ITM NEW ZEALAND SAIL GRAND PRIX | CHRISTCHURCH

FAQs

1. TICKETS

How can I buy a ticket for SailGP?
The first tranche of tickets to the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch sold out in less than 24 hours.

How do I get my tickets?
Tickets will be emailed to you from Ticketek at the time of purchase. Tickets will be scanned at the gates for fast entry. Tickets can be scanned at the gates using a printed or digital copy of your ticket. Wherever possible, please avoid printing.

What if I can’t find my ticket or confirmation?
If you can’t find your ticket, please contact Ticketek directly here.

Will I be able to buy tickets on the day of the event?
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch is fully sold out. As such, there will be no tickets available to purchase on the day of the event.

Can I duplicate and / or sell my ticket to another person?
No, unauthorised duplication or sale of your ticket may prevent you from being admitted into the event.

If I don’t have a ticket, can I still watch the racing?
Racing will live on Sky Sport NZ and free-to-air on Three and ThreeNow. Find out more at sailgp.com/watch.

There will also be live racing at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch live site, a family-friendly space with a range of activities located at The Green between Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and Cathedral Square.

Are there any forbidden items?
Yes - you are not permitted to bring in glass, cans, BBQs, weapons, illegal substances, fireworks, flares, speakers etc into the event site. This is not an exhaustive list and any permissible items are at the discretion of our security manager based on our licensing conditions.

Can I bring a camera?
Professional cameras are not permitted within the race village.

Will my bags be searched?
All attendees will be subject to a bag search. This is a condition of entry and will be carried out by our security team.

2. LOCATION & TIMINGS

Where is the event?
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix Race Village is located at Naval Point, Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour, with all ticket options within this precinct.

When are races taking place each day?
Live racing will be from 3PM - 4:30PM on both days, Sat 18 and Sun 19 Mar 2023.

How can ticket holders get to and from the event?
All ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix ticket categories include return fare to and from the Race village on official event shuttles. Shuttles will depart from the city centre live site, located opposite Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre each day, and return to Te Pae after racing. Shuttles to Naval Point will run from 11.30AM until 2.15PM, with return shuttles beginning from 4.30PM after the racing finishes.

Is there a race map?
Please download the SailGP APP for up-to-date race maps:

3. RACE VILLAGE

What is in the Race Village at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix?
A wide selection of food & beverages, live music, commentary and large screens, sponsor activations, toilets and much more.

Are there age restrictions within the Race Village at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch?
There are two ticketed areas within the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix Race Village - the Fan Village (Grand Stand) and the Platinum Lawn.

The Platinum Lawn is R18.

The Fan Village does not have age restrictions; however children under the age of three must be seated on knee if they do not have a purchased ticket.

When is the Race Village open?
Gates open from 12PM, and the Race Village will close at 6PM. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy live activations and the vibrant, festive atmosphere on-site.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
You are welcome to bring non-commercially packaged food and non-commercially packaged non-alcoholic drinks with you to the Race Village. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle with you, as there will be water stations available throughout the village for the refill.

Can I fly my own drone / UAV?
Drones are not permitted at any time during the event. This includes both on land and over water.

What is the dress code?
There is no dress code for the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch; however, guests on the Platinum Lawn are encouraged to dress summer smart casual.

What is the difference between Race Village and Platinum Lawn admission?
The Race Village is located on the edge of the shore, along the final stretch of the racecourse. The Race Village is the place to experience the racing action and enjoy a range of offerings from some of Christchurch’s best-known restaurants. Grandstand seating will get you up close and personal with nine catamarans hurtling past at thrilling speeds while you enjoy exciting entertainment and activations on site. This ticket includes return transfers to the CBD.

The Platinum Lawn enjoys access to a prime viewing position and drinks & nibbles from an iconic pop-up restaurant. Unlike in the general admission (grand stand) area, the Platinum Lawn enjoys a more open environment, lounge seating, bar leaners and live entertainment. Platinum Lawn tickets are inclusive of return transfers to the CBD, two drinks and canapes upon arrival.

5. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT DURING THE ITM NEW ZEALAND SAIL GRAND PRIX | CHRISTCHURCH

How can ticket holders get to and from the event?
All ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix ticket categories include return fare to and from the Race village on official event shuttles. Shuttles will depart from the city centre live site, located opposite Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre each day, and return to Te Pae after racing. Shuttles to Naval Point will run from 11.30AM until 2.15PM, with return shuttles beginning from 4.30PM after the racing finishes. Additional information about event transport will be shared in the coming weeks.

Will roads be closed during the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch?
During race weekend, restrictions will be put in place from 12PM until around 6PM on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March. There will be restricted access to Lyttelton for motor vehicles during this time, with entry to Lyttelton blocked from Sumner and Governors Bay. Between 12PM and 6PM closures, only emergency vehicles, official event vehicles (buses and branded shuttles), taxis and vehicles with a clearly-displayed pass will be able to access Lyttelton.

Will there be any parking for patrons during the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch?
There will be no public parking in Lyttelton during the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix. With vehicle access restricted access to Lyttelton through Tunnel Road, all fans attending the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch are encouraged to use the free shuttle service providing return transfers to the Event from the Christchurch city centre. Please contact Ticketek directly to discuss any accessibility requirements.

Will there be accessible parking?
There will be reserved mobility parks on Godley Quay and we are exploring a drop off / pick up zone located on Godley Quay for ticket-holders with accessibility requirements not driving their own vehicles. Once dropped off, the vehicle will then be able to park in the general event car park. Please contact Ticketek directly here to discuss accessibility requirements.

Will I be able to use taxi or rideshare during the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch?
All patrons travelling to and from the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch are encouraged to take official event shuttles, including in the price of all ticket categories.

Rideshare services such as Uber will not be able to travel through road closures in place during the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix| Christchurch.

All branded taxis will be able to travel through closures. There will be a taxi rank at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix live site, at The Green between Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and Cathedral Square. There will be another taxi rank at Naval Point after the racing finishes.

Will the shuttles impact the public bus system?
The shuttles are separate from the public bus service, provided by a private supplier and will not interfere with the public network. Public transport will continue to have access to Lyttelton throughout the event weekend.

Can I cycle to Lyttelton during the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix?
Cycle access to Lyttelton will not be affected by road closures and restrictions.

Can I drive to Lyttelton during the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix?
Public access to Lyttelton during the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix will be restricted between the hours of 12PM - 6PM Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March. During this time, only emergency vehicles, official event vehicles (buses and branded shuttles), taxis and vehicles with a clearly-displayed pass will be able to access Lyttelton.

I live or work in Lyttelton, can I travel through the road closures?
Lyttelton residents and businesses will be able to access their homes and workplaces during the access restriction period via Bridle Path Road on both days using an allocated vehicle access pass. Affected households will be issued one pass via mail and are asked to please display the pass clearly in their windscreen when travelling through the access point on Bridle Path Road to ensure marshals can wave them through in a timely manner.

Businesses that require passes for their employees and / or contractors and suppliers will also be able to access additional passes. With parking in Lyttelton extremely limited, no passes will be issued to visiting friends and family. This is to ensure that residents are able to move freely during the restriction periods.

Additional access passes will be available to collect from the Lyttelton Information Centre during its opening hours from 1 March onwards, however proof of address will be required.

__Who is eligible for a vehicle access pass? __

  1. Lyttelton residents who need to access their home during the weekend
  2. Lyttelton businesses / employees who require access to their business / workplace during the weekend. Similarly, suppliers and contractors who must make deliveries or conduct work for Lyttelton businesses.
  3. Ticket-holders with an assigned car park

Where can I learn more about proposed traffic management measures during the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix?
Learn more about the proposed traffic management plan (TMP) for the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix here.

6. BRING-YOUR-OWN-BOAT PROGRAMME

Will there be an exclusion zone on Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour during the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix Christchurch?
During the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch, Naval Point will be transformed into a vibrant event village, accompanied by a technical area for visiting teams and operations. As such, the Naval Point public boat ramp will be closed to ensure health and safety and mitigate issues of congestion on a busy, working site.

The boat ramp near Stark’s Engineering will also be closed. This ramp is behind a proposed road closure, limiting its access, and also has limited parking so will be closed to the public to mitigate potential issues of congestion.

