Fun for the whole family at the Rotorua Races

Locals and holidaymakers enjoyed a fun family day out at the annual Interislander Summer Festival Rotorua Races.

The event was held yesterday at Arawa Park Racecourse with games, sunshine and a whole lot of picnics on the grass.

Racing Rotorua chief executive Damien Radesic said he had absolutely no complaints about the day.

"The turn out has been great, we have had about 5000 people come along, the car parks are full and Marguerita St is just absolutely chocka with cars."

He said the racing had been excellent with great horses coming from around the country.

"We've had some of the outsiders coming in and taking some of the wins, so everybody is having fun."

There was live music throughout the day and free activities for the kids including colouring-in competitions, face painting, sack races, tug of war, pin the tail on the horse
and a hobby horse race.

Steph Ruka (left), Amanda Sellars, Keira, 2, and Kade, 3, enjoy a picnic on the grass. Photo/Andrew Warner

Steph Ruka was down from Auckland visiting her friend Amanda Sellars for Christmas and they decided the races would be a good way to entertain the kids.

Sellars said she drove past the racecourse every day and when she did a quick Google to see what was coming up, the summer festival sounded excellent.

"They have quite a few different things for the kids to enjoy and of course maybe we can win on a few of the horses."

Kade, 3 and Keira, 2, were quite happy enjoying summer strawberries as they had a picnic on the grass.

"This is just a really good way to enjoy the summer," Ruka said.

"The weather is great and the kids will love the horses."

Vimal (left), 8, Pia ,7, and Bella Graetz, 7, were excited to see which horses would win. Photo/Andrew Warner

Mother of three Sandra Graetz went along in an attempt to beat the school holiday blues.

"It's the first time we have come to the racecourse, it's very affordable with lots of free stuff for the kids.

"We don't really know what's going to happen so it's all a bit exciting and I am just glad to keep them occupied."

Her three children Bella and Pia, both 7, and Vimal, 8 were all desperately clinging to the front of the stands waiting for the first race to get under way.

"I am excited to see the horse that wins," Vimal said.

Nicola Green and Bailey Wood got all dressed up for races. Photo/Andrew Warner

For Nicola Green and Bailey Wood the races were a chance to get dressed up.

"I already had this outfit from the Christchurch Cup day and I wanted to wear it again," Green laughed.

Wood wore a suit which matched Green's large blue fascinator.

"Why not come along to the races, it's a good day out I guess."