Taupō International Motorsport Park has secured its future as a key destination on the Supercars calendar, with championship organisers confirming the venue will host events through to at least 2028.
The deal extension was announced alongside plans for New Zealand to host back-to-back Supercars rounds from 2026, with Christchurch's Ruapuna Raceway joining Taupō in a double-header format across consecutive weekends.
The expansion is expected to significantly boost tourism, particularly from Australia, as visitors can now attend both events and extend their stay to explore more of New Zealand.
"We're thrilled to see Taupō remain a key part of the Supercars Championship through to at least 2028," Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said.
"The Supercars event has already proven to be a huge success for our community – it brings energy, visitors, and international attention to our district. To see it grow into a two-week New Zealand celebration alongside Christchurch is fantastic for the whole country."
The inaugural Taupō event in 2024 attracted more than 67,000 fans and delivered significant economic benefits, including 22,000 visitor nights and $5.8 million in visitor spending. More than 3,300 international visitors attended, spending over $5.2 million during their stay.
Tony Quinn, owner of Taupō International Motorsport Park, said the extension represented a vote of confidence in the venue's development.
"Locking in Supercars until 2028 is a huge vote of confidence in what we've built at Taupō," Quinn said. "From day one, we've wanted to make this one of the best motorsport experiences in the Southern Hemisphere, and Supercars has been a huge part of that vision."
The Government is supporting the expanded format through a $5.9 million investment from the Major Events Fund to support both Taupō and Christchurch events over the next three years.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the double-header format would allow visitors to extend their stays and experience more of New Zealand.
"International – and domestic – visitors can attend back-to-back rounds across consecutive weekends in Taupō and Christchurch, allowing them to extend their stay and enjoy more of what New Zealand has to offer," Upston said.
The 2026 season will mark the first time since 2013 that Supercars has staged two overseas championship rounds, with the Christchurch event being the first Supercars round held on New Zealand's South Island.
