Frequently Asked Questions

• When is Auckland Cup Week?

  Auckland Cup Week 2011 will run from the 5th - 12th March and will feature Telecom Derby Day (5th), Stella Artois Auckland Cup Day (9th) & SKYCITY Diamond Day (12th).

• How do I get to Ellerslie?

  Ellerslie Racecourse is well sign posted from the North/South Motorway. The best exit is 'Greenlane East'. Ellerslie Racecourse is a short walk from the Greenlane train station. Please refer to the section on 'Getting to Ellerslie' (under 'About') for detailed directions.

• What time does everything start?

  Each day racecourse gates will open at approximately 10.30am. Hospitality options will commence from 11.30am. The first race will start sometime around 12.00pm. The 'Birdcage Bash' (if held) kicks off after the last race (about 6.30pm). Times will be confirmed closer to the event.

• Where can I park?

  Free parking is available in the public carpark beside the Southern Motorway on a first-in, first-served basis. Overflow parking will be available in the Infield. PLEASE NOTE THAT ON SUNDAYS, ELLERSLIE HOSTS THE CAR FAIR, SO ANY CARS LEFT OVERNIGHT IN THE PUBLIC CARPARK FROM SATURDAY RACEMEETINGS WILL BE TOWED.

• What is the dress code?

  A dress code applies in the Ascot Stand as well as ALL hospitality options (including the Birdcage Bash). No jeans, shorts, trainers or jandals are accepted and a collared shirt is required. PLEASE NOTE most people will be in raceday attire (ie. suits and dresses) and we encourage a high standard of dress in these areas. For further information about what to wear, please visit the 'Style Stakes' section of the website.

• Can I get cash out on course?

  Due to what may be large queues to get cash out oncourse, we reccomend you bring it with you to the racedays. However, most bars oncourse allow cash-out via EFTPOS facilities, and the Raceday Office (Ground floor, Ascot Stand) also provides cash-out facilities.

• Will there be services available in the Infield?

  Yes, limited services will be available in the Infield throughout Auckland Cup Week.

• I have purchased tickets online - will they be posted out to me?

  Tickets purchased more than two weeks prior to the event will be posted out approximately two weeks prior to the event. Tickets that are purchased within two weeks of the event will be available for collection from the Auckland Racing Club Reception (between 9.00am and 5pm Monday - Friday) or from the ticket collection booth on the day of the event. Please bring proof of purchase (or a valid form of identification) with you when collecting tickets.

• Where is the Ticket Collection Booth?

  This is located next to the turnstiles at the main public entrance (Gate 6). To avoid queuing we reccommend collecting tickets from the Auckland Racing Club Reception (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm) prior to the day. IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO COLLECT YOUR TICKETS ON THE DAY, PLEASE NOTE: If the public carpark is full and you are instructed to park in the Infield, you will not be admitted to the course via the underground tunnel without your tickets - you will need to walk around the perimeter of the course back to the Ticket Collection Booth. Our parking attendants are instructed to allow racegoers to drive up to the Ticket Collection Booth before exiting to park in the Infield.

• Can I bring a picnic and alcohol onto the course?

  Ellerslie Racecourse is now a fully licensed venue. 'BYO' alcohol is no longer permitted in any areas, including the Infield. Patrons may still bring 'BYO' food and unopened, non-alcoholic beverages into public areas including the Infield.

• Can I put up a beach umbrella or gazebo anywhere oncourse?

  Yes - on public lawn areas only. However any branding that conflicts with any of our sponsors will not be permitted and will be removed.

• What's the best way for me to get to the Infield during Auckland Cup Week and avoid the traffic?

  If you are coming from the north, take the Tecoma Street exit, go under the overbridge and enter the Infield from the Morrin Street entrance (by Lollipops Playground). If you are coming from the South, take the Ellerslie/Panmure Highway exit and go through the Ellerslie township to Morrin Street. Enter the Infield from the Morrin Street entrance.

• Can I purchase tickets into hospitality options on raceday?

  While not advisable (due to the sell-out nature of the event), you can purchase tickets into hospitality options providing the option you would like to purchase has not sold out. Please note that purchasing tickets on raceday will incur a racecourse general admission fee.

• Who is allowed into the Birdcage Bash?

  The Birdcage Bash is strictly an R18 event - patrons may have to provide a suitable form of photographic identification in order to gain entry. A smart dress code applies. Intoxicated persons will not be admitted.

• When is Fujifilm Whips n Spurs?

  The Fujifilm Whips n Spurs Summer Party is set to be held on SKYCITY Diamond Day (Sat 12th March). For further information, check out www.whipsnspurs.co.nz