The perfect way to end the year with a Christmas party at the Races. Bring your workmates, friends or family and come celebrate with an afternoon of thoroughbred racing action at this idyllic beachside location and let us look after all the details including themed spaces, live entertainment, Christmas fare and if you’re lucky a visit from Santa.
Gates Open. 11.00 am
First race: 12.30 pm TBC
Last race 5.00 pm TBC
Make a day of it at Christmas at the Races at Ruakākā Racecourse!
🏇 Exciting racing action - Get up close to the track and enjoy a full day of thoroughbred racing.
🍻 Bars & TAB facilities – Grab a drink, follow the form and enjoy all the action.Bars and TAB facilities
🎶 Live music – Settle in and enjoy live entertainment throughout the afternoon.
☕ Bean on the Scene – Your coffee fix is sorted with the Bean on the Scene coffee cart on course.
🌊 Bayview Cafés – Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great views across Bream Bay.
🌿 Indoor and outdoor viewing areas
🎟️ Free general admission means everyone can come along and enjoy the day. Bring the family, gather your workmates or catch up with friends.
Prefer to keep things casual? Relax on the hill or find a spot in the shaded grandstand seating and soak up the atmosphere.
For those looking to take their day to the next level, we have a range of hospitality options available, from relaxed trackside packages to premium corporate experiences.
Hospitality packages are available below – book early to secure your preferred option.
Smart casual recommended — please dress for the weather conditions.
Free parking is available on course.
FREE return raceday buses will operate from Whangārei, with pick-up times confirmed below.
Pick-up points include:
Kamo Club
Kamo Hotel
Kensington Tavern
Rose Street Bus Terminal
Judge House of Ale
Additional pick-up points may be available for larger groups — contact the club office to arrange.
Bars, TAB betting, Bayview Cafes and the Bean on the Scene coffee cart will be operating from approximately 11.30am.
Eftpos is available at TAB betting windows and selected bars. Please note no credit card facilities at bars.
Ruakaka Racecourse is a strictly NO BYO Alcohol venue.
You’re right in the heart of the racing action in the premium Christmas Trackside Marquee Village. Located on the front lawn of the home straight. This is the perfect location to enjoy the excitement of the races and feel the horses thundering past the Winning Post.
Your package includes:
NB: Bookings are for 10 guests per marquee group. Marquees can be joined together for larger groups. A table and umbrella with seating for up to 8 additional guests can be added to the front of your marquee for $145 per person.
Sponsor a race name on the day and gain exposure for your business with advertising, national race name exposure, signage space for 12 months, personal engagement with racing industry participants on the day after your named race in the Dean Logan Winners Circle with the winning connections and priority bookings and positioning for hospitality packages on the day (subject to availability).
Highly sought- after premium elevated track viewing and views over Bream Bay from this function area at the northern end of the grandstand. View the racing from the comfort of your table on the flat screen TV’s or step out the door to watch the horses thunder past from the elevated grandstand.
Your package includes:
Ideal for small businesses or groups of friends; reserve seats or tables in the Christmas themed Beachside Bar and share in the end of the year and Christmas celebrations. This room is centrally located in the grandstand with views over Bream Bay. View the racing from the comfort of your table on the flat screen TV’s or step out the door to watch the horses thunder past from the elevated grandstand.
Your package includes:
Intimate room located at the rear of the grandstand overlooking the Hen and Chick Islands in the Bay. Suitable 20-30 guests who want a private base but are happy to wander out for a bet. TVs for race viewing and betting odds. Flexible catering options.