Race Day

Join us for Gisborne’s day at the races at the Interislander Summer Festival. Enjoy great racing action, Fashion in the Field, Kids Activities and food trucks. Beat the crowds and reserve your spot in one of our hospitality options for a social group, work or the family.

Events

The Poverty Bay Turf Club hosts a summer festival of horse racing and trackside entertaiment once per year at the historic Makaraka Racecourse on the outskirts of Gisborne on the sunny east coast of New Zealand's, North Island.

Next race meeting: Feb 17th, 2019

Race Day Information and Hospitality Packages

History

The village of Makaraka is the home of the Poverty Bay Turf Club which held its first race meetings on local farmer's paddocks as far back as 1870. The 'Roseland' racecourse was purchased in the late 1880s and the still existing Members Stand was built in 1891. Makaraka is a location steeped in horse racing history and equestrian tradition.

Find out more