The Hororata Highland Games is calling….. 11th November 2023 at the Hororata Domain.
Across the world, modern Highland Games celebrate many centuries-old Scottish traditions, including grueling sporting events, food and drink, arts and crafts, and other quirky activities. The Hororātā Highland Games is no different. Over the past 12 years, our community has proudly created a vibrant cultural festival, a unique blend of Scottish and Kiwi culture that celebrates our rural area.
The Hororata Highland Games sees all the traditional Scottish competitions take place over one massive day at the Hororata Domain. The festival hosts New Zealand’s biggest one-day Highland Dancing competition, Pipe Bands, Solo pipers and Drummers, Tug O’ War teams and of course, the strong men and women competing in the Heavy events. The Junior Warriors sees primary school-aged children competing in light versions of the Heavy events.
Visitors don’t just sit on the sidelines they can enter on the day to have a go at tossing cabers, hurling haggis, eating pies, running a Kilted Mile, or donning on the tartan for the best-dressed lad and lassie.
New for 2023 there will be a massed Scottish Country Dance where everyone can join in. This dance has been especially choreographed for Hororata and a video will be released closer to the event so people can learn it. Watch this space!
Over 20 Scottish Clans gather in ‘St Andrews Square’ where people can connect with their Scottish roots, play traditional games, and enjoy music from Wille MacArthur. Don’t miss the Haggis burgers and of course, get your Hororata Whisky specially bottled for the day.
With over 100 stalls, 500 competitors, 230 volunteers, and 10,000 visitors the Hororata Highland Games is a vibrant cultural festival with all the attractions and activities would expect as well as some unexpected!
Kids 16 years and under are FREE!!
There will be no gate sales this year, tickets must be purchased online and capacity is limited.
