New Zealand Champions Day

Upon arrival in Auckland, we’ll transfer as a group by coach to Hamilton, travelling through some of New Zealand’s richest and most fertile rolling hills and valleys. On arrival, we’ll check into Novotel Hamilton Tainui, before heading out for a local dinner—a perfect opportunity to get to know everyone and review our plans for the week.

This morning we’re off to enjoy the heart of New Zealand racing in Waikato. The Waikato region is home to a host of New Zealand’s premier stud farms, but first we visit Tony Pike Racing, one of the leading stables in NZ, to see their training facilities in Cambridge.

We’ll then head out to visit the two best Studs in New Zealand, Cambridge & Waikato Stud. Waikato Stud produces an average of 12 Stakes winners per season and is the current Australasian Group One breeder of the decade, having bred 42 individual Group One winners. We’ll see Cox Plate winning superstar sire Savabeel, as well as champions Ocean Park, Tivaci and Ardrossan. We will also get to see the Cambridge Stud Heritage Centre, which celebrates and promotes Cambridge Stud as one of the world’s premier horse breeding studs.

After a nice long lunch, we will then make our way back to Auckland to check-in to our hotel for the rest of the week where the evening is yours at leisure after a long day.

After breakfast, we’ll travel to the renowned New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Sales Centre, the heart of New Zealand’s thoroughbred industry. During our visit, we’ll tour this historic complex and gain an insight into the sales process that has launched the careers of many champion racehorses.

From Karaka, we’ll continue into the picturesque countryside for a relaxed lunch at John Hill Estate. Set among rolling green hills, it’s the perfect place to slow the pace and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in tranquil surroundings.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to dine close to the hotel or make your way to Auckland’s lively waterfront precinct, where you’ll find an excellent choice of restaurants and bars overlooking the harbour.

Today we’re off to Waiheke Island by ferry where we’ll visit an award-winning olive oil mill, followed by two vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany their wines. Treats may include oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, the famous local green herb spread, and artisan cheeses. Afterwards, enjoy a fabulous lunch at one of our top restaurants.

After we return from our long day on Waiheke, you have the night off to relax or head out and explore the Auckland nightlife.

After a busy few days today is a free day to explore more of Auckland and do your form for Saturday. We will meet in the hotel Gin bar for a few evening cocktails to soak up the beautiful views.

After a relaxing morning, we’re off to the newly renovated Ellerslie for the biggest race day in New Zealand, the $9m Champions Day. It’s your chance to witness some of NZ’s best horses & jockeys vie for sporting glory in the new $3.5m KIWI, the richest three-year-old race in the southern hemisphere, and, with a host of black-type races (plus more!) run in support.

We’ll enjoy premium beverages and a gourmet lunch designed by their award-winning chefs incorporating the best New Zealand ingredients and featuring a carvery, seafood, hot dishes, salads and finished with dessert, tea, coffee, and a cheeseboard.

Our New Zealand tour concludes today as we make our way home to Australia or continue onwards on our own Kiwi adventure, taking with us plenty of wonderful memories—and hopefully some winnings too.