Supercars locks in new dates for 2027 ITM New Zealand Double Header

Following its sensational debut in 2026, Supercars has confirmed new dates for the 2027 ITM New Zealand Double Header, bringing the Repco Supercars Championship back to the North and South Islands of New Zealand next year.

After a Saturday and Sunday sell-out in 2026, Christchurch’s Ruapuna Raceway will host the Championship May 7-9, 2027, before Taupō International Motorsport Park hosts Supercars for the fourth time across the May 14-16 weekend.

Supercars held back-to-back events in NZ for the first time in 2026, including its inaugural visit to Christchurch and the South Island. The 2026 ITM New Zealand Double Header generated $21.4 million in domestic and international visitor expenditure, with approximately 3,000 international visitors spending more than 34,000 accommodation nights across Aotearoa.

A combined 95,368 patrons attended across the two events in 2026, despite the cancellation of all Sunday action in Taupō due to Cyclone Vaianu.

There was Kiwi success on the track as well, with Wellington’s Ryan Wood and Auckland’s Matt Payne each scoring victory during the 2026 ITM New Zealand Double Header.

“The inaugural ITM New Zealand Double Header was a resounding success, and we are thrilled to announce the dates for our return to Aotearoa in 2027,” said Supercars Executive Chairman and interim CEO, Barclay Nettlefold.

“New Zealand again proved its incredible passion for motorsport and its countless wild and wonderful attractions, which were enjoyed by thousands of international visitors.

“Competitors and fans alike have raved about our time in NZ, and we all eagerly look forward to returning to Christchurch and Taupō in 2027 for another fantastic Supercars ITM Double Header in New Zealand.”

The order of the two NZ events flips year-on-year, which both suits logistical planning of transporting the Championship to New Zealand following the 2027 Australian Grand Prix in early April, as well as anticipated cooler weather in the South Island heading into the winter months.

“Last year’s inaugural Double Header attracted about 3,000 international visitors to Taupō and Christchurch,” said Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston.

“I’m proud that through the Major Events Fund’s support, we will soon see motorsport fans from far and wide return, again filling accommodation, cafes, restaurants and shops, and delivering real benefits to Kiwis. What’s more, it provides further invaluable exposure in key tourism markets, further driving tourism’s growth and economic benefits.”

Christchurch’s inaugural Supercars event was dovetailed by the awarding of the prestigious Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, named for the Kiwi Supercars driver who succumbed to cancer in 2011.

Triple Eight Race Engineering’s Broc Feeney scored a shock JR Trophy win despite not winning a race in NZ, after Wood’s engine failed in the closing laps of the final race in Christchurch.

Supercars is scheduled to race in Christchurch and Taupō through at least 2028.

“Supercars plays a hugely important role in New Zealand motorsport, bringing incredible visibility to our sport and inspiring the next generation of Kiwi competitors, officials and volunteers,” said MotorSport New Zealand President Deborah Day.

“Seeing Kiwis like Ryan Wood and Matt Payne succeed on the international stage demonstrates what is possible through our grassroots clubs and development pathways. Having two world-class events on home soil is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our sport, inspire new participants and build on New Zealand’s passion for motorsport.”

“Having Supercars in Christchurch was fantastic,” said Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger.

“The weather turned it on, people came out and supported the event, and I was even lucky enough to go out on the track myself. The additional race (replacing the cancelled Sunday race in Taupō) really added to an incredible first weekend at Ruapuna, it truly was something all southern motorsport fans have been waiting for.

“Securing this event for another two years proves we can host internationally significant major events and that the city is a fantastic destination, well worth a visit.

“Christchurch City Council and ChristchurchNZ look forward to delivering another high energy weekend with more community opportunities and local partnerships to drive economic benefits for the city.”

Taupō District Mayor John Funnell welcomed the return of Supercars, highlighting the significant benefits the event brings to the district.

“We are thrilled to welcome Supercars back to Taupō,” Funnel said. “The event delivers tremendous economic and tourism benefits, creates a vibrant atmosphere across the district, and showcases Taupō to audiences around the world.

“Our community is proud to host this world-class event, and we look forward to welcoming fans, teams, and visitors back for another unforgettable Supercars weekend.”

New Zealand’s largest co-operative network of independently owned building supplies and hardware stores, ITM, has been the naming rights partner of Supercars events in NZ since 2010.

“We are thrilled to be naming rights sponsor for both Supercars events in Taupō and Christchurch,” said Chris Booth, ITM’s General Manager of Sales and Marketing.

“The inaugural ITM New Zealand Double Header was a roaring success both on and off the track. To see over 95,000 people attend the events, even with disruptions from Mother Nature, showcased the tremendous Kiwi passion we are incredibly proud of.

“ITM is present from the Far North to Southland, and supporting both Supercars events in NZ helps us represent that presence across the country. We cannot wait to welcome back Supercars in 2027.”

Supercars will return to New Zealand in 2027, with events in Christchurch May 7-9, and Taupō May 14-16. Tickets and premium experience packages for the ITM New Zealand Double Header will go on sale in the coming weeks.

The ITM New Zealand Double Header is proudly supported by New Zealand Major Events, alongside ChristchurchNZ and Taupō District Council