Taupō International Motorsport Park
Location:
Taupō, New Zealand, New Zealand
Local Weather & Time
Track Info
Taupō International Motorsport Park - Taupō, North Island, New Zealand
Modern multipurpose venue in the geothermal heart of Aotearoa - clockwise - current Track 1 is 3.321 km with 14 turns - former International layout 3.500 km with 17 turns
When was the track built?
Taupō began in 1959 as a short dirt-and-tar club course before being asphalted and steadily upgraded. A NZ$14m expansion in 2005–2006 created a new pit and paddock, split-able layouts and the 3.5 km International circuit to attract world series. Subsequent revisions in 2007–2008 shaped today’s Track 1 with a tightened late-lap chicane and improved overtaking.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race season was 1959 on the original club circuit. The international breakthrough came with A1 Grand Prix in 2007–2009, when Taupō hosted New Zealand’s round and set the A1GP race-lap benchmark.
What's the circuit like?
- Power into patience: A long pit straight launches you into a tight Turn 1 hairpin, then the lap flows through linked medium-speed corners where rotation and traction matter.
- Technical sting in the tail: The late-lap chicane was squared off in 2008 to improve passing and remains the heaviest braking on the lap. It decides the run to the flag.
- Modern facilities - classic sightlines: Grandstands and earth banks give wide views across the infield, with Mount Tauhara framing the backdrop.
- Benchmark pace: A1GP 1:14.679 (race lap) sets the car ceiling on Track 1 - Toyota FR Oceania, Formula Atlantic and Supercars supply modern references.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series - Track 1, 3.321 km)
- A1GP - race lap: 1:14.679 - Neel Jani, 2008. Unofficial all-time: 1:14.072 - Nico Hülkenberg, qualifying 2007.
- Toyota Racing Series / Formula Regional Oceania - race lap: 1:23.357 - Jehan Daruvala (FT-50), 2016. Recent FR Oceania laps in the low 1:24s.
- Formula Atlantic - race lap: 1:23.669 - Kaleb Ngatoa, 2025.
- Supercars - event reference: ITM Taupō Super 440 debuted in April 2024 and returned April 11–13, 2025.
Why go?
Taupō serves tight racing you can see. Turn 1 compresses the field for classic divebombs, the flowing mid-lap shows who has mechanical grip and the final chicane decides photo finishes. With Supercars now a fixture and FR Oceania every summer, you get world-class grids in a compact amphitheatre.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight - Turn 1 hairpin: Starts, restarts and the biggest stop on the lap - prime overtaking.
- Infield mid-sector: Linked sweepers let you watch tyre management and rotation differences as stints develop.
- Final chicane: Mistakes here decide the launch to the line and last-lap passes.
Not just one series - headline events at Taupō
Supercars Championship: ITM Taupō Super 440 - 2024 onward with government-backed deal through at least 2026.
Formula Regional Oceania (Toyota FR Oceania): New Zealand’s flagship single-seater series races here in the summer season.
A1 Grand Prix (2007–2009): Gave Taupō its international coming-of-age and the enduring A1GP lap benchmarks.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Taupō International Motorsport Park - Taupō, New Zealand
Best options are driving via SH1 - Centennial Drive to 463 Broadlands Road, InterCity bus to Taupō i-SITE then taxi, and on site parking for events with specific routing on Supercars weekends. The circuit sits on the eastern side of town near the SH1 Interchange with Centennial Drive.
Public transport - InterCity to town, then taxi
- InterCity: Daily services arrive at Taupō i-SITE, 30 Tongariro St. From there it is a 10 - 15 minute taxi ride to the circuit.
- Local buses: The Taupō Connector 33 operates within town and does not serve the circuit gates. Plan a taxi for the last leg.
During major events, some town services may be diverted and traffic management will be in place around Centennial Drive - Broadlands Rd.
Driving - SH1 Interchange to Centennial Drive, then Broadlands Road
- From SH1: Use the Centennial Drive interchange and follow event signage to Broadlands Road for the venue entrances. This routing is mandated on Supercars weekends to manage flows.
- From Taupō town: Head east via Centennial Drive - Broadlands Road and follow Taupō International Motorsport Park signs.
Parking - on site lots, event variations
- General events: The venue provides on site parking for attendees; marshals will direct vehicles to active lots.
- Major weekends: Event communications specify entry gates and routing from SH1 → Centennial Drive. VIP or embankment parking may be sold for select events.
Overnighting - venue rules
- On site stays: The venue publishes Overnight Stay Rules for parked vehicles - follow security instructions and the posted conditions on event weeks.
Taxis - set downs
- Set destination: Taupō International Motorsport Park, 463 Broadlands Road, Taupō 3378. Staff will direct drop off - pick up to active gates.
- From i-SITE: Roughly 10 - 15 minutes by road to the venue depending on traffic.
