The Melbourne Cup has a way of turning an ordinary Tuesday into something far more celebratory, with long lunches, flowing Champagne, race-day dressing and plenty of action on the big screen. From waterfront restaurants to lively afterparties, these are the Auckland venues bringing the atmosphere of Cup Day closer to home, whether you’re settling in for lunch or simply joining in for the main race.
Bravo at Cracker Bay
Set against the Westhaven waterfront, Bravo at Cracker Bay is marking its first Melbourne Cup with a long lunch and an afternoon of racing, fashion and festivities. Guests can enjoy a four-course menu and a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, alongside live music, Fashions on the Field, sweepstakes and coverage from Flemington on the big screens. For those skipping the lunch, Bravo opens to the public from 4pm, just in time to catch the main race and join the celebrations. Book your tickets here.
Details: Tuesday 3rd November. Doors open at 12pm, lunch from 1pm. $260 per person. Main race at 5pm.
Soul Bar & Bistro
Melbourne Cup celebrations are something we take seriously on this side of the Tasman, and Soul Bar & Bistro is bringing all the excitement to the Viaduct with an afternoon of Champagne, fashion, fabulous food and live racing on the big screens. While tickets to the main event have already sold out, the bar will open to the public from 4pm, inviting everyone to catch the main race, enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere at Auckland’s iconic waterfront destination.
Details: Tuesday 3rd November. Public welcome from 4pm.
First Mates, Last Laugh
With its prime position on the Westhaven waterfront, First Mates, Last Laugh is setting the scene for a Melbourne Cup long lunch, complete with a four-course menu, free-flowing Laurent-Perrier Brut for the first 30 minutes and plenty of racing excitement. Tickets are $240 per person, with festivities kicking off at midday. Tables are currently very limited, but those hoping to join the celebrations can call ahead to check availability or try their luck with a walk-in, as additional outdoor seating may become available if the weather allows. Check availability here.
Details: Tuesday 3rd November, from 12pm. Four-course lunch, $240 per person. Limited availability.
Bivacco
With its prime position overlooking the Viaduct Harbour, Bivacco is bringing the Melbourne Cup festivities to the waterfront with an afternoon of racing, Champagne and celebration. While its much-anticipated luncheon has already sold out, the festivities are far from over. From 4pm, Bivacco will open to the public for a lively afterparty, complete with a special aperitivo offering, live race screenings and an extensive DJ lineup to keep the celebrations going well into the night.
Details: Tuesday 3rd November. Public afterparty from 4pm, no luncheon ticket available.
Ayrburn
For those celebrating further south, Ayrburn is bringing its signature Melbourne Cup festivities to The Woolshed, where a four-course long lunch, live music and racing action on the big screens will set the scene for a memorable afternoon. Adding a little friendly competition to the occasion is the second annual Mill Mile, Ayrburn’s much-loved rubber duck race down Mill Creek, with prizes up for grabs for those whose ducks cross the finish line first. Expect excellent food, plenty of entertainment and a rather unconventional addition to the racing calendar. Book your tickets here.
Details: Tuesday 3rd November, from 12pm. Four-course lunch, $225 per person.
