If you’re looking to go to the Glenorchy Races, you’re in for a fun day. Having attended the most recent event I can give you some information about what you can expect.

The 2024 Glenorchy Races are on January 6th, with the first race starting at about 11 am ($20 cash entry). You can find more info on the Facebook page.

Dunedin band The Sea Beast will be playing a concert at the grounds after the racing finishes.

AN FAQ ON THE GLENORCHY RACES

Where are the Glenorchy Races?

They’re held at the Glenorchy Golf Club, right in the heart of Glenorchy.

I don’t think you’ll find a more scenic backdrop to a horse track in many places around the world.

Who organises the Glenorchy Horse Races?

The Lakeside Rugby Club is the organiser of the event.

How much do the Glenorchy Races cost?

This year the entry fee was $20 (paid in cash). You’ll be given a wristband and the entry fee includes camping at the event.

In 2022 there were an estimated 1,500 people in attendance, well down on previous years when 3,000 – 4,000 people attended. There were various reasons for the smaller attendance but apparently they’re expecting 3,000 again this time.

When are the Glenorchy Races held?

The Glenorchy Races are usually held on the first Saturday of the year. 2022 was an exception with the second Saturday, January 8th the date of the races. The only time the races have been canceled in the 55+ year history was in 2021 due to insane rain.

What’s the deal with camping at the Glenorchy Races?

Camping at the Glenorchy races is super fun! It’s kind of weird camping on a golf course, but that’s just a part of what makes the event so fun.

It’s the kind of event where locals and people from all over the Otago region make the pilgrimage each year for the atmosphere. You get a real mix of people attending which is awesome.

Once you’ve got your ticket and entered the grounds, you can pretty much set up your campsite anywhere (you’ll be parking on the inside of the horse track.) You can sleep in your car/van or what/not or pitch a tent…it’s up to you 🙂

Once the races are finished, people will tend to enjoy time at their campsites, there’ll be some cricket going on where everyone can join in…and most years there’ll be a live band playing until later in the evening. It’s a kiwi campsite vibe, and I love it.

This is suitable for those looking for things to do in Glenorchy with kids, but do note, there’ll be some drunk people around. Dogs are allowed on site, but must be on a lead the whole time…you wouldn’t want your dog to get in the way of the horse’s mid-race…right?

Are the Glenorchy Races ethical?

I’m going to stay out of this…there are no whips involved, and it’s all done in good fun.

How do you get to the Glenorchy Races?

Glenorchy is about 45km from Queenstown on the stunning Scenic Road. If you’re planning to stay in Glenorchy, you can drive there. Hitchhiking from Queenstown to Glenorchy will be super easy on the day of the races as there’s so much traffic going there…just be conscious of what time you go back to Queenstown if you’re not planning to stay there for the night.

Depending on the year, some venues may organise a breakfast and shuttle service from Queenstown which is good value, like this one from the Pig and Whistle.

If you’re staying in Glenorchy before the races…well as I mentioned the races are in the center of town, so it’s an easy stroll to them. If you’re staying out in Kinloch, you’ll need to have someone sober driving 🙂

RELATED POST: HOW TO GET FROM QUEENSTOWN TO GLENORCHY

Can you have a bet at the races?

Yes! And this is another part of what makes this such a quirky, fun event.

You won’t find a regular TAB here, but there’s The Equalizer which allows you to place a bet on all the races throughout the day.

All tickets cost $2, but you can’t choose your horse. For every $2 you bet, you’ll be given a ticket with a letter on it. This letter will correspond to the number of horse you have in the event. They release what number and letter go tonigher AFTER the Equalizer is closed, just before the actual race takes place. There’s no matchfixing here.

If you end up picking the winner, you can go and collect your winnings afterward from the Equalizer tent.

I liked how the bookies didn’t bank a tonne of profit. For example a race with 5 entrants would see the winning tickets take home $9. If you were to have a net on each ticket you’d spend $10, so you’d only lose $1…not that there’s any reason to really bet on all the horses.

Remember, it’s all fun!

Note: they only deal in cash. Ideally, bring some coins.

What other entertainment options are at the Glenorchy horse races?

For the kids they have some running races between races 5 and 6 (roughly) and some tug-o-war. There’s usually live music happening and it’s not like you have to stay at the races all day…once you’ve got your wrist band you’re allowed to come and go from the event.

You might want to do some of the other popular things to do in Glenorchy, or go on one of the many walks in and around Glenorchy…the most practical one while at the event is the Glenorchy Lagoon walk.

Where to stay in Glenorchy?

I’ve mentioned the camping on the grounds already…but that’s not going to be for everyone.

There’s a host of other places you can stay in and around Glenorchy. The Glenorchy Hotel has accommodation, but given they have a big night there when the races are on, it’s not going to be the quietest of spots.

Camp Glenorchy is a popular spot, but there are plenty of airbnbs in Glenorchy as well.

And given there’s so much daylight in early January you could watch the races, then still have time to head up and stay at one of the huts on the Mount Judah or Mount McIntosh Track.

Note: you need to take a tent if you’re hiking into these huts in the evening as they’re small and early January is a popular time for them.

RELATED POST: AIRBNB ALTERNATIVES IN NZ

What to bring to the horse races in Glenorchy?

I’m just going to list a bunch of stuff:

• Camp chairs
• Booze
• Food
• Cash (notes and bills)
• Sunscreen
• Sleeping gear
• Hat (NO ONE IS WEARING FANCY HATS AT THE GLENORCHY RACES)

What are the different races they have?

From what I can gather, this is something that stays the same (more or less) each year. There are 10 races on the day, with the following formats:

• Walk Trot Gallop
• Trotting Cup
• Relay Race
• Stockmans Race
• Saddling Race
• Double Banking
• Ladies Gallop
• Open Gallop
• Locals Gallop
• Quarter Mile Sprint

The gallops are impressive, but the Stockmans Race was fun to watch too.

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The Glenorchy Races are a great event where you can have lots of fun.

If you’ve got any questions about them, drop me an email jub@churnewzealand.com or leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer.