Friday 22 May

Join us at Addington Raceway for a thrilling Premier Race Night, featuring five standout feature races and elite harness racing under the lights.

The evening is headlined by two prestigious Group 1 events – the Garrard’s Sires Stakes 3YO C&G Series Final and the Avon City Ford NZ Welcome Stakes – showcasing some of the most exciting young talent in the sport. With high stakes and high energy, this is racing at its very best.

Elevate your night with one of our premium hospitality experiences:

  • Trackside Dining – combine world-class racing with bold, flavour-packed dining and unbeatable views of the track.
  • Silks Suite Soirée – enjoy a private-suite setting with shared platters and drinks included, perfect for group hosting.
  • Trackside Dining – combine world-class racing with bold, flavour-packed dining and unbeatable views of the track.
  • Champagne & Canapés – indulge in continuous premium canapés, champagne, and elevated views from the Chairman’s Lounge.

Casual Night Out? We’ve Got You Covered
Spectators Bar & Bistro is both open to the public with no bookings required. Enjoy a great menu, Race Day Specials, and fantastic drink deals – whether you’re settling in inside or soaking up the atmosphere out on the lawn with the action right in front of you.

From casual vibes to premium hosting, Friday Night Races at Addington delivers thrilling racing, exceptional hospitality, and an unforgettable night under the lights.

Race Night Information

New to Racing?
Whether you’re a racing regular or simply curious – everyone is welcome at Addington. We’d love for you to check out the racing first and experience the thrill of harness racing for yourself. Visit thetrots.nz/firsties for everything you need to know before you arrive.

When to Arrive & What to Expect
Spectators Bar & Bistro opens from 11am, so come along whenever suits you and settle in for the day. We’re open late, dress code is casual, and all ages are welcome.
Bring the kids – there’s colouring in to keep the little ones entertained, a special kids platter on the menu, and plenty of room on the trackside lawn to run around and watch the horses up close. Parking is free with heaps of space, so getting here is easy.

Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered. Addington is home to the best all-weather race track in Australasia – we race rain or shine. If the weather turns, stay cosy inside Spectators; if the sun comes out, enjoy the fresh air with plenty of outdoor space to soak it all in.

Food, Drinks & Betting
Spectators has you covered with $16 Race Day Meal Deals and outstanding drink prices all night. TAB Totes and Self-Service Terminals are available in both Spectators and the Terror To Love Lounge – TAB totes accept cash, while our bars are cashless and accept eftpos, credit card, and paywave.
Want to bet from your phone? Download the TAB App or betcha App before you arrive and have all the action at your fingertips. Check back for the Fields and Selections to plan your night.

Staying the Night? Passing Through?
NZMCA POP parking is now available at Addington, making us a great base if you’re here for the races, in Ōtautahi Christchurch for the weekend, or simply passing through. Book your spot here.

Trackside Dining

Tickets from $65

Enjoy an unforgettable night of harness racing with Trackside Dining’s three-course buffet and exceptional racing views – the perfect way to enjoy the excitement of live racing in comfort and style.

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Spectators Bar & Bistro

FREE ENTRY: Spectators Bar & Bistro is your welcoming, laid-back, trackside bar serving up burgers, pizzas, shareable snacks, and classic pub meals.

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Accessibility

At Addington Raceway, we are committed to making race night an enjoyable and accessible experience for everyone.

All main areas of the venue are wheelchair accessible, including the Metropolitan Stand with lift access to all levels, and the Twiggers Stand for access to the Stables Rooftop. Our lifts are fitted with braille buttons and are designed to comfortably accommodate wheelchairs. Accessible bathroom facilities are available on each level, and a hearing loop system is in place in the Terror To Love Lounge for guests using hearing aids.

Mobility parking is available right outside Spectators – please ensure your mobility permit is clearly displayed.

Registered assistance dogs are welcome at Addington. We ask that you notify us in advance by emailing hello@addington.co.nz so we can best support your visit.

If you have any additional accessibility needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team ahead of your visit – we’re here to help.

Key Information

Parking
Free parking is available via our two entrances on Whiteleigh Avenue and Wrights Road. If there’s an event at Apollo Projects Stadium or Wolfbrook Arena, simply let the parking attendant know you’re heading to the races and you’ll be directed through.

ATMs
ATM machines are located outside the Spectators internal entrance on the ground floor, and in the foyer on levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Metropolitan Stand.

Free Wi-Fi

Available on course. Check with staff for the current network name and password.

Getting Home

Our taxi partner is Gold Band Taxis. Book online or call 03 379 5795.

Stay in the Loop

Keep up with everything happening at Addington via our What’s On page, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.