Where to celebrate Melbourne Cup 2020 in Auckland

On your marks, get set and…grab your fascinators or suit up, for an arvo full of champers and fine fare. It may be the race that stops two nations but our local line-up is looking hard to beat. It’s the one weekday of the year where it's understood that not much work will get done, so you may as well be in the thick of the festivities. If you haven’t booked yet, giddy-up because the hottest events are selling out fast.

Whether you want to have a big blowout, a more affordable affair or a spontaneous spritz, our Auckland guide to Melbourne Cup 2020 has you covered.

Ellerslie Racecourse

This one’s for all you punters out there. For an authentic, one-of-a-kind Melbourne Cup Day experience, you can't go past Ellerslie Racecourse. Set to a backdrop of the best champers, eats, fashion and live horse racing, it’s undeniably New Zealand’s premier racing venue. Raising the stakes once again, this year’s Jarden Melbourne Cup Day will offer the very best in race day activities to suit all budgets – from affordable party precincts where racing takes a backseat and socialising takes the lead, to exclusive marquees on the lawn - champagne in hand a non-negotiable, of course. Ladies, it’s also your first chance to qualify for The Ned Prix de Fashion set to be held at Ellerslie on Saturday 6 March 2021.

Tickets: from $55 per person

Bookings: Last year it sold out and this year already looks to be following suit. There are still a range of tickets available but don’t delay any longer - buy tickets now.

Harbourside Ocean Bar & Grill

Once again, Harbourside’s long lunch is a sell-out event but never fear, the show must go on. For those keen to kick-on with the festivities, the bar is open to the public from 4pm for the last race and afterparty. With live entertainment courtesy of DJs Dan Sing and Murray Sweetpants, the celebrations are guaranteed to go well past sundown.

Bookings: No bookings required for the afterparty.

Euro

Start the day with a flute of Champagne Mumm on arrival, followed by a delicious three-course lunch and a side of races and Fashion in the Field. With live screens, on-site TAB Facilities, plus Peter Urlich on the decks, Euro is pulling out all the stops.

Tickets: $225 per person

Bookings: Email melbournecup@eurobar.co.nz to get your hands on the last ones.

Lula Inn

Did someone say bottomless bubbles? We’ll cheers to that! A true race to the finish line, choose from a bottomless hour of De Bortolli Prosecco or Export Gold ($45) or Mumm Champagne or Monteith’s beers. Enjoy grazing platters, live racing and sweepstakes, then when that’s all done and dusted, the party continues! George FM’s official post-race afterparty - featuring General Lee, Dick Johnson and Sammi - is just getting started.

Tickets: from $45 per person

Bookings: Lunch bookings essential. General admission entry available for non-dining groups on the Harbour Deck, Oasis Deck & Greenhouse. Book now.

Regatta

Saddle up overlooking Takapuna Beach at Regatta, the North Shore’s premier Melbourne Cup Day venue. From 12:30pm guests will enjoy a flute of Mumm Cordon Rose Champagne on arrival, delicious three-course lunch, sabrage and live entertainment as well as on-site TAB facilities.

Tickets: $120 per person

Bookings: Buy tickets here - percentage of proceeds go to supporting Breast Cancer Cure.

Saxon + Parole

Be among the first to celebrate Melbourne Cup at Saxon + Parole, Commercial Bay. Garnering some of the industry’s most respected accolades, including a Michelin star for nine consecutive years, expect flavour-filled fare with unparalleled harbour views. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of live music, cocktails, Laurent Perrier Champagne, oyster and seafood stations, plus all the Saxon staples. All-day live race streaming and spot prizes for best dressed, are sure to make Saxon + Parole an unmissable race day destination.

Tickets: $200 per person

Bookings: Book here for tables of two, four, six or 10 only.