New Year’s Race Day
FRIDAY 2ND JANUARY, 2026
Bring the family and join us for our first (and most famous) race day of the new year! Expect live music, kids bouncy castles, miniature train rides, Zappo the magician, tug of war, and three headed races, finsih line dash, as well as a fantastic line-up of racing events.
- Adults are $20 at the gate, kids 16 and under are free
- Gate’s open at 8AM
- 11:00AM (approx.) Four Trotting Races
- 1:00PM- 5:00PM (approx.) Eight Gallop Races
- Zappo’s magic show throughout the day
- After races One, Three, and Five, we’ll have on-track kids’ events – tug of war, three-headed race, and running race.
BOOK A TABLE IN OUR TRACKSIDE MARQUEE
The perfect option for your corporate event or get your mates together.
Priced at $85 per person you’ll receive:
- Trackside Marquee Seating: Tables for 10 or individual seats available (up to 120 places)
- A Set Menu By Balter Bar
- Exclusive Tote Access
- Cash Bar
The marquee provides a sheltered, hospitable atmosphere and a great trackside view.
Non-catered tables are available for $65 per person.
To book your spot email wairarapa.racing@xtra.co.nz Or phone Matthew Sherry 021 2710364
PUNTERS CLUB
Tickets for our Punters Club are $10.
The Punters Club covers Races Two to Seven (Gallops). Tickets must be purchased before Race Two (Gallops).
Bets placed for the Punters Club and results will be announced over the PA system. Results will be displayed on the board outside the secretary’s office.
Any winnings for the Punters Club will be shared out equally between members, and should be collected at the TAB windows at the end of the day.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS
The Route 200 bus will depart Featherston Train Station at 11:00AM, dropping passengers at the bus stop opposite Moroa Road (across from the Mother Goose Tavern). The return service will collect passengers at 5:07PM as it passes the Mother Goose Tavern.
Please note this is a public bus service, so passengers must be clearly visible at the stop for the bus to pull over.
Train replacement buses are expected to depart Featherston for Wellington between 5:15PM and 5:20PM.
ALCOHOL POLICY
The Wairarapa Racing Club holds a license that allows patrons to BYO refreshments on January 2nd and February 6th race meetings. An allowance of 6 stubbie bottles of beer OR 1 bottle of wine per person is permitted. This will be strictly monitored by security at the gates.
There are also fully licensed bars on site at Tauherenikau.
BOOK A TABLE IN OUR TRACKSIDE MARQUEE
Priced at $85 per person you’ll receive:
- 🎪 Private Marquee Seating: Tables for 10 or individual seats available (up to 120 places)
- 🌮 A Set Menu
- 🏆 Exclusive Tote Access
- 💵 Cash Bar
Enjoy the races in style! The marquee provides a sheltered, hospitable atmosphere and a great trackside view.
Non-catered tables are available for $65 per person.
To book your spot email wairarapa.racing@xtra.co.nz Or phone Matthew Sherry 021 2710364