Walking from parking - set downs
- From on site lots: Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks depending on your gate and stand. Event maps mark participant and paddock parking aprons separately.
About the venue - quick context
- International circuit up to 3.5 km: Premier North Island facility with multiple layouts, karts, and national events.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: SH1 → Centennial Drive → Broadlands Rd to the marked entrances.
- Bus users: InterCity to Taupō i-SITE, then taxi to the gates.
- Parking: on site and event directed, with VIP options on select weekends.
- Need the exact address: 463 Broadlands Road, Taupō 3378.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Taupō International Motorsport Park - Taupō - Central North Island (New Zealand)
Whether you are here for Supercars, Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ, endurance and sprint series, drifting, club days or a trackday, the circuit sits minutes from Lake Taupō with waterfalls, geothermal parks, hot pools and big sky hikes to fill your non race time.
Family friendly highlights on site and nearby
- Huka Falls: Short sealed paths and bridges to roaring blue water. Allow 30 - 60 minutes including photo stops.
- Craters of the Moon geothermal walk: Easy boardwalk loop through steaming vents. Best in the cool morning.
- Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs: Family pools, hydroslides and private soak options for a post practice wind down.
- Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings cruise: Scenic boat or kayak trips to the famous cliff carvings on Lake Taupō.
- Huka Prawn Park: Hands on ponds and riverside walking track that suits mixed ages.
- Taupō Bungy and Swing: Spectator friendly clifftop spot over the Waikato River, with café and viewing decks.
Popular pools, cruises and geothermal walks may use timed entry in summer and school holidays. Early sessions help if you plan to be back for afternoon races.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Lava Glass Studio and Gallery: Glassblowing demos, sculpture garden and a good café.
- Taupō Museum: Compact galleries on local stories and a serene tuwharetoa garden outside.
- Rotorua day indoors: Te Puia or Whakarewarewa village exhibits, Rotorua Museum precinct walks and covered retail arcades.
- National Trout Centre - Turangi: Family friendly fishery heritage with short riverside paths.
- Craft and design stops: Lakefront galleries and artisan stores around Horomatangi Street and Heuheu Street.
Eat and drink like a local
- Lake Terrace - Taupō town: Breakfast diners, bakeries and lakeside pubs perfect for paddock picnic supplies and post session meals.
- Kiwi comfort plates: Lamb, green lip mussels, fish and chips and hearty pies. Good coffee culture across the lakefront.
- Geothermal treats: Try hangi inspired menus or slow cooked meats at venues drawing on local heat and smoke.
- Sweet stops: Real fruit ice cream stands and donut vans pop up on sunny weekends.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables along the lakefront and Spa Road book quickly on headline weekends. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Great Lake Pathway: Flat lakeside cycle - walk with beaches and playgrounds. Sunrise and sunset are magic.
- Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls track: Easy river path linking hot stream paddling spots with bush shade.
- Aratiatia Rapids: Short viewpoints over scheduled water releases. Check daily opening times.
- Rapids Jet - river boats: Quickfire jet boat runs below Aratiatia for a high energy hour.
- Kinloch or Whakaipo Bay: Quiet coves for a swim or paddle on calm mornings.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Rotorua - 50 to 70 minutes. Te Puia geysers, Redwood Forest walk - cycle, Skyline gondola and luge.
- Tongariro National Park - 60 to 90 minutes. Short alpine loops from Whakapapa or the famed Tongariro Alpine Crossing if you add a full day and suitable weather.
- Turangi and southern lake - 35 to 50 minutes. Trout Centre, river walks and hot pool dips.
- Orakei Korako - 30 to 45 minutes. Boardwalks across silica terraces and bubbling pools reached by short boat shuttle.
- Waitomo Caves - 90 to 120 minutes. Glowworm cave tours and black water rafting if you plan an extra adventure day.
- Hawke’s Bay coast - 2 to 3 hours. Art Deco Napier, vineyards and long surf beaches if you extend your trip.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Alpine tracks, caves and boat trips often require dated tickets, weather checks or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring to autumn carries pro series and national festivals, with club and test days throughout the year. Town hotels and holiday parks fill Thursday - Sunday on headline weeks.
- Weather - High country lake climate. Expect bright sun and quick showers, cool mornings even in summer and frosty starts in winter. Pack sunscreen, a hat, warm layers for evenings and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - School holiday periods and summer long weekends boost demand at hot pools, lake cruises and waterfalls. Book ahead where possible.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Public drive experiences or tours may pause or run special hours on major weekends. Check the weekly schedule.
- Ground and shade: Open spectator mounds with limited natural cover. A compact chair or seat pad and refillable bottles help on hot days.
- Footwear: Grippy shoes for grassy banks and damp geothermal boardwalks. Lakeside stones can be slick after rain.
