Castlepoint Beach Races

Food in the Wairarapa

Food in the Wairarapa

Horse racing on the beach at Castlepoint

The thundering of hooves across wet sand and the cheering of the crowd... that's the sound of the Castlepoint Beach Races, an annual Wairarapa Event next held on Saturday 24 February 2024, subject to beach conditions and tides. 

The beach races date back to 1872 when local farmhands would race each other for bottles of rum and stray coins. Today, thoroughbreds have replaced farm hacks and the day is as much about picnicing and family as it is about horses. Betting is allowed but you'll be allocated a horse at random, for a ticket price of $2. 

Explore Castlepoint - one of NZ's best loved beaches

Address: 
Jetty Road
Castlepoint 5889
New Zealand
Geolocation