Supercars’ first-ever ITM New Zealand Double Header has delivered a major boost to the nation’s visitor economy, generating $21.4 million in domestic and international visitor expenditure and attracting thousands of fans across both the North and South Islands.
The historic 2026 initiative saw the Repco Supercars Championship return to Taupō International Motorsport Park for a third consecutive year before making its long-awaited South Island debut at Christchurch’s Ruapuna Raceway the following weekend, creating a unique two-event festival of motorsport across New Zealand.
Economic analysis has shown visitors spent approximately $9.5 million in Christchurch and $7.9 million in Taupō, while international visitors spent a further $4.0 million elsewhere in New Zealand, extending the benefits of the events beyond the host regions.
The Double Header attracted approximately 3,000 international visitors, who spent $9.3 million during their stay and generated more than 34,000 international visitor nights across the country.
Supercars Executive Chairman Barclay Nettlefold said the results validated the vision behind creating the Championship’s first New Zealand Double Header.
“The passion shown by fans in both Taupō and Christchurch was extraordinary, and we’re incredibly proud to have delivered a successful first Double Header across both islands,” Nettlefold said.
“From the outset, our ambition was to create something bigger than two standalone race weekends. We wanted to give fans a reason to travel, stay longer and experience more of New Zealand while delivering meaningful economic outcomes for our partners and host cities,” Nettlefold said.
“The results speak for themselves. More than $21 million in visitor expenditure and 34,000 international visitor nights is a tremendous outcome for New Zealand and demonstrates the strength of Supercars as a major tourism and events platform.”
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Hon Louise Upston said the results highlighted the importance of major events in driving regional growth and international visitation.
“The inaugural Supercars Double Header has been a major success, delivering a significant economic boost for Taupō and Christchurch. We welcomed approximately 3,000 international visitors, alongside fans who travelled from across New Zealand to experience the racing.
“Major events like these attract visitors, support local businesses, and help grow our tourism economy,” said Minister Upston.
Taupō District Mayor John Funnell said the event had once again demonstrated the value of major events to the region.
“These results show why Supercars is such an important event for the Taupō District. The inaugural double-header encouraged visitors to stay longer, delivering real benefits for local businesses and helping showcase our district to New Zealand and the world,” said Mayor Funnell.
Taupō District Council chief executive Julie Gardyne echoed the mayor’s sentiment.
“With nearly $8 million spent in Taupō and thousands of visitor nights generated, the economic impact of Supercars speaks for itself,” Gardyne said.
“It’s a strong return for our community and reinforces Taupō District’s reputation as a premier events destination.”
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the city’s inaugural Supercars event had exceeded expectations.
“As a long-time follower of Supercars, it’s hard to express just how fantastic it was to welcome the event to Christchurch, both for our city and our local motorsport community,” Mauger said.
“Seeing fans turn out in force, enjoying the racing at Ruapuna while supporting local businesses across the city, was incredibly rewarding.
“We’re thrilled to provide Supercars with a home in Christchurch as part of our world-class events calendar and look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.”
Despite Sunday’s racing in Taupō being cancelled due to Cyclone Vaianu, the two events welcomed over 95,000 through the gates across five days of on-track action, including sellouts on Saturday and Sunday in Christchurch.
Dates for next year’s New Zealand Double Header will be announced in the coming months as part of the 2027 Repco Supercars Championship calendar.
The Supercars ITM New Zealand Double Header is proudly supported by the New Zealand Government’s Major Events Fund, Taupō District Council, and ChristchurchNZ.
Header Image: Supercars