- Hot pools etiquette: Rinse before soaking, keep glass away from pool edges and check child height rules for slides.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, swim kit, light layers for evening temperature drops and a small towel for hot stream paddles.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, geothermal site operations and event week schedules can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Taupō, New Zealand, New Zealand
Track Info
Taupō International Motorsport Park - Taupō, North Island, New Zealand
Modern multipurpose venue in the geothermal heart of Aotearoa - clockwise - current Track 1 is 3.321 km with 14 turns - former International layout 3.500 km with 17 turns
When was the track built?
Taupō began in 1959 as a short dirt-and-tar club course before being asphalted and steadily upgraded. A NZ$14m expansion in 2005–2006 created a new pit and paddock, split-able layouts and the 3.5 km International circuit to attract world series. Subsequent revisions in 2007–2008 shaped today’s Track 1 with a tightened late-lap chicane and improved overtaking.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race season was 1959 on the original club circuit. The international breakthrough came with A1 Grand Prix in 2007–2009, when Taupō hosted New Zealand’s round and set the A1GP race-lap benchmark.
What's the circuit like?
- Power into patience: A long pit straight launches you into a tight Turn 1 hairpin, then the lap flows through linked medium-speed corners where rotation and traction matter.
- Technical sting in the tail: The late-lap chicane was squared off in 2008 to improve passing and remains the heaviest braking on the lap. It decides the run to the flag.
- Modern facilities - classic sightlines: Grandstands and earth banks give wide views across the infield, with Mount Tauhara framing the backdrop.
- Benchmark pace: A1GP 1:14.679 (race lap) sets the car ceiling on Track 1 - Toyota FR Oceania, Formula Atlantic and Supercars supply modern references.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series - Track 1, 3.321 km)
- A1GP - race lap: 1:14.679 - Neel Jani, 2008. Unofficial all-time: 1:14.072 - Nico Hülkenberg, qualifying 2007.
- Toyota Racing Series / Formula Regional Oceania - race lap: 1:23.357 - Jehan Daruvala (FT-50), 2016. Recent FR Oceania laps in the low 1:24s.
- Formula Atlantic - race lap: 1:23.669 - Kaleb Ngatoa, 2025.
- Supercars - event reference: ITM Taupō Super 440 debuted in April 2024 and returned April 11–13, 2025.
Why go?
Taupō serves tight racing you can see. Turn 1 compresses the field for classic divebombs, the flowing mid-lap shows who has mechanical grip and the final chicane decides photo finishes. With Supercars now a fixture and FR Oceania every summer, you get world-class grids in a compact amphitheatre.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight - Turn 1 hairpin: Starts, restarts and the biggest stop on the lap - prime overtaking.
- Infield mid-sector: Linked sweepers let you watch tyre management and rotation differences as stints develop.
- Final chicane: Mistakes here decide the launch to the line and last-lap passes.
Not just one series - headline events at Taupō
Supercars Championship: ITM Taupō Super 440 - 2024 onward with government-backed deal through at least 2026.
Formula Regional Oceania (Toyota FR Oceania): New Zealand’s flagship single-seater series races here in the summer season.
A1 Grand Prix (2007–2009): Gave Taupō its international coming-of-age and the enduring A1GP lap benchmarks.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Taupō International Motorsport Park - Taupō, New Zealand
Best options are driving via SH1 - Centennial Drive to 463 Broadlands Road, InterCity bus to Taupō i-SITE then taxi, and on site parking for events with specific routing on Supercars weekends. The circuit sits on the eastern side of town near the SH1 Interchange with Centennial Drive.
Public transport - InterCity to town, then taxi
- InterCity: Daily services arrive at Taupō i-SITE, 30 Tongariro St. From there it is a 10 - 15 minute taxi ride to the circuit.
- Local buses: The Taupō Connector 33 operates within town and does not serve the circuit gates. Plan a taxi for the last leg.
During major events, some town services may be diverted and traffic management will be in place around Centennial Drive - Broadlands Rd.
Driving - SH1 Interchange to Centennial Drive, then Broadlands Road
- From SH1: Use the Centennial Drive interchange and follow event signage to Broadlands Road for the venue entrances. This routing is mandated on Supercars weekends to manage flows.
- From Taupō town: Head east via Centennial Drive - Broadlands Road and follow Taupō International Motorsport Park signs.
Parking - on site lots, event variations
- General events: The venue provides on site parking for attendees; marshals will direct vehicles to active lots.
- Major weekends: Event communications specify entry gates and routing from SH1 → Centennial Drive. VIP or embankment parking may be sold for select events.
Overnighting - venue rules
- On site stays: The venue publishes Overnight Stay Rules for parked vehicles - follow security instructions and the posted conditions on event weeks.
