Looking for something?

Looking for something?

  • ellerise logo
  • pukekohe logo

Melbourne Cup Day

  • 3 November 2026
  • Ellerslie Racecourse
Buy tickets

Melbourne Cup Day

When
3 November 2026
Add to calendar
Start times
Gates open at 11:00am
First race starts at 12:20pm
Where
Ellerslie Racecourse
Directions & Venue Info
Ellerslie Racecourse

There’s Melbourne Cup Day - and then there’s Melbourne Cup Day at Ellerslie.

Ellerslie's where you’ll want to be on Tuesday 3 November 2026.

Auckland’s only Melbourne Cup event with live racing on the track, not just the screen.

New Zealand’s largest Melbourne Cup Day event returns to the ‘Big E’, bringing the thrill of live racing, top-tier hospitality, fashion, the iconic race from Flemington on the big screen and a party like nowhere else.

Whether you’re toasting with Champagne in a hospitality precinct, getting amongst in The Hill Lawn or spending the day your way in public areas on course, this is the Melbourne Cup Day experience Auckland talks about.

Timings are approximate and subject to change.

More 2026 event ticketing and hospitality options released soon!

 

Tickets & Hospitality

Watch

Experience Melbourne Cup Day At Ellerslie

  • Other information
    • On-site parking is free and accessed through Derby Downs Place
    • All bars close shortly after the last race with the exception of Cuvée (ground floor, Ascot Stand) which becomes home to the on-site afterparty (free entry for racegoers)
    • Afterparty entry conditions apply. R18; dress code applies; intoxicated or disorderly persons will not be permitted or tolerated; entry subject to capacity; drink limits may apply; close time at the discretion of management
    • Auckland Thoroughbred Racing encourages responsible drinking and intoxicated persons will not be granted entry to Ellerslie Racecourse
    • A dress code applies in hospitality areas. Please click here for more information
    • Tickets are non-refundable and prices include GST. A separate booking fee of $3.50 per ticket will also apply upon purchase
    • Promotional photographs, social media content & film footage will be taken at this event. By entering the racecourse, event-goers consent to use of their image by the Club & New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing for promotional purposes
    • Event terms & conditions apply. 
SkyCity Offer
Save 20% on accomodation

Trackside Today, SkyCity Tonight

If you’re heading to Ellerslie for Melbourne Cup Day and need a place to rest your hooves after a big day trackside, our partner SkyCity Auckland has you covered.

Racegoers enjoy an exclusive 20% off the flexible room-only rate at SkyCity Auckland hotels, with full change or cancellation flexibility until 4pm the day prior to arrival.

With three exceptional hotels – SkyCity Hotel, The Grand by SkyCity, and Horizon by SkyCity – there’s something to suit every style.

To redeem, simply click the hotel links above for the discount to apply automatically, or enter the Rate Access / Corporate Code ATRACING in the “special code” box when booking.

    Major Partners