Riccarton Park Racecourse (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Riccarton Park Racecourse?
What makes it 48% Baby-Friendly: Grounds are mostly flat for prams and a baby-change tent appears only on major racedays, yet loud speakers, no dedicated nursing room and grass surfaces lower comfort.
Positives:
- Pram-friendly layout: Flat grass and gravel paths make stroller movements easy around the market and lawns.
- Free family-friendly event: Riccarton Sunday Market offers free entry, music and open space for babies to enjoy.
Challenges:
- Limited nursing facilities: No dedicated nursing room; consider booking a hospitality package or find a quiet grandstand corner.
- Loud and busy on major race days: High noise levels and crowds can disturb a baby’s nap or make stroller navigation harder.
What is Riccarton Park Racecourse?
- A historic thoroughbred horse racing venue founded in 1854 on Christchurch’s western suburban fringe
- A one-mile turf circuit complemented by grandstands, members’ facilities, and administrative buildings
- A site that merges 19th-century architectural elements with contemporary trackside amenities and event infrastructure
What is so special about Riccarton Park Racecourse for with baby?
- Pram-friendly grounds at Riccarton Sunday Market
- Free entry, parking, live music and open space
- Picnic lawns under shaded trees beside the track
- Basic baby-change stations available during major events
- Quiet perimeter stroll on non-race days
Note: Riccarton Park Racecourse is 48% Baby-Friendly. You may want to consider other Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Christchurch for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: 2-3 hours is enough to explore stalls, enjoy a picnic and keep to your baby’s nap schedule.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Riccarton Park Racecourse
Riccarton Sunday Market:
Wander pram-friendly stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, street food and live music.
Tip: Arrive by 9 am to find quiet paths and grab a coffee before it gets busy.
Picnic on the Lawns:
Spread a blanket under shaded trees beside the racetrack for a relaxed snack.
Tip: Pick up takeaway at the market and choose a spot near amenities for quick baby breaks.
Stroll the Perimeter Track:
Walk or push the stroller around the track on non-race days for open views.
Tip: Confirm open-track times with the venue and go midweek to avoid crowds.
Locate Baby-Change Stations:
Use free baby-change facilities during major race events.
Tip: Check with events@riccartonpark.co.nz ahead of your visit to confirm locations.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Riccarton Park Racecourse
- Bring essential baby gear: Pack a portable change mat and extra diapers as on-site facilities are basic.
- Choose a sturdy stroller: All-terrain wheels handle grass paths better than standard wheels.
- Check the schedule ahead: Email events@riccartonpark.co.nz to confirm market and track access times.
Reviews of Riccarton Park Racecourse
K J Murphy
Top day - excellent fields & racing - still a bit jetlaged after 36 hr ordeal getting over from remote WA.- travelling since 6 am Thursday !! - So missed the first 4 races Even hot for someone from sunbaKed/hot WA - more intense/burning sun over here - apparently caused by the big hole in the ozone layer over southern NZ !!
sarah crooks
Great market on Sundays,live music ,awesome array of food and imagination station for the kiddies .
Tadashi R T
The Sunday Market is fantastic, plenty of food and other stuffs to buy. I recommend the booth "Brazil In a Box", there you can find the finest street food that can be commonly found in Brazil... but in New Zealand. Plenty of parking spaces but they are on grass and can be very muddy on rainy days.
Dennis Rollings
Fabulous place to play 18 hole golf with my wife's grandson Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend
JT
Beautiful racetrack & a stunning place to visit . During my recent trip to NZ I visited as many racetracks as I could along the way . This particular track is a standout and a close tie with Ellerslie for me . Hats off to the curator & grounds staff .
When is the best time to visit Riccarton Park Racecourse (Christchurch, New Zealand)?
Visit on Sunday mornings outside major race festivals for a calmer atmosphere. Major race days offer change stations but can be loud and crowded.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Market snacks & drinks | NZD 20 |
| Picnic supplies | NZD 15 |
| Optional café coffee | NZD 8 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 43 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Riccarton Park Racecourse
Address: 165 Racecourse Road, Sockburn, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand
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About Riccarton Park Racecourse
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