Melbourne Cup Escorted 8-Day Phar Lap Tour 2026
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey to the Melbourne Cup Carnival with our exclusive package this year! Our package includes Flights from New Zealand to Melbourne, 7 nights accommodation, airports transfers and so much more….
….We kick off the tour with welcome drinks & nibbles upon arrival. One highlight of your trip is the Cup Eve Gala Dinner, where you’ll rub shoulders with Racing Personalities while savoring delicious beverages.
You’ll experience the thrill of the races with reserved Hill Stand seats on Howden Victoria Derby Day, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, and Crown Oaks Day. Plus, try your luck with a $10 Lexus Melbourne Cup Sweepstake ticket and celebrate post-Cup in style.
Delve into the world of horse racing with a tour of a renowned racing stable and a delightful lunch at the Rosstown Hotel with Gary Willets. Choose from full-day tours to a country race meeting at Kyneton or a Yarra Valley Winery lunch.
On top of all that, Your experience is enhanced by our knowledgeable tour hosts Des Coppins, Lisa Allpress, Chris Hammonds and Kel Munro.
Escorted 8-Day Phar-Lap tour | 30 October to 06 November 2026
Tour Itinerary
Friday, 30 October
Depart from New Zealand for Melbourne. On arrival you will be transferred to your selected hotel. This evening we meet for welcome drinks where you can getto know your tour escorts and fellow tour members.
Saturday, 31 October
This morning we make our way to Flemington Racecourse for Howden Victoria Derby Day and experience fun, fashion and a few flutters. After the last race we will transfer you back to your hotel. 6.30 -7.3O pm Happy Hour drinks in hotel function room
Sunday, 01 November
This morning we visit a well known racing stable and then on to the Rosstown Hotel for lunch with well known jockey Gary Willetts. Lunch is included, drinks at own cost.
Monday, 02 November
This morning you are invited to attend the Sporting Tours SocialBowls Tournament (entry fee at your expense) This will be held at the nearby City of Melbourne Bowls Club from 9.00am -12.00. Bowls will be provided by the host club and refreshments will be available from the club bar. It will be a great opportunity to mix with fellow tour members in what promises to be a fun morning with fun prizes. This evening we meet for our Cup Eve Gala Dinner and racing show hosted by Des Coppins with special guests.
Tuesday, 03 November
It’s Lexus Melbourne Cup Day! Following breakfast we transfer you to Flemington racecourse for the Lexus Melbourne Cup. Fun, fashion and frivolity will be on the cards as we celebrate Australia’s most famous race day. After the last race we return you to your hotel for a post cup celebration.
Wednesday, 04 November
Today is at leisure. As an optional extra you are welcome to join Sporting Toursat the fun country race meeting at Kyneton for the running of the Kyneton Cup (racecourse admission at own cost). This is an all-day event that runs from 10am – 7 pm OR join us on a tour to a Yarra Valley Winery for wine tasting and lunch cost TBA
Thursday, 05 November
It’s Crown Oaks Day at Flemington, traditionally known as ’Ladies Day’ for the glamorous fashions. Return transfers to Flemington are provided. Joinus at the “Farewell Gathering” this evening to say goodbye to some new friends!
Friday, 06 November
Today you return to New Zealand. You will be transferred to Melbourne International Airport for your return flight home.
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
- Return economy class airfare from New Zealand to Melbourne
- All airline levies and fuel surcharges, Australian and New Zealand depart taxes
- Airport transfers in Melbourne (applies to group flights only)
- 7 nights accommodation
- Welcome drinks & nibbles
- Cup Eve Gala Dinner including beverages, with Racing Personalities
- Return coach transfers to Flemington Racecourse as per itinerary
- Reserved Hill Stand* seats on Howden Victoria Derby Day, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day & Crown Oaks Day
- $10 Lexus Melbourne Cup Sweepstake ticket
- Post-Lexus Melbourne Cup celebration
- Tour of well-known racing stable & visit Rosstown Hotel for lunch with Gary Willets.
- Full Day Tours – A choice of a trip to a country race meeting at Kyneton for the running of the Kyneton Cup (race course admission at own cost) Or trip to a Yarra Valley Winery lunch included cost TBA per person
- Des’s 35yrs. celebration bet – $1000 bet for 1 lucky person on their pick in the Cup
- Farewell gathering
- Sporting Tours travel pack
- Escorted by tour hosts Des Coppins, Lisa Allpress, Chris Hammonds and Kel Munro (subject to minimum numbers)
The Hill Stand* is covered, however the front and sides of the stand are subject to weather conditions
Package extensions available, contact us today with your requirements
Other packages available, please contact us for details.
being there, it’s EVERYTHING
2024 Customer Review – D & A Anderson
If anyone has the Melbourne cup on their bucket list then I recommend you book with Sporting Tours. We booked the 8 day/7 night tour staying at the Pullman Melbourne and it has been nothing short of sensational. Thank you to Kel, Chris and Des Coppins for the best organised tour ever. We will never forget the 7 days we have just spent with the other super friendly punters on this magnificent tour. It was a once off bucket list trip for us but it was so good we would love to do it again next year.