Known for the way it always draws a convivial (and very well-dressed) crowd, the annual Melbourne Cup is undeniably a celebratory affair. And while the actual event isn’t taking place until Tuesday the 5th of November, so popular are the parties for its exciting races that Auckland’s best bars and restaurants often release tickets to their Melbourne Cup events now, all of which tend to promptly sell out. Here, we round up all the best places in Auckland to celebrate the big race, and we suggest securing your tickets now, lest you miss out.
SOUL’s Melbourne Cup Day is set to reach new heights this year, with the-race-that-stops-a-nation celebrations set to be as thrilling as the Flemington festivities themselves. Settle in with a flute of Mumm Grand Cordon before indulging in a delectable four-course lunch, while a series of big screens promise uninterrupted views of all the action. For those wanting to take a punt, there will be options to do so on-site. Dress to impress to wow the judges for Fashion In The Field, and bring your party spirit to partake in the many games and sweeps (with prizes galore), and, post-race, a DJ promises to keep the party going. Win or lose, this is guaranteed to be a day to remember. And, for those who don’t manage to secure a spot to the main event, SOUL’s bar will be open to the public from 3pm, with DJ’s playing straight after the race and SOUL set to host the best after-party in town.
Secure your spot by calling Soul on 09 356 7249.
Channel the spirit of the Italian coast at Non Solo Pizza’s decidedly chic Melbourne Cup affair. There, guests will be greeted with flutes of Veuve Clicquot Champagne on arrival before delving into a delectable, four-course long lunch, featuring a number of quintessential Non Solo Pizza dishes. Those who really dress for the occasion will want to be a part of NSP’s Fashions in the Field competition (with spot prizes up for grabs throughout the day), while others can just sit back and enjoy all the racing action live on big screens. A raft of rousing DJs will play the soundtrack to the day and keep the vibes going well into the evening, making this one of the very best places to be for those seeking a party to remember. Tickets start at $180 per person, so gather your friends and lock in the ultimate long lunch.
Secure your spot here.
Food, fashion and fillies collide at Sìso’s epic Melbourne Cup celebration. Starting at 11.30am, guests will be greeted with a crisp glass of Mumm Rosé Champagne and treated to a delicious oyster bar before enjoying a three-course set menu. The big races will be shown live, of course, and there will also be live music by The Swingin’ Duet, featuring entertainment legend Peter Urlich on vocals and sax maestro Andrew Isdale. Following the main race Peter Urlich will take to the DJ decks to spin a selection of dance-floor classics to entice diners out of their seats. There will also be a bet-placing facility on site. Attendees are encouraged to pull out all the sartorial stops as there will be a $500 Fashion in the Field voucher up for grabs, presented by Maman Boutique. Tickets are $250 per person, tables will be configured in groups of six, eight, 10 or 12 and bookings are essential.
Secure your spot here.
Bivacco Racing Club is the place to be for Melbourne Cup celebrations, where the glamour of the race meets the vibrant energy of a festival — set against the stunning backdrop of the sparkling Viaduct Harbour waterfront. Whether you’re a fashionista, a foodie, or a race enthusiast (or, all three), Bivacco has something for everyone — from an elevated buffet brimming with seafood, roasted meats, pasta, and seasonal salads, to plenty of Moët & Chandon Champagne (including a flute on arrival), Fashions in the Field with all a prize pool of over $5000 (including spot prizes), a line-up of renowned DJs, all the Melbourne Cup action streamed on large screens with live, on-site betting, and plenty of games, sweeps and prizes to be won. Gearing up to be the party of the year, tickets start at $200 per person, with different packages on offer.
And, as the race winds down, the party is just getting started at the Bivacco Afterparty — kicking off at 4pm. Enjoy Aperitivo Hour and catch the finale at 5pm, with a lineup of DJs getting the party started — and keeping it going well into the evening.
Secure your spot here.
Experience the epitome of Melbourne Cup glamour at Esther, the exceptional restaurant set on the ground floor of the QT Auckland. From Mumm Champagne on arrival to ‘Fashions on the QT Field’, encouraging guests to flaunt their individual race day style with daring fascinators or floral ensembles, Esther is really setting the stage for a day of unparalleled opulence. Enjoy a three-course long lunch feast comprising Esther’s signature favourites, perfectly complemented by expertly-curated pours by the venue’s Director of Champagne and watch all the Cup action live on screen, all while being immersed in what is shaping up to be a fun, frivolous and unforgettable afternoon, running from late morning to early evening. Tickets are $149 per person.
Secure your spot here.
Put on your finest dress and hat and get ready for an exhilarating Melbourne Cup celebration at Park Hyatt Auckland. Kick off the event with snacks and bubbles on arrival, then dive into an interactive kitchen experience serving premium cut meats and wok fried fish, followed by delectable fresh oysters and scampi from the BBQ and satisfy your sweet tooth with our dessert station featuring an array of spring carnival treats. Enjoy every moment with live race coverage on TV, door prizes, raffles and live entertainment throughout the event. Tickets are $168 per person.
Secure your spot here.
After a few years’ hiatus, Melbourne Cup Day at Ellerslie Racecourse is back, promising a stylish gathering for those looking to celebrate the start of the summer racing season. With serveral packages to choose from, here, you can pop bottles of Moët & Chandon with top-tier hospitality in the Cuvée zone, or soak up the energy of the Silks Lounge or The Lawn. The day at Ellerslie promises live racing, fabulous fashion, and a vibrant atmosphere, capped off with an epic after-party featuring a live band and DJ set. It’s the perfect blend of glamour, gourmet food, and great entertainment, making it the ultimate celebration of the race that stops two nations.
Secure your spot here.
