Head to Auckland for the Onetangi Beach Races - AsiaRooms.com

AsiaRooms.com can announce that people booking accommodation in Auckland later this month may be planning to experience the Onetangi Beach Races, one of the city's most iconic events.

Horse racing first took place on the beach at Waiheke Island over 100 years ago and the spectacle continues to attract large crowds of local people and international visitors.

This year's beach races are scheduled for Saturday February 28th and admission is free to everyone.

The event has expanded to become a real family day out, with an array of activities arranged to keep both children and adults entertained.

As well as the races, the busy programme includes a silent auction, a tug of war and a sandcastle competition.

Waiheke Island is located about 35 minutes away from downtown Auckland and can be reached by passenger ferry from the city.

After arriving at the Matiatia ferry terminal, visitors can catch a bus direct to the races at Onetangi Beach.

People are advised to catch an early ferry to be at the beach by 10:00 local time, when the event gets underway.

Waiheke is the second largest island in the Hauraki Gulf and is New Zealand's most densely populated island.