcage Bash’

Of course, it’s not all about the horses (well, mostly). We’ve got all the essentials covered with tasty bites, flowing bubbles, and the infamous Birdcage Bash afterparty after the last race.

That’s right, once the horses go home, our resident band are taking to the stage. And yes… they’ll be playing those raceday bangers you just have to sing at the top of your lungs, so get ready to belt ’em out with your crew.

BBBliss.

5. Photo ops for DAYS

Get ready to blow up the ‘gram. At Ellerslie, you’re snapping pics with actual horses, on an iconic track that brings serious Melbourne vibes. With stunning scenery and a few eager ponies up for a selfie, you’ll have everyone thinking you’re trackside at Flemington. We won’t tell!

Trust us, your followers will be double-tapping with envy.

Pics like this beat a bar backdrop any day.

6. Vibes you can’t find anywhere else

There’s an electric energy at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day. It’s the perfect combo of competition, celebration, and a shared love for racing that makes the day unforgettable. Bars may have screens, but they don’t have this. Getting to experience the real deal? Nothing quite beats that thrill.

No dupes around here.

So, if you’re looking for the full Melbourne Cup experience, make sure you’re at Ellerslie. Live racing, epic vibes, and a day that’s just… better. Why settle for watching when you can be part of it?

Get your tickets, round up your crew, and we’ll see you trackside on Tuesday 5 November!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELBOURNE CUP DAY