Behind The Scenes At Te Akau Stud

There are two sides to the Te Akau story – Te Akau Stud and Te Akau Racing.

Nestled in the western heart of the Waikato lies the small rural community of Te Akau, home to the renowned Te Akau Stud. More than just a property, it is the foundation upon which the Te Akau legacy has been built.

For over four decades, Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM has been uncompromising in his vision and stewardship of the land, developing some of the finest pasture in New Zealand and creating an environment where horses can thrive. Spanning more than 4,000 acres, with over 1,000 acres specifically dedicated to horses, Te Akau Stud plays a vital role in every stage of a horse's development.

Large paddocks allow horses to run freely, mature naturally and develop both physically and mentally in a magnificent environment. The property is fully utilised for raising foals and weanlings, educating yearlings, pre-training, training and spelling racehorses, as well as caring for broodmares, alongside its successful sheep and cattle operation.

The success of Te Akau Racing begins long before raceday. It begins in the paddocks, hills and pastures of Te Akau Stud – a property that has helped shape generations of elite thoroughbreds and remains the foundation of one of New Zealand's most successful racing operations.

Learn more about the history, philosophy and people behind Te Akau Stud, and discover why this remarkable property sits at the very heart of the Te Akau story.