The New and Improved Karaka Experience

14 December 2022

NZB Invites all prospective buyers to join them at Karaka 2023.

New Zealand Bloodstock invites all prospective buyers, racing enthusiasts and public to join the auction house at its Karaka 2023 National Yearling Sales Series, a pinnacle event on the New Zealand calendar where over 1,000 of the very best yearlings will be on offer to buyers from around the globe. 

NZB is beyond excited to be able to welcome back its international clientele to the National Yearling Sales Series for the first time since 2020. On the hospitality front, there have been a number of changes around both Karaka and Auckland since the borders were last open.

First and foremost, welcome to the brand new DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka hotel, set within the picturesque grounds of NZB’s Karaka Sales Centre. Boasting 122 guest rooms, the hotel includes two one-bedrooms 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. For a mouth-watering meal, the Ethereal Artisan Kitchen at the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka hotel is the perfect place to indulge after a day at the Sale, with signature Karaka cocktails flowing at the Horseshoe Bar.

NZB's Karaka Experience is world-renowned for its gourmet delicacies and kiwi hospitality.

There are an array of hospitality options available onsite for sale enthusiasts to experience. One of the unique aspects of the ‘Karaka Experience’ are the vendor’s lavish hospitality marquees for entertaining and catering for 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 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.

Moving to downtown Auckland, Commercial Bay opened late 2020 with a variety of shops and restaurants including Ahi, Origine and The Lodge Bar & Dining. Ahi and Origine both enjoy sweeping views across the harbour, while The Lodge Bar on street level, instills a sense of cozy comfort reminiscent of a wilderness lodge. Commercial Bay is also home to an excellent food court for a quick, easy lunch or dinner on the go. 

With plenty of options to explore, Auckland's hospitality scene is now booming.

Next door, there has been extensive development to the Britomart Precinct, with the opening of The Hotel Britomart, and a flood of restaurants including Alma, MoVida, Mr Morris and Bar Non Solo, joining long-time favourites Amano, Ebisu and more.

Around the waterfront, the Viaduct is as vibrant as ever. The city welcomed the QT Auckland hotel in 2020, and it has made a significant impact with its buzzy QT Rooftop bar and the delectable Esther restaurant on the lobby level. Headquarters moved around the corner and is set to re-open in time for Karaka 2023, while its site was taken over by Bivacco - a “bold restaurant serving unfussy Italian food.” Soul Bar, and its famous flower-laden terrace, is still one of the most popular tables to secure in Auckland. 

Around the city, there have been significant openings including Daphne’s, a greek taverna-style spot in Ponsonby, and Milenta in Victoria Park, walking distance from the Viaduct, which offers delicious food inspired by the flavours and traditions of South America. For those who are looking for a secret late-night spot, ask about The Shy Guy.

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 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 for Karaka 2023, contact Victoria Vela or Dorian Kos on travel@nzb.co.nz. For more information about any of the listed hotels, restaurants or services visit nzb.co.nz.

View the full Karaka 2023 catalogues online here.

Karaka 2023 Sale Dates