Pukekohe Park at 250 Manukau Road is the southern venue of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing and one of the most distinctive sports and events sites in the Franklin district. The park hosts thoroughbred horse racing throughout the year, with its signature event — the TAB Counties Cup Day in November — regularly selling out. Beyond racing, the venue operates as a year-round event centre available for functions, exhibitions, and community events of all sizes. The site also includes an elite thoroughbred training centre used daily by trainers and horses based at Pukekohe.
Practical Information
| Address | 250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe 2120 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 09 238 8049 |
| Operated by | Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) |
| Race meeting admission | Free general admission on all racedays |
| Signature race event | TAB Counties Cup Day, November — Group 3 TAB Counties Cup + Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes |
| Training centre | 15m-wide all-weather track, three grass tracks, cinders, plough and trotting ring |
| Event hire | Year-round venue hire for private, corporate and community events |
| Website | aucklandracing.co.nz/pukekohe-park |
About Pukekohe Park
Pukekohe Park has a long history as a dual-purpose motorsport and horse racing venue, but Auckland Thoroughbred Racing formally ended its motorsport events in April 2023, redirecting focus entirely to the horse racing and event centre side of the business. The change marked a shift in the venue’s identity — Pukekohe Park is now exclusively a thoroughbred racing and events facility.
Horse racing at Pukekohe operates under the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing banner, which also manages Ellerslie Racecourse. Race meetings at Pukekohe are held throughout the year, with free general admission on all racedays giving the venue an accessible, community feel. The November Counties Cup Day is the standout event on the Pukekohe calendar — it combines two elite Group races and consistently attracts large crowds from across the Franklin district and Auckland.
The training centre at Pukekohe Park is used daily by racehorses and their trainers. The facilities include a 15-metre wide all-weather synthetic track with dual-lamp floodlighting (allowing early morning and evening training), three separate grass tracks, a cinders track, a plough, and a trotting ring. The combination of track types at a single facility is uncommon outside major metropolitan racecourses.
Events and Functions
Outside racedays, Pukekohe Park operates as a year-round event centre. The site can host events of varying sizes, from small private functions to large-scale exhibitions, corporate events, and community gatherings. The grandstand facilities, pavilions, and open spaces give event organisers considerable flexibility. The venue’s Eventfinda listing is a reliable source for upcoming public events at the site.
From Motorsport to Racing
Pukekohe Park Raceway was previously one of New Zealand’s most significant motorsport circuits, hosting the New Zealand Grand Prix and, in later years, rounds of the V8 Supercars series. Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s decision to end motorsport events in 2023 reflected the logistical and financial realities of running two distinct major sports disciplines at the same venue. The transition to a horse-racing-only venue is now complete.
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aucklandracing.co.nz/pukekohe-park — the official ATR page for Pukekohe Park, covering race meeting schedules, training facilities, and event hire enquiries.
eventfinda.co.nz — Pukekohe Park — upcoming public events at Pukekohe Park, including race meetings, community events, and other venue bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pukekohe Park?
Pukekohe Park is at 250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe 2120, at the southern end of Manukau Road heading toward Tuakau.
Is entry to horse racing at Pukekohe Park free?
Yes — general admission is free on all Auckland Thoroughbred Racing racedays at Pukekohe Park.
When is the Counties Cup at Pukekohe?
The TAB Counties Cup Day is held in November each year. It features the Group 3 TAB Counties Cup and the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes — check the ATR website for the exact date each season.
Does Pukekohe Park still host motorsport?
No — Auckland Thoroughbred Racing ended motorsport events at Pukekohe Park in April 2023. The venue is now exclusively focused on horse racing and events.
Can you hire Pukekohe Park for events?
Yes — the venue is available for hire year-round for private, corporate, and community events. Contact Auckland Thoroughbred Racing via 09 238 8049 or the ATR website.
What racing body operates Pukekohe Park?
Pukekohe Park is operated by Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR), which also manages Ellerslie Racecourse.
Pukekohe Park is one of the larger attraction sites in the Franklin district. For parks and outdoor spaces nearby, Pukekohe Parks and Reserves covers the full range of green spaces across the area. Pukekohe Hill Reserve is a short drive away and offers walking tracks with panoramic views over the Franklin plains.
