Ruapuna Circuit to Host First-Ever Supercars Race in NZ’s South Island

Supercars has officially announced that Ruapuna Raceway, located 15 kilometers west of Christchurch, will host the first-ever Supercars event on New Zealand’s South Island in 2026 — marking a major expansion milestone for the championship.

The event is made possible through strategic collaboration with the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council, and the Canterbury Car Club.

“Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential,” said Shane Howard, CEO of Supercars.

“This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time.”

Multi-Million Dollar Renovation Ahead of Inaugural 2026 Race

The 3.33-kilometer Ruapuna circuit, which has been active since 1963, will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation to meet Supercars standards ahead of the inaugural race in 2026.

The three-year agreement with the circuit is intended to complement the existing series held at Taupō International Motorsport Park, which remains on the Supercars calendar.

Since Supercars debuted in New Zealand in 2001, the series has drawn over 2.3 million fans, accounting for 20% of the sport’s total viewership. Previously, races were held at Pukekohe Park Raceway and the Hamilton street circuit from 2008–2012 before Taupō took over.