Dates for Supercars NZ doubleheader set
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 25 June 2025
The dates for the historic first Supercars doubleheader in New Zealand are set for a massive week in April 2026.
For the first time ever, Supercars will stage two rounds in New Zealand in 2026 with Taupo followed by the inaugural venture to the South Island at Ruapuna in Christchurch.
The first leg will be at the familiar Taupo as the circuit’s third Supercars round will be held on April 10-12.
Ruapuna’s first taste of Supercars will follow the following weekend on April 17-19, completing the first ever NZ double header.
It continues the tradition of Supercars heading across the Tasman in April, which has been the preferred window for the majority of rounds since 2001 and especially since Taupo arrived in 2024.
Toyotas racing at Ruapuna Motorsport Park in Christchurch. Image: Toyota NZ
Back-to-back rounds in Aotearoa will be a feature of the Supercars Championship for the next three years, having previously held standalone rounds at Pukekohe, Hamilton and Taupo.
The announcement means three dates of the 2026 Supercars season are likely set, with the Australian Grand Prix locked in for March 5-8 if the category returns to Albert Park as expected.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard can already see consecutive weekends of Supercars in the land of the long white cloud as a massive part of the season.
“We are thrilled to officially confirm the dates for our inaugural New Zealand Double Header,” Howard said.
“Kicking off in Taupō and finishing in Christchurch, this is a major milestone for Supercars and a huge win for our fans and partners in Aotearoa.
“We saw over 67,000 fans attend our return to Taupō in 2024, and we’re excited to build on that success by bringing the Championship to the South Island for the very first time.
Matt Payne takes victory at Taupo. Image: Mark Horsburgh
“With two back-to-back events showcasing New Zealand’s best circuits, passionate fans, and iconic locations, April 2026 is set to be one of the biggest months in Supercars history.”
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger welcomed the announcement of Ruapuna’s debut event.
“This is a massive moment for our city,” Mayor Mauger said.
“Supercars is one of the biggest sporting categories in the Southern Hemisphere, and bringing the Championship to Christchurch will inject millions into our local economy and put us firmly on the global motorsport map.”
Ticketing details, supporting categories and entertainment lineups for both rounds will be announced later this year.
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