Clear your social calendars for the most elite day at the ponies

Elevate your summer at New Zealand’s most glamorous show jumping event, held at the picturesque Takapoto Estate, in the Waikato.

This weekend, the best way to watch world-class show jumping is kicking off on the beautiful shores of Lake Karapiro. If you’re a show jumping expert or just love an elite day socialising out at the ponies, Takapoto Estate has put on the perfect event for you. 

The team at Takapoto Estate are extremely relieved that Weekend Two can still go ahead of their showjumping series, COVID, unfortunately, interfering with Weekend One plans. “It was disappointing to have to cancel the first week but safety was key and given the distances, some riders were travelling, the call had to be made early. Everything is good to go this coming week. We are getting really excited and can’t wait to see you all ” says Event Director, Mikayla Plaw.  

WHAT TO EXPECT

Held over the last weekend of February (24th - 28th), Takapoto Estate Show Jumping is a boutique event that showcases the best horses and riders throughout the nation. At an incredibly 600-acre property in the Waikato, the competition is held annually in the late summer.

The event brings a much-needed taste of European show jumping to New Zealand at one of the most picturesque properties of Lake Karapiro. The competitive riding will see the nation’s best show jumpers execute a course of obstacles, where they’ll be judged according to their ability and speed. 

WHAT’S ON

After the most perfect day watching the ponies and their riders galloping around the course, those wanting to continue socialising can buy tickets to the Cocktail party held on Saturday the 27th of February or the VIP long lunch the following day. 

If a glamorous night out after watching the ponies is what you are after, the APL Cocktail Function is where you need to be. Demand is high for this event held in the luxurious Bellevue Arena Marquee. Guests can enjoy a glass of bubbles or a beer on arrival, indulge in delicious foods before dancing your way into the next day’s festivities.

The glam, bubbles and ponies don't just stop there, on Sunday the 28th of February, The Grand Prix VIP Lunch is the day for corporate hosting or simply wining and dining with your friends. Enjoy a long lunch and witness the country’s most elite horse and rider competition from the stunning Bellevue Arena Marquee.

Table tickets include a three-course meal and two bottles of GH MUMM Champagne ready and waiting on your table.

If you’re after something a little more casual, the Watch & Graze is your perfect option to observe comfortably on your own private couch, sitting under an umbrella with, of course, a glass of GH Mumm in hand. General admission tickets over the weekend give access to a wide array of food truck options and a public bar.

If you are indulging in a weekend down in the beautiful Waikato find accommodation here that’ll give you easy travel access to the Takapoto Estate. For us, one day is simply not enough.

So, if this sounds like a bit of you, saddle up! Join the equestrian community out in the Waikato for an all-inclusive day of sports, entertainment and champagne. 

ABOUT TAKAPOTO SHOWJUMPING COMPETITION

Dates: February 24th – 28th 

Time: Gates open at 8am

Location: Takapoto Estate, 90 Finlay Rd Maungatautari, Horahora, Cambridge

DRESS CODE

General Admission: Your casual weekend attire

Cocktail Party: Dress to impress with a jazzy dress for the ladies and a colourful shirt for the men

VIP Lunch: Anything you’d expect to see at a day out at the Races, minus the fascinators. Think long flowy dresses for the ladies and tonal pants with linen shorts for the gentlemen.

You can get your tickets for both weekends here