MELBOURNE CUP & NEW ZEALAND TOUR
Featuring The Melbourne Cup & New Zealand Cup
Melbourne, Australia
Queenstown, New Zealand
Christchurch, New Zealand
November 2026
We are delighted to introduce a truly special trip in November 2026, combining one of the world’s most famous sporting events with a journey through New Zealand’s breath taking South Island.
The tour begins in Australia with the Melbourne Cup, the race that stops a nation. Few sporting occasions can match the atmosphere of Cup Day, making it a bucket list experience for any racing fan. From the excitement of Melbourne, we then fly on to New Zealand to continue the adventure in one of the most scenic parts of the world.
Our first stop in New Zealand is Queenstown, set against a dramatic alpine backdrop and renowned for its natural beauty. This part of the tour focuses on showcasing the very best of the South Island, blending iconic landscapes with relaxed sightseeing and unforgettable experiences. From cruising on Lake Wakatipu to a full day excursion to the world famous Milford Sound, along with time spent around the beautiful Lake Wanaka, this stage of the trip is designed to create lasting memories.
The itinerary then continues to Christchurch, home to one of the biggest equine weeks in the Southern Hemisphere. Centred around Christchurch Show Week and New Zealand Cup Day, this part of the tour offers the chance to experience first hand what makes these events so special. Christchurch blends rich history with modern culture and also provides the opportunity to enjoy whale watching, one of New Zealand’s most remarkable wildlife experiences. With world class racing, spectacular scenery and carefully chosen experiences, this tour is a standout addition to our 2026 programme.
A three night extension is available for those wishing to include Penfolds Victoria Derby Day in Melbourne, offering the opportunity to experience another highlight of the Spring Racing Carnival.
Please note international flights are not included in the package price. We are currently holding a limited allocation of flights at a competitive rate, so please get in touch if you would like to discuss international flight options.
Flights available from UK and Ireland. Talk to us at time of booking for flight options.
Wednesday 28th October
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Six-night Melbourne Cup guests fly from the UK to Melbourne.
Thursday 29th October
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Six-night Melbourne Cup guests check in to the 5* Langham Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Friday 30th October
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Breakfast at hotel
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Today is a free day to explore the magnificent city of Melbourne. Whether you choose to wander the laneways, enjoy the cafés and restaurants, or visit some of the city’s iconic landmarks, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
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Welcome drinks
Saturday 31st October
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Breakfast at hotel
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Transfer to Flemington Racecourse.
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Today is Penfolds Victoria Derby Day and we have Hill Stand Reserved Seating at Flemington Racecourse, a perfect place to enjoy and soak up the atmosphere.
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Return departure from within Flemington Racecourse. *Exact transfer timings tbc.
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3-night Melbourne guests fly from the UK to Melbourne.
Sunday 1st November
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3-night guests arrive into Melbourne and transfer to the hotel.
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Check in to the hotel for a three night stay.
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In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner, the perfect introduction to our time in Australia.
Monday 2nd November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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This morning we will be heading to the fabulous Mornington Peninsula to visit the Freedman Brothers Stables, who have saddled over 100 Group 1 winners including five Melbourne Cup winners. There are sure to have runners on the big day and we are delighted to have a tour arranged.
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Following our stable tour we will be visiting the St Andrews Beach Brewery, renowned for its connection to racing with a tour and maybe even a sample of their different beers and ciders.
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Late afternoon and evening at leisure, with time to relax or explore Melbourne at your own pace.
Tuesday 3rd November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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Today is the big day as we attend the Melbourne Cup, Australia’s most famous race and one of the world’s great sporting events, with the city coming to a standstill for this iconic occasion.
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Transfer to Flemington Racecourse accompanied by a Racing Around The World host.
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Once again, we have Hill Stand Reserved Seating at Flemington Racecourse for you to enjoy 'the race that stops a nation'.
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Return departure from within Flemington Racecourse. *Exact transfer timings tbc.
Wednesday 4th November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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We check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight to Queenstown.
Thursday 5th November
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Breakfast at hotel
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Today we will enjoy a half day cruise on Lake Wakatipu, taking in the stunning alpine scenery and views of the Remarkables. A relaxed way to experience one of Queenstown’s most iconic landscapes from the water.
