Welcome to the Takapoto Classic 2026 - a summer celebration of showjumping, style, and exceptional hospitality. This year’s event unveils an elevated schedule filled with standout moments and premium ticketed experiences designed to enhance your time at Takapoto Estate. Our hospitality series is inspired by the Mediterranean, bringing the relaxed refinement of Greek, French, and Spanish culture into a thoughtfully curated journey for you and your guests. The Takapoto Classic promises a season of vibrant energy, warm summer days, and unforgettable experiences.
For start lists, results and ClipMyHorse livestream,
visit Equipe or download the app.
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Get ready to turn up the heat - Ibiza Club style! The Solstice Party at Takapoto Estate welcomes back the Sweet Mix Kids, delivering the ultimate Ibiza-inspired set. The night begins with the excitement of Takapoto Classic Showjumping, where you can soak up the atmosphere of the in-arena entertainment from 6:30pm.
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Indulge in a touch of French charm with our Picnic à la Française - a relaxed, sit-down lunchtime experience overlooking the excitement of the Anne Symes Derby in the Grass Arena from the Gold Marquee. You’ll receive a beautifully curated picnic with French-inspired delights. Think artisan cheeses, rustic baguette, charcuterie, and sweet treats straight from the patisserie.
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Experience the excitement and elegance of the Grand Prix Gold Tour Final with a touch of Spanish flair for 2026! Overlooking the Grass Arena from the Gold Marquee, you’ll watch NZ’s top riders and horses compete while enjoying a flowing, tapas-style lunch inspired by the flavours of Spain. Sit back, relax and cheer on the horses and riders to savour every moment of this spectacular finish. This is set to be a vibrant fiesta to close the week!
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RSRV Tastings - This Sunday. Two exclusive sessions available: 11:15am & 2:00pm. $20 per person.
RSRV presents: A Sense of Place
Join Maison Mumm Brand Ambassador Andrea Giraud for a refined sensory journey into the provenance and terroir of one of Champagne’s great houses - RSRV by Maison Mumm.
Tasting flights are thoughtfully paired with matching canapés.
This family-friendly event offers ample parking and free admission from 17–20 February. General Admission tickets are required for the weekend only (21-22 February). Entry for children aged 12 and under remains free throughout. Seating is available across the venue, and you’re welcome to bring your own chairs or picnic blankets if you prefer to relax on the grass alongside the Grass Arena. Enjoy a wide selection of food and beverage options, from food trucks to onsite bars, and take time to explore the Trade Village for shopping. Gate sales available.
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Anne Symes Derby • 12.30pm, Saturday
The Anne Symes Derby is a unique showjumping competition that blends the precision of showjumping with the challenge of a mini cross-country. Riders and horses navigate a longer, more testing course that includes traditional showjumping fences (1.25m) alongside natural obstacles, designed to showcase skill and stamina.
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Corporate Teams • 3pm Saturday
This is an exciting two-round competition that will see corporate-sponsored riders battle it out over 1.30m obstacles, for a share of the impressive prize pool. With the bar open and the beautiful summer surroundings of Takapoto Estate, you have the perfect backdrop to wrap up your Saturday.
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Carriage Racing • 6pm, Saturday
Experience the excitement of Carriage Racing at Takapoto Classic 2026, an impressive display of skill, precision, and partnership between horse and driver.
Six accomplished drivers will take to the Sand Arena, navigating a technical course featuring cone obstacles, balancing balls, and marathon-style elements. From single horses to pony pairs, each combination will demonstrate remarkable control and accuracy as they weave through the arena and race against the clock.
This event offers a memorable addition to your Saturday evening at Takapoto Estate.
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Wine Tastings at The Cabana • 11am - 4pm, Saturday
Hosted at The Cabana, try the range of Takapoto Estate wines when you visit the Takapoto Classic 2026, including:
• Flagship Central Otago Pinot Noirs
• Crossing Point range – Waikato-grown Chardonnay, Rosé and Red Blend
• Forager’s Gin - Takapoto’s very own gin created in collaboration with Elsewhere Gin, using botanicals foraged from the Estate.Tastings from $20 per person.
