Situated on the outskirts of Otaki, Otaki Racecourse is home to the Otaki-Maori Racing Club, the sole surviving Maori Racing Club in New Zealand. The track is used daily by up to 140 horses in training, largely because of its ideal location and excellent training facilities. The racecourse has enjoyed a long and successful history as both a racing and training establishment, since it was established in 1886.
Otaki town is situated at the northern end of the Kāpiti Coast, close to the banks of the Ōtaki River and a gateway to the Tararua ranges. The surrounding districts of Te Horo and Manakau have a distinct agricultural feel with market gardens and lifestyle blocks in abundance. Ōtaki is home to Te Wānanga o Raukawa, the first Tikanga Māori university and hosts the annual Māoriland Film Festival.
The 2023 Tree Crops Conference is being held on the ground floor of the main grandstand building, central to the racecourse grounds. Take the opportunity to picnic lunch outside overlooking the course.
Parking
There is plenty of free onsite parking but with horses around, extreme care should be taken when driving through the grounds. Please observe the 20km speed limit.
Directions
Otaki Race Course (click to open location on Google Maps)
Te Roto Road
Otaki 5542
Travelling by public transport? Check out this useful information on local transport options.
Accommodation
With plenty of green space and close to local amenities, Otaki Racecourse is also a great place to overnight.
Restricted self–contained camping in a campervan or caravan (no tents) is allowed at the racecourse – please check the Accommodation section for more details. These limited spaces need to be booked in advance with your registration, no turn ups.
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