The 2025 World Driving Championship gets underway this November in spectacular fashion, as Kaikoura hosts the opening heats of the prestigious international series.
Held alongside the milestone 100th running of the Alabar Kaikoura Cup, the two-day meeting will showcase elite drivers from 10 nations, including New Zealand’s own Blair Orange, competing in one of the most scenic and unique settings in world harness racing.
To mark the occasion, a special return train service, the Whale Train, will run from Christchurch and Rangiora to Kaikoura on both race days: Sunday 2 and Monday 3 November. Operated in partnership with Pounamu Tourism, the Whale Train offers a scenic and seamless journey, delivering you straight to the world’s most picturesque racecourse at South Bay, Kaikoura.
Sunday 2 November
- First race: 12:30pm
- World Driving Championship Opening Ceremony: approx. 11:30am
- World Driving Championship heats
Monday 3 November
- First race: 12:00pm
- World Driving Championship heats
- 100th Alabar Kaikoura Cup ($100,000)
- White Morph South Bay Trotters Cup
- NZB Sires Stakes Aged Classic
The Whale Train experience includes:
- Return travel from Christchurch or Rangiora
- Return shuttle transfers between Kaikoura Station and the racecourse
Timetable each day:
SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER
Includes complimentary shuttle transfer from Kaikoura Railway Station to Kaikoura Racetrack
Timetable:
08:30am – Depart Addington
09:15am – Arrive Rangiora
09:20am – Depart Rangiora
12:25pm – Arrive Kaikoura
12:30pm – Shuttle departs station for Race Track
14:00pm – Shuttle departs Race Track for station
14:25pm – Depart Kaikoura
17:25pm – Return Rangiora
18:15pm – Return Addington
MONDAY 3RD NOVEMBER – DAY AT THE RACES
Includes complimentary shuttle transfer from Kaikoura Railway Station to Kaikoura Racetrack
Timetable:
08:30am – Depart Addington
09:15am – Arrive Rangiora
09:30am – Depart Rangiora
12:25pm – Arrive Kaikoura
12:30pm – Shuttle departs station for Race Track
17:30pm – Shuttle departs Race Track for station
18:30pm – Depart Kaikoura
21:30pm – Return Rangiora
22:15pm – Return Addington
With breathtaking coastal views, international racing action, and one of New Zealand’s most iconic Cups celebrating its centenary, the 2025 Kaikoura Cup races are set to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Seats on the Whale Train are limited — book now at www.whaletrain.co.nz