The South Island’s Ruapuna circuit will host a Championship round from 2026 through until 2028 with the North Island’s Taupō circuit extending it’s deal until at least the end of 2028.
The Repco Supercars Championship will proudly bring racing to Christchurch from 2026, with Ruapuna Raceway set to host the first-ever Supercars event on New Zealand’s South Island — part of a groundbreaking NZ double-header.
The announcement marks a major moment for Supercars and Kiwi motorsport fans alike, as the category locks in a two-event presence in both the North and South Islands of Aotearoa from 2026- 2028, ensuring racing will take place in Taupō and Ōtautahi Christchurch over the next three years.
Just 15km west of the city, Ruapuna Raceway will bring Supercars to Christchurch – a city steeped in motorsport culture, now ready for its biggest-ever event.
The addition of Ruapuna underscores Supercars’ long-term commitment to New Zealand. Ruapuna Raceway will benefit from a multimillion-dollar upgrade ahead of the event, with a community-led vision to enhance sustainability, accessibility, and facilities, including track resurfacing and a rebuilt supporters’ lounge.
Ruapuna joins a proud list of New Zealand venues in Supercars history, alongside Pukekohe, Hamilton, and Taupō – and ensures the South Island finally gets its chance to play host to the world’s premier touring car series.
Following a sell-out return to New Zealand in 2024 at Taupō and the success of the 2025 event, Supercars can also confirm today that racing will continue at Taupō International Motorsport Park until at least the end of 2028.
Shane Howard, Supercars CEO:
“This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand.”
“We’ve always wanted to race in the South Island, and thanks to the commitment of the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council and the incredible work of the Canterbury Car Club, that dream will become a reality from 2026.”
“Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time.”
“Since Supercars’ first visit to New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country and we’re thrilled to be bringing a second event to the country that makes up 20 per cent of our total audience.“
“We know what Supercars means to New Zealanders. This is going to be a two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport that will rival any on our calendar.”
Mark Dutton, Team Manager, Red Bull Ampol Racing:
“I think it’s awesome to have a doubleheader like this. We’re doing two events while we’re over there, we’re getting twice the amount of racing. It’s brilliant not just for the local NZ fans, but for all Supercars fans, whether they’re at the events or watching. They get to enjoy even more Supercars action at that time of the year.”
“What’s cool is when you see the amount of money that was injected with the Taupō round, and the level of support from both locals and travellers, that level will be doubled. Everyone will want to go to Christchurch as well and do a doubleheader themselves. So, it’s pretty exciting for the category and for the fans, and it just makes sense. It’s a smart way to expand.”
“We saw it work years ago for Abu Dhabi and into Bahrain, and that was pretty cool. For an international doubleheader to finally come back on the calendar, it’s awesome.”
“Any new track is exciting. Anytime the category gets to go to a new track, it keeps our engineers, our drivers, and our crews challenged. I know nothing about Ruapuna, but we will be doing our homework. The track is due to be resurfaced and to have an overhaul of the whole facility. The Canterbury Car Club has raised a lot of funding to improve the facilities, and they’ve clearly left no stone unturned.”
