In pictures: Thousands turn out for Christchurch's Cup and Show

About 15,000 people have gathered at Christchurch's Addington Raceway for the New Zealand Trotting Cup.

The New Zealand Trotting Cup races got underway at midday today.

Last year's event was the first time in its 117-year history to not be open to the public due to Covid-19 restrictions.

All hospitality packages, alongside VIParea Barardi on the Green had sold out and the public gallery was also nearing capacity.

About 15,000 people were expected at the event - and locals bars and restaurants are expecting a busy few days.

Hospitality New Zealand's Christchurch representative Peter Morrison said he believed there was a greater appetite for this year's event following two years of Covid-19-related disruption.

"It's huge," he said.

"We're really looking forward to it after a couple of years of Covid when we couldn't do much."