NZ Polo Open 2025

Saturday 16 February 2025
The NZ Polo Open is New Zealand’s Ultimate Polo experience, renowned for being the Highlight of the Summer, Sporting and Social calendar
Nestled in the picturesque Clevedon countryside, Auckland’s Polo Playground plays host to Australasia’s longest running, most prestigious high goal polo tournament.
Sunday 16th February 2025 will feature our nation’s best polo players and professionals from around the world competing for the much coveted trophy.
Throughout the day you can enjoy Champagne on the lawn, stomping divots, the thundering of hooves and stylishly dressed spectators with fine cuisine and a fusion of music and after the whistle final whistle blows party the night away with the polo players under a starlight sky with The Edge DJ’s spinning the tracks. The NZ Polo Open is THE must attend event.
Tickets on sale NOW!
Explore Clevedon and Surrounds
- Stunning scenery
- Local markets
- Quaint village with retail and cafés to enjoy
Clevedon is a small rural village 10kms south of the Pohutukawa Coast. It is best known for being the home of the annual New Zealand Polo Open and for its hugely popular Farmers’ Market. Clevedon is a small community with a lot to offer.
Refer to the Clevedon website for more information on how to eat, stay, and play in Auckland’s backyard—Clevedon.
Introducing Clevedon and Surrounds
Auckland’s Franklin region is the breadbasket of Auckland providing much of its fresh produce. East Auckland extends into part of Franklin, and visiting this fertile rural area offers great experiences for those who love food and wine. Sip on boutique wines over Sunday lunch at one of the area’s small wineries. Enjoy a group tasting or dine al fresco overlooking the vines.
Head to Clevedon and enjoy the rural scenic drive and more.
Local Markets
Pick up fresh produce and delicious homemade foods at Clevedon Farmers’ Market or visit the Clevedon Village Market for arts, crafts and jewellery. Both markets are on every Sunday. Join a foodie tour for a gourmet culinary tour of the region. Buffalo mozzarella anyone?
Local History
Lovely view across the Ness Valley as well as down to the Wairoa Landing Place close by. Up on the hill, you can see All Souls Anglican Church built in 1861.
The Wairoa River was the only way to reach Clevedon before roads, and you still see pleasure craft on this river. The Wairoa Landing Place is the wharf that serviced the village for many years bringing people and goods to the valley.
Clevedon Village
This picturesque village’s main street has cafes, boutique gift shops and some great eateries including a craft brewery, Hallertau located on the Kawakawa Road. Clevedon is home to many artists, and local galleries and shops have a wonderful array of NZ art on display and for sale. Clevedon is a favourite place to visit.
Clevedon is a crossroads and you can head in a variety of different directions from this village.
Head inland past the Clevedon Village Farmers Market go out towards the Hunua Ranges.
Hunua Ranges Regional Park
Over the hill from Clevedon is the village of Hunua, gateway to the bush-clad Hunua Ranges with its many tramping tracks – east Auckland’s answer to the Waitakere Ranges. Its most popular attraction is the Hunua Falls – arguably among New Zealand’s most spectacular. The falls are a great place for a picnic but swim at your own risk and take note of the warning signs.
Follow the coast road east from Clevedon along the Kawakawa Road to more fantastic Regional Parks for amazing scenery, beaches and walks.
The HUNUA TRAVERSE is a 45km route from Clevedon to Kaiaua through the Hunua Ranges. Total ascent 1201.84m, maximum elevation 467.57m. The route follows public roads for approximately 9km to the Otau Moutain Road Regional Park access gate. Recent weather events have closed sections but some have re-opened and accessible. For more details click here
Back on the road again and heading North East towards Waitawa you will pass Clevedon Oysters. If you are a lover of these delicious products of the sea then do yourself a favour and stop – take some home or order to eat there.
Waitawa Regional Park
Looking for walks, water, swimming, and views – you can spend many hours exploring scenic Waitawa Regional Park.
Next are the more remote seaside settlements of Kawakawa Bay and Orere Pt. These two villages have – so far – been largely untouched by Auckland’s rapid urban development. Kawakawa Bay boasts the busiest boat ramp in the region due to its proximity to the Hauraki Gulf. Stop for an ice cream at the Bay’s only shop! Follow the winding road over the hill to Orere Pt and its rugged pebble and sand beach. Orere Pt also has one of the region’s best camping grounds.
For Mountain Bike fanatics you will pass Four Forty Mountain Bike Park. Check their website for open hours – can be seasonal/weather-dependent – but a fantastic location to get out amongst nature and test your riding skills on great but challenging tracks.
Tapapakanga Regional park
Walks, an historic farmhouse, water, and the home of Splore, a popular weekend long music festival. Get past the rocks for good swimming and the wonderful East Auckland outdoors.
Head south to Ardmore
NZ Warbirds
Enjoy a truly exceptional experience with World War I, World War II and later aircraft lovingly restored and in working order on display.
Special weekends see the full range of these amazing craft take to the skies for the pleasure of the onlookers.
History of Clevedon
During the Waikato War Clevedon was known as Te Wairoa, or Wairoa South, to avoid confusion with Wairoa in the north. In 1866 the name was changed to Clevedon.