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In the evening, we'll enjoy dinner at Botswana Butchery, one of Queenstown’s most renowned restaurants, the perfect setting to round off the day.
Friday 6th November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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Today we depart on a full day tour to Milford Sound and Fiordland, travelling through dramatic alpine scenery, glacial valleys and rainforest to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most famous natural landmarks, known for its towering cliffs and waterfalls.
Saturday 7th November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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We travel to Lake Wanaka, known for its crystal clear waters and beautiful mountain backdrop, with time to enjoy the scenery and relaxed lakeside setting.
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Later, we enjoy a wine tasting at Rippon Winery, a world renowned vineyard set high above the lake, offering outstanding wines and breathtaking views across Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
Sunday 8th November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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Today is free to explore Queenstown at leisure. You may wish to take the Skyline Gondola for views across the town and Lake Wakatipu, enjoy a walk along the waterfront, or spend time in the town centre with its shops and cafés.
Monday 9th November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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We depart Queenstown by flight, travelling to Christchurch.
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Check in to the Observatory Hotel for a six night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
Tuesday 10th November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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This morning we will visit a local stable/stud before heading to the races.
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Today we attend New Zealand Cup Day at Addington Park, one of the biggest race meetings in the southern hemisphere and the highlight of the New Zealand harness racing calendar. Hospitality is included, providing an excellent setting to enjoy the racing and atmosphere on this flagship day.
Wednesday 11th November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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Today is a free day in Christchurch. Guests may choose to join an optional city tour to explore the highlights of the city, or opt to visit Riccarton Park for a day at the races.
Thursday 12th November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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Today we travel to Kaikoura for a half day whale watching tour, one of New Zealand’s most renowned wildlife experiences. Kaikoura is famous for its deep ocean waters close to shore, offering the chance to see majestic sperm whales along with dolphins and seabirds in their natural environment.
Friday 13th November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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Today we attend the Christchurch Show, one of New Zealand’s most important agricultural and equestrian events, with a history dating back over 150 years. The Show is a major showcase for horses and rural life, attracting competitors and visitors from across the country and forming a key date in the New Zealand sporting and agricultural calendar.
Saturday 14th November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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Today we attend New Zealand Cup Day at Riccarton Park, one of the most prestigious race meetings in the country and a highlight of the New Zealand racing calendar. Hospitality is included, providing an excellent setting to enjoy top class racing and the atmosphere on this flagship day.
Sunday 15th November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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Check out of hotel.
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Transfer to the airport for our return flight home to the UK.
Monday 16th November
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Arrive back into the UK.
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Return Hotel Transfers in Melbourne
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3/6 Night Stay at 5* Langham Hotel on B&B Basis
Welcome Dinner in Melbourne
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Official Hill Stand Reserved Seating at Flemington Racecourse for you to enjoy the Melbourne Cup.
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Official Hill Stand Reserved Seating at Flemington Racecourse on Victoria Derby Day. (6 Night Guests)
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Exclusive Freedman Brothers Stable Visit
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Visit to St Andrews Beach Brewery
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Economy Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown
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Hotel Transfer in Queenstown
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5 Night Stay in the 5* Sofitel Queenstown Hotel on a B&B Basis
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½ Day Cruise on Lake Wakatipu with Stunning Views
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Evening Meal at the famous Botswana Butchery
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Full Day Tour to Milford Sound (just wow!)
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Tour to Nippon Winery and Lake Wanaka
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Economy Flights from Queenstown to Christchurch
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6 Night Stay at The 5* Observatory Hotel on a B&B Basis
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Tour to Kaikoura for Whale & Dolphin Watching
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Stable/Stud Tour
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Full Hospitality at Addington Park for the biggest Harness Race Meeting in the Southern Hemisphere
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Day at Christchurch Show
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Full Hospitality at New Zealand Trotting Cup Day at Riccarton Park
HOTELS
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa is a stylish five star hotel right in the centre of Queenstown, just a short walk from the lakefront, shops and restaurants. It offers elegant rooms, a relaxed luxury feel and excellent dining and bar options, making it an ideal base for exploring the town while enjoying a high level of comfort.
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is a boutique hotel set within the beautifully restored Gothic Revival buildings of the Te Matatiki Toi Ora Arts Centre in the heart of Christchurch city. Its individually designed rooms blend heritage architecture with style, with a prime location just steps from Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens and the city’s galleries and cafes.
