History Of The Races

The Onetangi Beach Races, a family fun day out, started on Waiheke over 100 years ago and was a major attraction down the years.

Local authorities stopped it in 1924 because they decided the people of the time were gambling too much money! Revived in 1983 by Keith Haub, the owner of the then McGinty’s pub in Onetangi – named after his champion racehorse – it again became a huge event on the island.

However, ten years later the event died out before being revived by the Rotary Club of Waiheke Inc. in 1998. Onetangi Beach Races Inc was set up to run the day and once again the event became a huge success!
This is a fundraising promotion for charity while providing a free, family, fun day for locals and visitors alike.