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On 17 to 19 April 2026, the Repco Supercars Championship raced at Ruapuna for the first time, as the second half of New Zealand's first Supercars double-header. For Canterbury fans the big story was Matt Payne, the Kiwi Bathurst 1000 winner, racing in front of a South Island crowd. This guide covers how the weekend worked, so you're ready if the championship comes back.
The track
Ruapuna was new to the Supercars calendar, so the Canterbury Car Club, with support from the council and Supercars, made targeted upgrades to meet the championship's safety standards for drivers and spectators.
The work for 2026 focused on safety compliance, with more infrastructure upgrades planned for future years. Drivers were learning a circuit none of them had raced a Supercar on before.
Getting there and parking
Traffic is the biggest headache at a big event, so plan ahead. In 2026 there were two main options.
Free park and ride. Park at the Canterbury Agricultural Park (102 Curletts Road, Sockburn) and take the free shuttle to the track. No booking needed, and you skip the queues at the gates.
Premium car park ($120). If you want the car close, a Premium Carpark pass was $120 for a three-day spot just outside an entry gate. Numbers were limited and they had to be bought online in advance.
Free parking at the track. There was some, but very little, and it was first in, first served. Unless you're there at dawn, use the park and ride.
Turn 1 at Ruapuna during Drift South Round 3.
Where to watch
Ruapuna is an old-school Kiwi circuit and good for spectators if you know what to expect.
General admission: the venue is a mix of sealed roads, dirt tracks and grass, so wear sensible shoes. Most general admission areas are raised above the track, so you can see over the fences. Expect some slopes.
Accessible viewing: there's a dedicated area between Turns 10 and 11, near Gate B. Email the commercial team when you buy a general admission ticket to arrange it.
Corporate: the "Engine Room" hospitality tickets are wheelchair accessible too.
After the racing
The central city is compact and easy to get around. Three ideas for the evening:
1. Go out in town. Rooftop bars, small bars and late spots are all within walking distance in the central city.
2. Ride the tram. A loop on the Christchurch tram is an easy way to see the central city without more walking.
3. Look at the street art. The inner city is full of large murals, and a walk around them is a good way to see the rebuilt city.