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch
The Langham, Melbourne is a five star hotel set along the Yarra River in the heart of the city. Elegant and well established, it offers spacious rooms with river or skyline views, a luxury spa and the highly regarded Melba Restaurant. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring Southbank, Federation Square and Melbourne’s main shopping and cultural districts.
The Langham, Melbourne
MELBOURNE CUP
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The Melbourne Cup is one of the most famous horse races in the world and is the biggest day in Australian racing. Known as the race that stops a nation, it’s an event that draws attention well beyond the racecourse and is something every racing fan should experience at least once.
Run each year on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington Racecourse, the Melbourne Cup is a Group 1 handicap over 3,200 metres. First staged in 1861, the race has a huge amount of history behind it and regularly attracts runners from all over the world. The atmosphere on the day is incredible, with a packed crowd, a real sense of occasion and anticipation building right up until the moment the field jump.
Melbourne Cup Day is about much more than the race itself. It’s a day where racing, fashion and celebration all come together, creating a buzz that is felt across the racecourse and the city. Whether you’re there for the racing, the atmosphere or simply to soak it all in, it’s a truly special experience and one that stays with you long after the race is run.
NEW ZEALAND CUP
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The New Zealand Cup is one of the great staying races in the Southern Hemisphere and the centrepiece of the New Zealand racing calendar. Held at Riccarton Racecourse in Christchurch, it is a race steeped in history and tradition and remains a real highlight for racing fans.
Run each November as part of Cup Week, the New Zealand Cup is a Group 3 handicap over 3,200 metres and has been staged since 1865. The race has produced countless memorable moments over the years and continues to attract strong fields of stayers from across New Zealand and Australia. Riccarton itself offers a fantastic setting, with wide open spaces, a relaxed atmosphere and excellent viewing for racegoers.
The New Zealand Cup is about more than just the feature race. Cup Week brings a real festival feel to Christchurch, with great racing across several days and a friendly, welcoming crowd. It’s a brilliant opportunity to experience New Zealand racing at its best, combining competitive action on the track with an easygoing atmosphere that makes the whole week thoroughly enjoyable.
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
Andy H,
November 2025
Absolutely amazing, from start to finish!
The actual trip was just phenomenal. We met some lovely people, we learnt so much and we experienced the most wonderful weekend. The organisation was second to none; the hotel was perfect and the location was right opposite the Hippodrome.
From Marc’s knowledge and contacts, we got to spend a day at Nicolas Clement’s stables, we had wonderful seats for the races along with another stables tour, something we would not have experienced if I hadn’t booked with Venatour. The trip was the right mix of activities and leisure time and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jon S,
September 2025
Lovely trip meeting old and new friends.
Fantastic trip to Bruges and Waregem with Venatour Racing Social. This was our first visit to Bruges so Marc and Simon definitely looked after all of us with recommendations for bars and restaurants and places to see.
Wonderful choice of hotel in the centre of Bruges and a nice touch on day 1 to meet up for drinks together and get to know the group. The racing on day 2 was a spectacle not to be missed and with superb hospitality. On the last evening, Marc arranged a meet up at a lovely place by the Canal. Thanks for a lovely trip, meeting old and new friends and being well looked after.
Carol S,
February 2025
We are still buzzing from
our trip.
Firstly, we are still buzzing from our trip to the White Turf Event in St Moritz with Marc & Simon from Venatour. We were with our family on our return and loved relating many of the 'one of a kind' highlights!
We felt very well looked after with all the attention to details, updates and changes of exciting events which they both masterminded. We've now signed up for the Cape Town event plus the add on Safari - we know it will be a superb experience and something we couldn't do without the expertise of Venatour.
Graham H,
November 2025
Very skilled in tailoring the experience.
Our first guided tour of any description (being averse to any set itinerary and having the spirit of a cat, like a caged Lion…😁). However Marc was an excellent herder of cats!
Very skilful in tailoring the experience to the individual; we did our own thing but was always kept in the loop and joined the group and events as we wanted. And when Gatwick threw a curveball by cancelling a bunch of flights, Marc and the team juggled all the chaos like pros. Hats off to them - it was purr-fectly handled! Thanks guys loved it.