Destination Great Lake Taupō (DGLT) is welcoming the confirmation that Supercars will return to Taupō on May 14–16, 2027, with the new later dates creating an opportunity to bring the whole region together around one of New Zealand's major motorsport events.
In a media release DGLT general manager Patrick Dault says the announcement is a positive outcome for the region.
"Supercars has already proven itself as a fantastic event for Taupō. We're pleased the feedback from our tourism sector has been heard and reflected in the new dates.
"Previously, Supercars coincided with holiday periods when many businesses were already operating at high capacity. The new dates give us an opportunity to make Supercars a focal point for the entire region, with accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions and retailers all getting behind the event."
Despite severe weather cutting short the 2026 event (April 10-11), Taupō welcomed 29,562 attendees, with approximately $7.9 million in visitor spending. The event also occurred when concern about the cost of fuel was running high due to the first US and Israel attacks on Iran.
The inaugural New Zealand Supercars Double Header, featuring Taupō and Christchurch, also demonstrated the event's international potential, attracting around 3,000 international visitors and generating $21.4 million in combined visitor spending.
With improved trans-Tasman connectivity through Auckland and Hamilton airports, DGLT sees a growing opportunity to position Taupō as an accessible motorsport getaway for Australian fans.
DGLT will work with Supercars organisers and Supercars Travel to promote local accommodation, experiences and visitor packages to domestic and international audiences.
"Some people will come for the racing. Others will come for the food, the lake, the trails or simply a well-deserved break," Dault says.
"When the whole community gets behind an event, the atmosphere goes well beyond the track, and visitors leave with every reason to come back."
Talking to LakeFM, Dault said the program was still being developed between the Taupō District Council events team and Supercars.
“Definitely, we are looking at a high level of engagement with the organisers, which means the return of lots of the fan favourites, but also I think this year because it's outside of the school holidays, we’ll have a much larger playing field where accommodation will be plentiful and the traffic in town will be a bit more manageable.”
And while hardcore supporters will go to Supercars, rain or shine, Dault would like to work with the Supercars organisation to try to attract families and couples.
“Even if only some of the members of a family unit attend the event, the rest can enjoy Taupō. And perhaps in the last year it was because it was already during school holidays and it was already busy… Now, this year, hopefully it will make more sense.”
As well as being outside the busy first school holidays, the weather in May also tends to be quite stable, Dault says.
“And for Australian visitors, it'll be a nice change, especially the ones that are from Queensland… a nice change of pace, beautiful temperature, and if we're lucky, perhaps some hints of autumn foliage, you never know.”
