The first fresh buds of spring are starting to show and that can only mean one thing – the biggest week of Christchurch’s spring calendar is close.

Tickets to New Zealand Cup and Show Week go on sale today, September 3, 2018.

Celebrated as the South Island’s premier Spring Festival, this year’s week-long celebration will be a standout showcase of racing, fashion, excitement and glamour alongside cutting-edge agricultural innovation, fun-filled family entertainment and tantalising regional food and beverage offerings.

ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction Loren Heaphy says visitors are in for a tantalising combination of old favourites and exciting new offerings at this year’s event.

“New Zealand Cup and Show Week is the stand out week of Christchurch’s Spring Calendar and the most recognised and vibrant racing, fashion and agricultural festival in the country,” Ms Heaphy says.

“Building on its firm foundations as one of New Zealand’s historic agricultural and racing events, this week-long extravaganza is evolving to offer residents and visitors of all age groups an exciting opportunity to experience a spectacular mix of entertainment, innovation and exploration,” Heaphy says.

“This Week is an opportunity for Christchurch and Canterbury to stand out on the world stage – whether that’s standout fashion, food, racing or agribusiness – and to celebrate all that’s amazing and unique about our region with our residents and visitors,” Heaphy says.

Running from 10-17 November 2018, the eagerly anticipated annual event brings together Addington Raceway’s Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup Day, the New Zealand Cup Meeting at Riccarton Park and the New Zealand Agricultural Show, in collaboration with city promotions agency ChristchurchNZ.

Highlights of the new offerings currently being organised include an exciting new spring garden experience in the luscious green surrounds of Riccarton Park, fashion and entertainment at Addington Raceway and the opportunity to combine family fun with the exploration of innovative agribusiness at the NZ Agricultural Show.

“After such a successful Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup Day in 2017, we are very much looking forward to delivering another world class event for everyone,” says Addington Raceway & Events Centre’s Chief Executive Peter Jensen.

“We have so much to offer on the day, from exceptional corporate hospitality offerings to the excitement provided by the exciting bands we have planned for the Lindauer Lawn and General Admission areas this year.”

Four lucky guests will be flown to Addington by local legend Richie McCaw as part of Addington Raceway’s “Arrive in Style with Richie” promotion, where they’ll enjoy world class fashion and trackside entertainment.

Riccarton Park Racecourse is gearing up to host some of the most popular racing events in the country, including the 3200 metre Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup on Saturday November 17.

Riccarton Park Commercial Manager Chris Rowe says while the stakes will be high on the track, on the field there will also be plenty to play for, so racegoers are encouraged to dress to impress.

“We’re expecting another amazing crowd to celebrate the action and enjoy amazing food, wine and beer plus live music on one of the stand out days of Christchurch’s social calendar,” he says.

New Zealand Agricultural Show Director Geoff Bone says visitors will be spoilt for choice at The Show this year, which promises a packed schedule of top livestock and equestrian events, live music, Endurocross, fun-filled family entertainment, an indulgent Food & Wine Village and much more.

“There will also be the opportunity to explore the latest and greatest in innovative agribusiness, with some of Canterbury’s leading agritech companies showcasing their solutions to maximise increases in productivity and profitability,” Bone says.

Whether you are looking for stand out race or show action, or you just want to enjoy all that Christchurch and the Canterbury region offer, New Zealand Cup and Show Week is a must do on your social calendar.

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