Some of Rotorua's most glamorous residents have dressed in big hats, heels and happy smiles to get into the spirit of the Melbourne Cup.
At the Novotel, one of several venues around Rotorua showing the big race, silence fell until the final stretch of the race when the crowd erupted to cheer Almandin to victory.
Novotel Rotorua general manager Edward Judd said he was happy with the crowd at its event.
The place was decked out with big screens, and flowing champagne and live music kept the crowd entertained as they awaited the big race.
"It's good that the rain stayed away. I think it's what Rotorua wants, a bit of glamour. It's a chance to dress up and the girls love it - and secretly the guys love it as well," Mr Judd said.