From 2026, the Repco Supercars Championship will make its long-awaited debut in Christchurch, with Ruapuna Raceway confirmed as the host for the first-ever Supercars event on New Zealand’s South Island.
The event will form one half of a groundbreaking New Zealand double-header, running alongside the established Taupō round.
This historic move locks in a two-stop New Zealand leg for Supercars from 2026 through 2028, with both the North and South Islands set to enjoy annual rounds at Taupō and Ōtautahi Christchurch.
The addition of Ruapuna marks a major step for the series and a milestone for Kiwi motorsport. Known for its community roots and dedicated fanbase, the club-run venue west of Christchurch will now take its place on the international motorsport stage.
Located just 15 kilometres from the city centre, Ruapuna Raceway brings top-tier racing to a region rich in motorsport history. It is now preparing to host its largest event yet.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard credited the collaboration between various stakeholders in bringing the event to life:
“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 percent 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.”
The commitment to Ruapuna further cements Supercars’ investment in New Zealand, home to five current championship drivers and one of the series’ most passionate fanbases.
After the sold-out success of Taupō’s 2024 return and Matt Payne’s popular win in 2025, the championship has also confirmed that racing will continue at Taupō International Motorsport Park through at least 2028.
Ruapuna will undergo a significant upgrade in preparation for the new event. Planned improvements include a new track surface, updated fan facilities, and a rebuilt supporters’ lounge, all focused on sustainability and accessibility.
New Zealand’s Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston, emphasised the importance of the partnership:
“For more than 20 years, Supercars Championship events have played an important role in showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience, and I’m thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year.
“I’m pleased that with this investment from our Major Events Fund, New Zealand’s strong relationship with Supercars will continue in Taupō and extend to include Christchurch, with all the benefits that brings.”
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Canterbury Car Club, which has already secured close to $1 million for the first development phase.
“This is a dream come true for our club and for motorsport fans right across the South Island. It’s the result of years of hard work from our dedicated volunteers and supporters, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Supercars to our home.
“Ruapuna has a proud grassroots heritage, and this investment will help us transform the venue into a world-class facility that can deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, teams and drivers alike.”
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger, who has long advocated for bringing Supercars to the region, welcomed the news with enthusiasm:
“This is a massive win for Christchurch.
“Securing a Supercars event puts our city firmly on the international events map and will inject millions into our local economy — from tourism and hospitality to local jobs and infrastructure. It will help showcase the innovation and cutting-edge technology that is a key part of our city.
“Christchurch has long been a city of motorsport lovers, and now we finally have the world-class event we’ve been waiting for. I can’t wait to see the streets come alive when Supercars come to town.”
The anticipated economic impact mirrors Taupō’s 2024 round, which brought in more than 67,000 attendees, 22,000 visitor nights, and $5.8 million in visitor spending.
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas expressed his support for the expanding calendar:
“We’re thrilled to see Taupō remain a key part of the Supercars Championship through to at least 2028.
“The Supercars event has already proven to be a huge success for our community – it brings energy, visitors, and international attention to our district. To see it grow into a two-week New Zealand celebration alongside Christchurch is fantastic for the whole country.
“We’re proud to play our part in this trans-island motorsport moment, and we can’t wait to keep welcoming fans and teams back to Taupō.”
Tony Quinn, owner of Taupō International Motorsport Park, added:
“Locking in Supercars until 2028 is a huge vote of confidence in what we’ve built at Taupō.
“From day one, we’ve wanted to make this one of the best motorsport experiences in the Southern Hemisphere. Supercars has been a huge part of that vision. The feedback from fans, teams, and drivers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re only just getting started.
“With Taupō and now Ruapuna on the calendar, New Zealand’s motorsport scene is stepping onto the world stage like never before.”
Ruapuna joins an illustrious list of New Zealand circuits that have hosted Supercars alongside Pukekohe, Hamilton, and Taupō. Its inclusion finally gives the South Island a place in the global touring car spotlight.
Details on ticketing, event naming, and support categories for the 2026 Ruapuna round will be released closer to the event.
Header Image: Supplied
