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100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland
- 09 524 4069
The SkyCity New Year’s Day Races - Auckland’s go-to for 1 January fun
Still in holiday mode? Keep the good vibes going at the SkyCity New Year’s Day Races – a local favourite for families, visitors and anyone sticking around Auckland on 1 January.
Whether you’re entertaining out-of-towners, wrangling the kids or just want a cruisy day outdoors, this is an easy win.
There’ll be a full day of live racing, great food and drinks, and plenty of free children’s entertainment to keep the little ones busy.
It’s a stress-free way to spend the first day of the year, with space to spread out, sit back and enjoy the sunshine.
You can pre-book a shared or private hospitality option – or simply roll in with a picnic and make the most of our relaxed General Admission areas.
You don’t need to go far or plan anything elaborate. Just round up your crew and make the most of one of Auckland’s most laid-back – but entertaining – day’s of racing. Because this year, the best way to start 2026 might just be right here at Ellerslie.
Under 15s get FREE general admission when accompanied by an adult.
Timings listed are approximate and subject to change.
Located in our general admission space, little ones will enjoy FREE games & activities including a bouncy castle, outdoor games and more.
Plus! Under 15s get free admission into General Admission areas on course (no ticket required).
10 races, headed up by Group 2 features in the SkyCity Eclipse Stakes, Rich Hill Mill and Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes lead the way towards a thrilling trackside spectacle
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.
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.
Enjoy a relaxed day at an iconic race meeting. Under 15s free.
If you’re heading to Auckland for the races 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.
Learn more
