Please show your support of Waihekepedia by adding a link to us from your web site. Waihekepedia T Shirts now available at the Ostend Market
Onetangi Beach Races
History repeating itself . . . if you don't do anything else on Waitangi Weekend do this!
This famous Waiheke event happens every year in summer on beautiful Onetangi Beach. Events include horse races with an on beach tote, tractor, wheelbarrow and waiters races, Waiheke’s Fastest Man and Speediest Woman, Tug-o-war and Fashion-in-the-field competition. For the kids there are running races, sand sculpture and contests.
The Races and Family Fun Day first started on Waiheke about 100 years ago. It was stopped in 1924 because local authorities decided the people of the time were gambling too much money! Since 1998 it has been organised by Waiheke Rotary Club Inc and is a hugely popular day raising funds for charity and providing a wonderful, fun, community day.
Horse Racing is not the only attraction, you'll see tractors and Sealegs battling it out, waiters, wheelbarrows and people in general all racing along the beach, everyone is welcome to join in. The world's largest Tug-o-War involved 25,000 people - a few less than this at the Races but it doesn't feel like it! Sandcastle (children) and sandsculpting (adults) competitions, A Big Dig, Children's Golf Challenge, Fashion in the Field and Mad Hatter competitions and much, much more.
Free entry to the Races (Race Packs $20) and free entry to all competitions, great prizes to be won. Silent Auction and plenty of great raffles. Stalls and food stalls, beer and wine tent on the beach.
Celebrate the end of Waitangi Weekend and come to Waiheke, Sunday 8 February, bring the family for a great day out.
Fullers ferry from Downtown Auckland and Sealink from Half Moon Bay, buses from Waiheke side to the Races.
Everyone is welcome, see you there.
All enquiries call races co-ordinator, Jenness Reeve on (09) 372 4459 or email amreeve@xtra.co.nz
History
This famous annual event began 100 years ago but authorities put a stop to it in 1924 as a result of too much gambling! The Waiheke Rotary Club have successfully run the event, raising funds for charity since 1998.
