The Global Allure of The Karaka Experience

Labelled as ‘the best week on the sales calendar,’ New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales Series is truly a unique experience over six action-packed days of selling, opened by the richest sporting spectacle in New Zealand with the TAB Karaka Millions Raceday.

Serving as a perfect curtain-raiser to Karaka 2024, the high-octane race meeting features a total stake of $4.45m, headed by the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and the all-new open $1m Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) for four-year-olds at the new and improved Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday 27 January.

The following day, the first of over 1100 of the very best yearlings New Zealand has to offer will go under the hammer in the Sir Patrick Hogan auditorium at the renowned Karaka Sales Centre. Not only is the event marked as the source of future racetrack champions, it makes for an incredible experience.

First and foremost, the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka is set within the picturesque grounds of NZB’s Karaka Sales Centre. Boasting 122 guest rooms, the hotel includes two one-bedroom suites and an expansive Presidential Suite, as well as an impressive swimming pool and outdoor bar, a large gym, a signature Horseshoe Bar and Ethereal Artisan Kitchen and generous entertaining areas with two large outdoor fireplaces.

There are an array of hospitality options available onsite for sale enthusiasts to experience. One of the unique aspects of the Karaka experience is the vendor’s lavish hospitality marquees for entertaining and catering to clients. Enjoy a wide and varied range of gourmet delicacies and Kiwi favourites, and get to know the people behind the studs.

Attendees can head out to the front lawn, next to the outdoor parade ring, and grab yourself a coffee from the barista window. For a café-style menu and an extensive selection of beverages, the Karaka Garden Bar can be found on the ground level. If you are short on time, snack items and sweet treats are located on the first level at the Tulloch Café and NZB welcomes all registered buyers to enjoy the Phar Lap Room on sale days.

Auckland’s inner-city restaurant scene offers an abundance of dining options founded on the use quality, fresh produce and multi-cultural influences. New Zealand’s City of Sails delivers on great expectations of mount-watering cuisine and energetic nightlife.

Offering peak drinking and dining experiences, this district is home to Ahi, Bar Albert, Headquarters, Bossi and Daphne’s, providing convival atmospheres while celebrating local produce and Kiwi hospitality.

Of course the classics still have their place, with Cibo, NSP and Sid at The French Cafe celebrated for their impeccable service, delicious food and unbeatable ambience.

City fine-dining aside their are plenty of quality restaurants surrounding the Karaka Sales Centre in South Auckland. If you fancy a quick trip from NZB for a delectable meal, you may want to consider Ethereal Artisian Kitchen at the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka hotel, or local favourites IZU and Volare.

Back at Karaka once horses arrive onsite, the grounds are teeming with buyer inspections and parades. NZB will offer its airport transfer and courtesy car service during the Sale, as well as an array of hospitality options across the complex. From classic ham sandwiches to fresh oysters, ice-cold beer, or a crisp glass of wine, these are just a few of the elements that make up The Karaka Experience.

To make a hotel or restaurant booking email the team at travel@nzb.co.nz.

Entry to the grounds and Sale is free and all are welcome to join us onsite at Karaka to experience the atmosphere and thrill of a live auction. Selling begins at 10am (NZT) during Book 1, and 11am (NZT) during Book 2.

For more information about any of the listed hotels, restaurants or services available on your trip to New Zealand and Karaka, visit nzb.co.nz.