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Silver + Gold Tour Finals • 12.15pm, Sunday
The afternoon opens with the Silver Tour Final at 12:15pm over a 1.40m course, followed by the main event - the Gold Tour Grand Prix Final at 3:00pm, featuring a 1.50m track and an impressive prize pool.
General Admission guests can enjoy relaxed viewing from the grass area beside the Grass Arena, with nearby food trucks and bars available. Picnic blankets and chairs are welcomed.
For an elevated experience, premium hospitality options include the Grand Prix Gold Tour Finale Tapas-Style Grazing Afternoon in the Gold Marquee.
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International Course Designer
We’re excited to welcome back the legendary Frank Rothenberger to Takapoto Classic 2026. Frank is globally renowned as one of the best course designers in the world, with a wealth of experience at prestigious events like the Olympic Games, World Championships, Global Champions Tour, and many 5* events.
Frank’s family business now creates jumps sold worldwide, including to Takapoto Estate, and he’s also been designing at top shows like CSI5* Wellington and CSI5*-W Leipzig.
90 Finlay Road, Maungatautari 3494
Plenty of free parking available.
Takapoto Classic 2026 - colour & style. Embellishment on pocket and back as pictured. Unisex.
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For General Admission visitors, we recommend bringing a chair or picnic blanket, particularly during our busiest sessions:
Anne Symes Derby Saturday at 12:30pm
Silver & Gold Tour Finals Sunday afternoon
During these times, the Gold Marquee will be closed for ticketed hospitality events, meaning seating inside the marquee and the Watch & Graze couches are reserved exclusively for guests who have purchased those hospitality add-ons.
While there are some seats and beanbags available around the Grass Arenas, they fill quickly on the weekend, so bringing your own seating ensures you’ll be comfortable throughout the afternoon.
General Admission guests are welcome to bring a picnic (please note: no BYO alcohol), and there will be plenty of food trucks and bars operating onsite.
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General Admission is relaxed and casual - come as you are and enjoy the day.
If you’re attending one of our ticketed hospitality events, each experience has its own suggested dress code. You’ll find specific details under the individual event listings.
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Takapoto Estate is conveniently located on Finlay Road, Maungatautari, just 25 minutes from central Cambridge.
Once you turn onto Finlay Road, follow the signs to the Takapoto Estate entrance on your left (at the bottom of the hill). Note that horse trucks and floats will use the next entrance along.
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Showjumping is an exhilarating sport, and you don't need to be an expert to enjoy it. The main objective is simple: the winner is the one who navigates the course, keeping those rails up in the shortest time possible. If you're interested in more detailed rules, you can find them here.
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Refreshments are scattered around Takapoto Estate, offering coffee, cocktails, wine, beer, and cafe cabinet food. A trade village awaits exploration, and parking is stress-free with ample space available.
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Yes! Livestream by ClipMyHorse.tv, free on the Equipe App here.
Subscription required for replays.
Please be prudent and beware of imitators on Facebook.
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Start lists and results will be available via the Equipe App here.
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Unfortunately, we can't allow you to bring your dog onto the premises. While we love our furry friends, our policy is in place to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all our guests. Service dogs are an exception to this policy and are welcome to accompany individuals that need assistance with accessibility. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us create an enjoyable experience for everyone.
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Under no circumstances can you bring your own alcohol onto our licensed areas. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all our patrons and to comply with local laws and regulations.
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We run as a cashless show, you will only be able to pay for things using Eftpos or a Credit Card.
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If you’re on the One NZ (Vodafone) network you may experience connectivity issues at Takapoto Estate. This issue only affects the One NZ network.
For this reason, if you are on One NZ, it’s a good idea to download any event tickets before you arrive so we can grant you swift entry.
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Please visit our dedicated Riders Info page for all relevant information for Riders.
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The Takapoto Classic is managed in partnership with our PR team, who oversee all accredited media and official event photography. Any professional or commercial photography (including the sale of images) is limited to approved photographers only.
Guests are welcome to take casual, non-commercial photos and videos from ringside areas. We simply ask that you remain outside the competition arenas and respect all signage and steward directions.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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2026
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS • 2026 •
