The Repco Supercars Championship will return to New Zealand in 2026 for a historic two-week trans-island motorsport celebration — with Taupō International Motorsport Park and Christchurch’s Ruapuna Raceway officially locked in for back-to-back events in April.
Supercars will race in Taupō from 10–12 April, followed by the inaugural South Island round at Ruapuna from 17–19 April, delivering the first-ever New Zealand Double Header in the Championship’s history.
The Taupō event will mark Supercars’ third visit to the North Island circuit before the action shifts south to Christchurch for the long-awaited debut of Supercars in the South Island.
The confirmation of dates follows Supercars’ announcement that Taupō and Ruapuna will share hosting duties for the next three years (2026–2028), ensuring Kiwi fans on both islands can experience world-class motorsport on home soil.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard said the double-header will become a new highlight of the annual calendar.
“We are thrilled to officially confirm the dates for our inaugural New Zealand Double Header,” Howard said.
“Kicking off in Taupō and finishing in Christchurch, this is a major milestone for Supercars and a huge win for our fans and partners in Aotearoa.
“We saw over 67,000 fans attend our return to Taupō in 2024, and we’re excited to build on that success by bringing the Championship to the South Island for the very first time.
“With two back-to-back events showcasing New Zealand’s best circuits, passionate fans, and iconic locations, April 2026 is set to be one of the biggest months in Supercars history.”
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston welcomed the announcement of dates for the two Supercars Championship events in New Zealand next year.
“Having these two events on back-to-back weekends in April will really put tourism in the fast lane, encouraging visitors to extend their trip and take the scenic route through both the North and South Islands.”
“Supercars is a major drawcard with more than 3,300 international visitors attending the 2024 event in Taupō. I’m looking forward to seeing even more fans in 2026 and beyond as we continue to boost New Zealand’s reputation as a world-class destination.”
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger welcomed the announcement of Ruapuna’s debut event.
“This is a massive moment for our city,” Mayor Mauger said.
“Supercars is one of the biggest sporting categories in the Southern Hemisphere, and bringing the Championship to Christchurch will inject millions into our local economy and put us firmly on the global motorsport map.”
The addition of Ruapuna joins a proud legacy of New Zealand Supercars venues including Pukekohe, Hamilton, and Taupō — and represents the culmination of years of work by the Canterbury Car Club and ChristchurchNZ. Canterbury Car Club President Lewis Low said:
“Our volunteers and supporters have worked tirelessly to bring Supercars to the South Island, and now that dream becomes reality. April can’t come soon enough.”
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said the return of Supercars to the region is a major win for the local community.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Supercars back to Taupō from 2026-2028. The energy, the visitors, and the global attention this event brings is huge for our district.
“Taupō is ready to once again roll out the red carpet for fans and teams from around the world, and we’re proud to play a key role in this historic New Zealand Double Header.”
Taupō International Motorsport Park CEO Josie Spillane said,
Our team at Taupō have built an incredible base and relationship with Supercars, and it’s fantastic to see off the back of that great partnership and massive Kiwi fan engagement that motorsport is being backed even further by Major Events NZ and race fans are being rewarded with a double-header in NZ.
“2026 is going to be a massive year for motorsport entertainment, and we are incredibly proud and excited to be part of it – here’s to sell-out crowds, epic entertainment and racing.”
The 2026 Taupō and Christchurch events are expected to deliver significant economic and tourism benefits, building on the momentum of past New Zealand rounds and drawing thousands of fans from across the country and Australia.
Ticketing details, supporting categories and entertainment lineups for both rounds will be announced later this year.
For fans awaiting ticketing, corporate hospitality and grandstand information, there is an expression of interest form available to fill out on Supercars.com, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Header Image: Jessica Barnes / Blissful Photography
