The 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, as the category locks in a two-event presence in both the North and South Island from 2026-2028, ensuring racing will take place in Taupō and Christchurch over the next three years.
The inclusion of Ruapuna Raceway is a milestone moment, a proud, club-run venue with deep local roots and a passionate motorsport community, now poised to shine on the international stage.
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.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard thanked the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Car Club for their tireless support in making the vision a reality: “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 addition of Ruapuna underscores Supercars’ long-term commitment to New Zealand – currently home to five of the Championship’s brightest stars and some of its most dedicated fans.
Following a sell-out return to New Zealand in 2024 at Taupō and the success of the 2025 event that saw Kiwi Matt Payne win the coveted Jason Richards Memorial Trophy on home soil, Supercars can also confirm today that racing will continue at Taupō International Motorsport Park until at least the end of 2028.
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.
New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said: “For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role 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 Taupo and extend to include Christchurch, with all the benefits that brings.”
The project is being driven by the Canterbury Car Club, who have already raised nearly $1 million toward the first stage of development.
Canterbury Car Club President Lewis Low said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Ruapuna join the Supercars calendar.
“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 – a long-time supporter of bringing Supercars to the city – said the news was a major win for local fans and for Christchurch’s wider tourism economy.
“This is a massive win for Christchurch,” Mayor Mauger said.
“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 event is expected to mirror the success of Taupō, which attracted more than 67,000 fans in 2024 and injected millions into the local economy, including 22,000 visitor nights and $5.8 million in visitor spending.
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said: “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, Taupō International Motorsport Park owner, said: “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, and 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.”
The addition of 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.
The full event name, ticketing details and supporting categories for the 2026 Ruapuna event will be announced in due course.