If you approach Clevedon via the top of the hill on West Road you will see a spectacular view of the Clevedon valley laid out before you. To the left is Clevedon village, first established in the late 1850s. The earliest European settlers were the McNicol and Hoye families who bought land on the East and West sides of the Wairoa River in 1853.
On the eastern side of the river and just over the Clevedon Bridge you can see a cairn dedicated to the settlers as well as a plaque commemorating the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the immigrant ship SS Viola in 1865. This shipload of passengers made for a large influx of farmers, miners, carpenters etc to the area and the farmers took over 10 acre blocks of land that had been allotted to them by the Government. Many others were moved to Papakura and eventually spread out over a wider area.
The All Souls Anglican Church was built in 1861. The church bell was originally a ship’s bell and much older than the church. Originally situated on the jetty by the river it was run to summon people when the cutter arrived to collect passengers and offload goods. The bell was acquired by the church in 1866.
WHERE TO STAY
Rydges Formosa
Overlooking the Hauraki Gulf with expansive panoramic vists of Waiheke Island, Rangitoto and Coromandel Peninsula, our picturisque clifftop resort is the perfect getaway. From the striking conference and event facilities and delicious Nineteen Restaurant and Bar to the world class 18-hole golf course and gorgeous villas, let Rydges Formosa Golf Resort make your day.
Hololio House
Look out over the world-class Hololio polo grounds from the veranda of this 1892-vintage Kauri homestead, and while preparing a BBQ. Set in the middle of a working farm, there’s plenty of room inside and out, plus a shared solar-heated pool.
The McCallum Residence
A premier venue and location suitable for exclusive and luxurious private accommodation or high end corporate events.
Clevedon Region Accommodation
Clevedon NZ has consolidated accommodation options in the one stop shop. Check out all the options available in Clevedon region.
Explore Businesses in the Area
Art Industry
This not to be missed local gallery displays an exciting variety of works by a wide range of New Zealand artists. Open Thursday to Sundays 9am to 4pm.
Clevedon Creatives + Co
Our aim is to provide a space where Professional Artists/creators can exibit their work to the local community.
You can find us in the Heart of Clevedon at 7 Papakura-Clevedon Rd.
Cammell's Honey
We supply varieties from across New Zealand’s distinctive honey-producing regions, and our commitment is to producing quality bee products. Online sales and a farm shop at 20 Thorps Quarry Road, Clevedon.
Clevedon Woolshed
Stockists of a fantastic range of clothing, jewellery, gifts, art etc perfect for the discerning shopper. Something for everyone. 1 Clevedon-Kawakawa Road, Clevedon.
The Wild Fermentary
We are champions of wild fermentation and love spending time in the wild (that includes our overgrown garden!) to forage ingredients, like dandelion, stinging nettle, nasturtium and pūhā for our ferments. Earth care, people care and fair share are at the heart of everything we do. We choose local wherever we can, use only sustainable NZ sea salt, and say no to any plastic in our fermentation process, because we believe this makes a difference to the quality of our ferments and to Mother Earth. 30 Otau Mountain Road, Clevedon.
What TO DO IN CLEVEDON
Clevedon Village Farmers Market
The Clevedon Village Farmers’ Market, founded in 2005, was created with the vision for providing a venue for growers and producers to sell and promote the quality freshness and variety of locally grown produce directly to the public. On Sundays 8am – 1pm at Clevedon Showgrounds.
Riverhaven Artland
Come and discover 40 acres of garden and sculpture trail just 45 minutes from downtown Auckland. Come and enjoy nature, play and discover our collection of permanent sculptures by New Zealand Artists. Established tracks, open paddocks, established planting that changes through the seasons means there is always something new to see at Riverhaven Artland. Self-directed and guided tours available upon request.
Clevedon Village Market
On Sundays 10am – 2pm, the Clevedon Village Market is filled with arts and crafts and great market finds. There’s plenty on offer for everyone. It takes place in the Clevedon Community Hall.
Where to Eat
The Corner Kitchen & Bar
In central Clevedon Village relax with a nice drink outside on Friday evening or enjoy a leisurely meal with family and friends during the weekend. 1 North Road, Clevedon.
Vin Alto Restaurant
The renovated winery has beautiful modern touches yet still boasts classic Mediterranean outdoor alfresco dining where you can unwind amongst the olive trees and listen to the Tui sing.
Our extensive wine list and selection of international and local NZ beers paired with our creative and elegant menu Vin Alto a destination for an intimate evening out or a get together with family and friends. 424 Creightons Rd, Clevedon,
Clevedon Gourmet
An exciting and supportive environment with an authentic vibe. For takeout, in store shopping and outdoor seating for your coffee, tea, fruit and veg, bread cheese, meat, dairy, dry goods and more. 31 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Clevedon.
Hallertau Clevedon
Hallertau is a place that brings people together: along with the carefully selected combination of the finest hops, malt, yeast and water, it’s ideas and stories that are all heaved into the mash tun, and you can taste this liveliness in the beer. 26 Clevedon-Kawakawa Road, Clevedon.
John Hill Estate Vineyard & Restaurant
Sample our Estate grown wines and NZ crafted beer with a gourmet vineyard platter. Enjoy archery or laser clay target shooting. Let us host your private or business function. Relax and let us take care of you. Cnr John Hill & White Roads (entrance White Rd), Hunua.
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