Supercars Confirms Exciting Second New Zealand Round for 2026

Supercars has confirmed that New Zealand will host two rounds on its calendar starting with the 2026 season. The first new venue is Ruapuna Raceway, just 15 kilometers west of Christchurch, which will welcome the Supercars Championship to the South Island for the first time.

The second event will remain at Taupo, ensuring a North and South Island double-header for at least three years. This announcement represents a big moment for Kiwi motorsport fans, especially those in the South Island, who have not previously had a Supercars event nearby.

The agreement means fans will see races at both Taupo and Ruapuna through 2028. Since Supercars began visiting New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million people have attended these races. For more details on the history of Supercars in New Zealand, you can explore the official Supercars archive.

Image credit: www.nzherald.co.nz

Those events now account for 20 percent of the series’ audience worldwide. Supercars CEO Shane Howard shared his delight, thanking the New Zealand government, ChristchurchNZ, the city council, and the Canterbury Car Club for helping make the South Island event a reality.

Howard called Christchurch a motorsport city and praised Ruapuna’s history and community passion for racing. Ruapuna Raceway opened in 1963 and stretches 3.33 kilometers. To learn more about the track’s layout and history, visit the Canterbury Car Club’s official page.

Recent years have seen several upgrades at the circuit. Ahead of the first Supercars round, the track will get a multimillion-dollar upgrade for facilities and safety, boosting its credentials to host international racing.

While Supercars has made its home in Taupo since 2023, the series has also previously visited Pukekohe Raceway near Auckland for many years and even raced through the streets of Hamilton from 2008 to 2012. For insights into New Zealand’s motorsport heritage, check out Motorsport New Zealand’s website.

Image credit: www.supercars.com

The Taupo event will continue its run after two strong years since replacing Pukekohe. Both Taupo and Ruapuna are likely to host their rounds close together on the calendar, possibly in April as with previous seasons.

Supercars plans for the New Zealand double-header to become a highlight, giving teams and fans a packed fortnight of on-track action in two distinct regions. Over the years, New Zealand rounds have delivered memorable moments and top racing, with drivers like Broc Feeney and teams such as Triple Eight Race Engineering celebrating wins on Kiwi soil.

The addition of Ruapuna brings a new challenge for teams and drivers while allowing even more fans to experience the sport in person. The investment promises to benefit both the local motorsport community and the wider Christchurch area for years to come. For more on Christchurch’s role in motorsport, visit ChristchurchNZ’s events page.

Final dates and event details have not been released yet. However, the commitment to long-term deals at both venues shows Supercars is investing in its fan base across New Zealand.

With two rounds on the calendar starting in 2026, the country will play a larger role in the future of the championship. Fans can expect bigger crowds, improved venues, and a major festival atmosphere each season. For updates on international motorsport events, refer to the FIA’s official calendar.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.