Supercars delivers major NZ boost

Supercars’ inaugural New Zealand double-header has delivered a significant economic boost, generating $21.4 million in domestic and international visitor expenditure across the country.

The historic 2026 initiative saw the Repco Supercars Championship race at Taupo International Motorsport Park for a third consecutive year before heading south for the Championship’s long-awaited Christchurch debut at Ruapuna Raceway the following weekend.

Economic analysis of the two events found visitors spent approximately $9.5 million in Christchurch and $7.9 million in Taupo, while international visitors spent another $4 million elsewhere in New Zealand.

Around 3,000 international visitors attended the double-header, spending $9.3 million during their stay and generating more than 34,000 international visitor nights across the country.

Supercars executive chairman, Barclay Nettlefold, said the results supported the decision to create the Championship’s first New Zealand double-header.

“The passion shown by fans in both Taupo 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.”

New Zealand Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston, said the events demonstrated the role major sporting events could play in attracting visitors and supporting regional economies.

“The inaugural Supercars Double Header has been a major success, delivering a significant economic boost for Taupo and Christchurch,” Upston said.

“Major events like these attract visitors, support local businesses, and help grow our tourism economy.”

Taupo District Mayor, John Funnell, said the double-header encouraged visitors to remain in the region longer, delivering benefits to local businesses and helping promote Taupo internationally.

Taupo District Council chief executive, Julie Gardyne, said the almost $8 million spent in Taupo represented a strong return for the community and reinforced the district’s reputation as an events destination.

Christchurch Mayor, Phil Mauger, said the city’s inaugural Supercars event had exceeded expectations, with fans supporting businesses throughout the city as well as attending the racing at Ruapuna.

The economic result came despite Sunday’s racing at Taupo being cancelled due to Cyclone Vaianu.

Across the two events, more than 95,000 people passed through the gates during five days of on-track action, with both Saturday and Sunday at Christchurch selling out.

Supercars will return with another New Zealand double-header in 2027, with dates to be announced as part of next year’s Repco Supercars Championship calendar.