The Hottest Events of the New Zealand Polo Scene

When you think of renowned polo scenes around the world, New Zealand isn’t necessarily the destination that immediately springs to mind, however our island nation hosts several prestigious competitions every year, and possesses a longstanding history of hosting national tournaments. Our polo footprint is far from being insignificant – New Zealand boasts 19 polo clubs, scattered across the country, and a total of 300 handicapped players.

The New Zealand polo association was formed in 1890 along with the sport’s Savile Cup, which remains a national championship to this day, making it one of the oldest sporting trophies in New Zealand.

In recent years, the scene has experienced changes in accordance with modern tastes – polo events that were once wholly traditional have taken a more contemporary twist to include live music performances, and interactive activities. Taking inspiration from the polo scenes of Dubai and Miami, several of the movers and shakers on the New Zealand polo scene have created a refreshing change of pace with the recent introduction of “urban” and beach polo to the luxury market.

Takapuna Beach Polo

 

Modelled on the successful Dubai and Miami beach polo events, Takapuna beach polo is a new face on the NZ polo scene for December 2017. As the brainchild of Event Horizon director Amy Calway, this event is the first of its kind to introduce beach polo to the luxury market in New Zealand, elevating the standards of the sport. With sprawling sandy beaches that extend the entire length of Auckland’s north shore, you truly couldn’t ask for a more picturesque location than Takapuna beach. Envisage yourself watching on, champagne in hand as the horses gallop across the white sands, the translucent waters lap against the shore, and the sun sets behind Rangitoto Island in the distance.

Commencing on the 15th December, the Takapuna beach polo event goes beyond a simple sporting event, and features live musical performances, sumptuous catered cuisine, and a “dress to impress” Black tie after party. Everybody who’s anybody in New Zealand is certainly going to be saving the date for this event.

LandRover NZ Polo Open

 

The Land Rover NZ Polo Open is New Zealand’s premier polo experience, and a highlight on any summer sport and social calendar. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Clevedon countryside, the event embodies the very best of polo tradition as New Zealand’s best polo players, and an array of professionals from across the globe come together to compete for one of New Zealand’s oldest, and most prestigious trophies. The event, scheduled for 18th February 2018, will be the 41st New Zealand polo open, and is set to be a classy affair – dress to impress, drink champagne on the lawn, and admire the ensembles of your fashionable fellow spectators.

The area of Clevedon is renowned for its beautiful nature – quaint walking trails and country charm. Situated just 30 minutes from Auckland, the Land Rover NZ Polo Open makes for a perfect excursion away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If timing permits, Black Label Experience can assist you in tailor-making a trip that enables you to explore more of the area’s charm.

Heineken Urban Polo

 

As new movers and shakers emerge onto the NZ polo scene, more vibrant twists are being introduced, adding a modern edge to the time old sport. Whereas the settings of Takapuna and Land Rover Open offer you a picturesque escape from metropolitan life, the Heineken Urban Polo tournament throws you into the very heart of it as the game of Kings is enjoyed in an intimate setting against the dramatic backdrop of the New Zealand’s major city skylines.

Heineken Urban Polo is a series of events hosted across New Zealand’s major cities (Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton and Wellington respectively), all in locations with amazing views. With playing fields of a different size than the standard, it will bring you significantly closer to the action right in the heart of the city. The fusion of sport and music is another factor that differentiates Heineken Urban Polo. Guests have in the past enjoyed acts such as the Kilter and Miami Horror, and concerts of the same high quality are planned for future events.

Commencing on the 24th February 2018, the Heineken Urban Polo is comprised of four games across major New Zealand cities on the North and South islands and is certainly an experience not to be missed.

The Black Label Polo Experience

Any event or excursion organised via Black Label Experience guarantees you incomparable class and luxury every step of the way. Though attending a polo event here – whether traditional or contemporary, is an experience in itself, our luxury experts can provide you with an overarching New Zealand itinerary that allows you to experience the very best of our country’s nature, culture, and cuisine in style while you are in town for some of the hottest events on the sporting calendar.

To gain your own custom luxury experience contact Tania Stoyanof today via email at [email protected]