Last updated July 2026
Pukekohe Park at 250 Manukau Road serves as the southern venue for Auckland Thoroughbred Racing and a key sports and events site in the Franklin district. The venue hosts thoroughbred horse racing year-round, highlighted by the annual TAB Counties Cup Day in November. It also functions as a versatile event centre for functions, exhibitions and community gatherings, while operating an elite thoroughbred training facility used daily by local trainers and horses.
Practical Information
| Address | 250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe 2120 |
| Phone | 09 238 8049 (onsite and training enquiries) |
| Operated by | Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) |
| Race meeting admission | Free general admission on all racedays |
| Signature race event | TAB Counties Cup Day, November — features Group 3 TAB Counties Cup and Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes |
| Training centre | 15-metre-wide all-weather sand track with floodlighting, three grass tracks, plough track, cinders track 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 transitioned to focus exclusively on thoroughbred racing and events. Auckland Thoroughbred Racing ended regular motorsport activities in April 2023 to prioritise horse racing and club facilities. A one-off motorsport event occurred in February 2026 before the venue returned to its current racing and events focus.
Horse racing meetings take place throughout the year under the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing banner, which also operates Ellerslie Racecourse. Free general admission on racedays creates an accessible, community-oriented atmosphere. The November TAB Counties Cup Day stands out as the premier event, combining elite Group races with strong local attendance from the Franklin district and greater Auckland.
The on-site training centre supports daily use by racehorses and trainers. Facilities include a modern 15-metre-wide all-weather sand track with dual-lamp floodlighting for early morning and evening sessions, three grass tracks, a plough track, cinders track and trotting ring. This variety of surfaces at one provincial venue supports comprehensive training programmes.
Events and Functions
Outside racedays, Pukekohe Park operates as a flexible year-round event venue. The grandstand, pavilions and open spaces accommodate private functions, corporate events, exhibitions and community gatherings of varying scales. Organisers can contact Auckland Thoroughbred Racing directly for hire enquiries.
Day Trips from Pukekohe
Pukekohe serves as a convenient base for day trips across the Franklin district and into greater Auckland. Popular options include visits to nearby beaches such as Kariotahi Beach, scenic lookouts at Pukekohe Hill, and heritage experiences like the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Further afield, guided tours to Hobbiton or Waitomo Caves are readily accessible, with many operators departing from or passing through the Pukekohe area. Local parks and reserves provide additional short outings for walking, picnics and family recreation.
What Visitors Often Say
Counties Cup Day offers a relaxed atmosphere with good facilities and exciting racing. Free entry makes it straightforward to attend and enjoy the day.
The training centre stands out as high quality for a provincial track. Watching horses work on the all-weather surface early in the morning provides a memorable experience.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing — Pukekohe Park: official page with race schedules, training details and event hire information.
Eventfinda — Pukekohe Park: listings for upcoming public events, race meetings and venue bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pukekohe Park?
Pukekohe Park is located at 250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe 2120.
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 each November and features the Group 3 TAB Counties Cup along with the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. Exact dates are listed on the ATR website.
Does Pukekohe Park still host motorsport?
Regular motorsport events ended in April 2023. A single final event took place in February 2026, after which the venue returned to its focus on horse racing and events.
Can you hire Pukekohe Park for events?
Yes, the venue is available year-round for private, corporate and community events. Contact Auckland Thoroughbred Racing on 09 238 8049 or via the official website.
What racing body operates Pukekohe Park?
Pukekohe Park is operated by Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR), which also manages Ellerslie Racecourse.
What training facilities are available?
The centre includes a 15-metre-wide all-weather sand track with floodlighting, three grass tracks, a plough track, cinders track and trotting ring.
Are there day trip options from Pukekohe?
Yes, Pukekohe provides easy access to local beaches, Pukekohe Hill, Glenbrook Vintage Railway and guided tours to attractions such as Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves.
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