When is the exclusion zone active?
The exclusion zone will be active between 1:30PM - 5PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What does the exclusion zone look like?
The exclusion zone is identifiable by large visible buoys at regular intervals. You must not enter the exclusion zone when active. Course Marshals will be patrolling the area and can give guidance on where the premium flag boats can anchor. All other non-flagged boats must stay outside of the exclusion zone.

What are the rules on water?
Like any major harbour and working port, there are unique regulations and requirements for transient boats to be aware of in Lyttelton, including the requirement for all vessels larger than 130 feet to have a pilot and designated areas where anchoring is not permitted (shown in the map above).

Boat users can learn more about relevant regulations and bylaws relating to recreational boating in Canterbury via the Harbourmaster’s Office website.

Why will the Naval Point and Stark’s Engineering public boat ramps be closed in the lead up to and during the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch?
During the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch, Naval Point will be transformed into a vibrant event village, accompanied by a technical area for visiting teams and operations. As such, the Naval Point public boat ramp will be closed to ensure health and safety and mitigate issues of congestion on a busy, working site.

The boat ramp near Stark’s Engineering will also be closed. This ramp is behind a proposed road closure, limiting its access, and also has limited parking so will be closed to the public to mitigate potential issues of congestion.

For how long will the Naval Point and Stark’s Engineering public boat ramps be closed?
Organisers will endeavour to limit the period during which these ramps will be closed to ensure water users can continue to access the harbour for as long as possible. The exact dates and timings of the closure will be shared in due course but on-water spectators should not plan to use these ramps during the event weekend or in the days immediately prior.

With the Naval Point public boat ramp and Stark’s Engineering boat ramp closed, where else can I launch my boat during the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix?
During the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch, there will be no parking in Lyttelton or at surrounding boat ramps. Most ramps, including Cass Bay, Sandy Bay, Charteris Bay, Purau and the Sumner ramp will not be suitable for large numbers of on-water users due to limited parking, tide dependency and other factors.

Enforcement will be in place at all ramps to manage the flow of vehicles and ensure on-water users do not create issues of parking or congestion.

Will I be issued with a vehicle access pass to accompany my bring-your-own-boat premium ticket?
In order to mitigate issues of parking and congestion, bring-your-own-boat premium passholders will not be issued a vehicle access pass to go through the road closures. However berth holders in Te Ana Marina and Naval Point Club members will be able to obtain a pass by contacting the marina / club directly.

I’m planning to bring guests on my boat, how will they access Lyttelton?
During both days of the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch, road closures will restrict access to Lyttelton for all motor vehicles, with roads blocked from Sumner and Governors Bay. There will be no access to Lyttelton via Tunnel Road at Port Hills Road and parking in Lyttelton will be extremely limited. As such, we encourage your guests to carpool with you, take public transport or take a taxi.

Will there be any free on-water viewing during the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch?
Purchasing the bring-your-own-boat premium pass will be the only way to watch the the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch from within the exclusion zone on Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour. All other vessels will be held outside the exclusion zone.

It is important that all recreational boat users are aware of and plan for road closures and restrictions, as well as limitations on public boat ramps as detailed above. To receive updates on race days, including commentary over VHF and other information, register your boat here.

Can I watch from my kayak or paddleboard?
With a busy harbour and racecourse, we strongly recommend that kayaks, paddleboards and other small non-motorised vessels do not head out on Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour on race days.

I am planning to watch from outside the exclusion zone, how can I launch my vessel?
All boats without a bring-your-own-boat premium flag will be positioned outside the exclusion zone on Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour.

Boat users should also be aware that there will be no parking for vehicles and trailers in Lyttelton and at boat ramps outside of Naval Point. Road closures - in place from midday on both days of the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix (Sat 18 - Sun 19 March) will also restrict access for all vehicles except those with an access pass.

I missed out on tickets and can’t launch my vessel, where else can I watch the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix?
During the The New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch, the Christchurch city centre will be the place to be with an action-packed live site on the grassy area in front of Te Pae on both race days. This area will include live racing on the big screen, food, beverage and entertainment. Learn more at christchurchnz.com/sailgp.

Racing will be available live Sky Sport NZ and free-to-air on Three and ThreeNow. Learn more at sailgp.com/watch.