Melbourne Cup & New Zealand Cup Tour 2026
November 2026
Overview
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 day extension is also available to this package for those wishing to include Derby Day in Melbourne, offering the opportunity to experience another highlight of the Spring Racing Carnival. In addition, full Melbourne Cup packages are available ranging from three to ten days, providing flexibility for guests who would like to spend more time in Australia.
If you wish to be part of this incredible trip, simply click the link below to receive priority access when the package becomes available for booking.
- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Booking
- FAQ
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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 day extension is also available to this package for those wishing to include Derby Day in Melbourne, offering the opportunity to experience another highlight of the Spring Racing Carnival. In addition, full Melbourne Cup packages are available ranging from three to ten days, providing flexibility for guests who would like to spend more time in Australia.
If you wish to be part of this incredible trip, simply click the link below to receive priority access when the package becomes available for booking.
Provisional itinerary below.
Itineraries
Day 1
Date : 31 October 2026
Departure Day
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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.
Day 2
Date : 1 November 2026
Welcome Dinner
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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.
Day 3
Date : 2 November 2026
Mornington Peninsula
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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
Day 4
Date : 3 November 2026
Melbourne Cup Day
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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.
Day 5
Date : 4 November 2026
Departure for Queenstown
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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.
Day 6
Date : 5 November 2026
Lake Wakatipu
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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.
Day 7
Date : 6 November 2026
Milford Sound
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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.
Day 8
Date : 7 November 2026
Lake Wanaka
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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.
Day 9
Date : 8 November 2026
Day at Leisure
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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.
Day 10
Date : 9 November 2026
Travel to Christchurch
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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.
Day 11
Date : 10 November 2026
New Zealand Cup Day
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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.
Day 12
Date : 11 November 2026
Day at Leisure
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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.
Day 13
Date : 12 November 2026
Whale Watching at Kaikoura
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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.
Day 14
Date : 13 November 2026
The Christchurch Show
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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.
Day 15
Date : 14 November 2026
New Zealand Cup Day
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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.
Day 16
Date : 15 November 2026
Departure Day
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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.
Day 17
Date : 16 November 2026
Arrival back to the UK
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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
- DOES NOT INCLUDE Travel Insurance.
If the event has been cancelled due to an ‘Act of God’ then unfortunately you will not be refunded. If the event is postponed your booking will be transferred over to the new dates. If you cannot travel on the new dates we will either transfer your booking to a new event or we will work with you to provide a refund.
If you have booked a package with us that includes a flight, then you will receive an ATOL certificate with your confirmation documents.
Read more about ATOL here.
We highly recommend taking out a travel insurance policy as soon as you have made your booking, as most policies cover you from the moment you take the policy out, and not just for the time you will be away. Different insurance providers provide different levels of cover so it is always best to check that the policy you take out meets your individual circumstances. We are unable to provide advice on travel insurance but can put you in touch with a recommended provider.