The annual Onetangi Beach Races is one of Waiheke’s most iconic events held every February. It’s a popular day for both locals and visitors to the island. The event is free to attend, and provides good entertainment and a great day out for the family.
Next Event: February 2024
The event was unfortunately cancelled for 2022 / 2023
Photo Credit: Pete Rees and Shelley Wood
The Onetangi Beach Races has been a carnival event on Waiheke, held on and off for over a hundred years. The event is presently organized by Onetangi Beach Races Incorporated who is a society organized and operated by members of Waiheke Rotary Club. Funds raised from the Beach Races are distributed by Rotary back into the community.
Along with the horse races are the tractor race, the ever popular Sealegs races, and new events which include the adrenaline fueled Thundercats ( seriously fast, twin hulled inflatable boats and the Waka Ama. Other events of the day will include a sandcastle competition, and The Big Dig for the children, as well as the Fashion-in-the-Field. Other attractions include silent auctions, and the opportunity to place bets and win at the races.
The Beach Races is run on an Equalisator Betting system; so make sure you buy a race pack to be in to win. These cost $25 and contain tickets for all tote races, the day’s programme, and a chance to win a major prize. Race packs can be bought on the day at the Tote Tent. Immediately prior to the start of each race a draw will be made to determine the riders number. Your race ticket number will equate with a rider number, hopefully the winning one. Dividends will be paid to 1st place winners only, and can be collected from the Tote Tent.
The all day market along the Strand will include stalls selling artwork, street food, clothing, and coffee and much more…
The event has a lot to offer.
For more information visit the website dedicated to the event.
Some history behind the races
The races started as a family fun day way back in the 1890s and became more and more popular. The local authorities stopped the races in 1924 because they thought people were spending too much money on betting. The races were revived by Keth Haub, owner of the McGinty’s Pub, but faltered before the Waiheke Rotary Club brought them to life again in 1998. Now the beach races are held annually raising money for the island charities.