Taxis - set downs
- Set destination: Taupō International Motorsport Park, 463 Broadlands Road, Taupō 3378. Staff will direct drop off - pick up to active gates.
- From i-SITE: Roughly 10 - 15 minutes by road to the venue depending on traffic.
Walking from parking - set downs
- From on site lots: Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks depending on your gate and stand. Event maps mark participant and paddock parking aprons separately.
About the venue - quick context
- International circuit up to 3.5 km: Premier North Island facility with multiple layouts, karts, and national events.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: SH1 → Centennial Drive → Broadlands Rd to the marked entrances.
- Bus users: InterCity to Taupō i-SITE, then taxi to the gates.
- Parking: on site and event directed, with VIP options on select weekends.
- Need the exact address: 463 Broadlands Road, Taupō 3378.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Taupō International Motorsport Park - Taupō - Central North Island (New Zealand)
Whether you are here for Supercars, Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ, endurance and sprint series, drifting, club days or a trackday, the circuit sits minutes from Lake Taupō with waterfalls, geothermal parks, hot pools and big sky hikes to fill your non race time.
Family friendly highlights on site and nearby
- Huka Falls: Short sealed paths and bridges to roaring blue water. Allow 30 - 60 minutes including photo stops.
- Craters of the Moon geothermal walk: Easy boardwalk loop through steaming vents. Best in the cool morning.
- Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs: Family pools, hydroslides and private soak options for a post practice wind down.
- Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings cruise: Scenic boat or kayak trips to the famous cliff carvings on Lake Taupō.
- Huka Prawn Park: Hands on ponds and riverside walking track that suits mixed ages.
- Taupō Bungy and Swing: Spectator friendly clifftop spot over the Waikato River, with café and viewing decks.
Popular pools, cruises and geothermal walks may use timed entry in summer and school holidays. Early sessions help if you plan to be back for afternoon races.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Lava Glass Studio and Gallery: Glassblowing demos, sculpture garden and a good café.
- Taupō Museum: Compact galleries on local stories and a serene tuwharetoa garden outside.
- Rotorua day indoors: Te Puia or Whakarewarewa village exhibits, Rotorua Museum precinct walks and covered retail arcades.
- National Trout Centre - Turangi: Family friendly fishery heritage with short riverside paths.
- Craft and design stops: Lakefront galleries and artisan stores around Horomatangi Street and Heuheu Street.
Eat and drink like a local
- Lake Terrace - Taupō town: Breakfast diners, bakeries and lakeside pubs perfect for paddock picnic supplies and post session meals.
- Kiwi comfort plates: Lamb, green lip mussels, fish and chips and hearty pies. Good coffee culture across the lakefront.
- Geothermal treats: Try hangi inspired menus or slow cooked meats at venues drawing on local heat and smoke.
- Sweet stops: Real fruit ice cream stands and donut vans pop up on sunny weekends.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables along the lakefront and Spa Road book quickly on headline weekends. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Great Lake Pathway: Flat lakeside cycle - walk with beaches and playgrounds. Sunrise and sunset are magic.
- Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls track: Easy river path linking hot stream paddling spots with bush shade.
- Aratiatia Rapids: Short viewpoints over scheduled water releases. Check daily opening times.
- Rapids Jet - river boats: Quickfire jet boat runs below Aratiatia for a high energy hour.
- Kinloch or Whakaipo Bay: Quiet coves for a swim or paddle on calm mornings.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Rotorua - 50 to 70 minutes. Te Puia geysers, Redwood Forest walk - cycle, Skyline gondola and luge.
- Tongariro National Park - 60 to 90 minutes. Short alpine loops from Whakapapa or the famed Tongariro Alpine Crossing if you add a full day and suitable weather.
- Turangi and southern lake - 35 to 50 minutes. Trout Centre, river walks and hot pool dips.
- Orakei Korako - 30 to 45 minutes. Boardwalks across silica terraces and bubbling pools reached by short boat shuttle.
- Waitomo Caves - 90 to 120 minutes. Glowworm cave tours and black water rafting if you plan an extra adventure day.
- Hawke’s Bay coast - 2 to 3 hours. Art Deco Napier, vineyards and long surf beaches if you extend your trip.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Alpine tracks, caves and boat trips often require dated tickets, weather checks or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring to autumn carries pro series and national festivals, with club and test days throughout the year. Town hotels and holiday parks fill Thursday - Sunday on headline weeks.
- Weather - High country lake climate. Expect bright sun and quick showers, cool mornings even in summer and frosty starts in winter. Pack sunscreen, a hat, warm layers for evenings and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - School holiday periods and summer long weekends boost demand at hot pools, lake cruises and waterfalls. Book ahead where possible.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Public drive experiences or tours may pause or run special hours on major weekends. Check the weekly schedule.
- Ground and shade: Open spectator mounds with limited natural cover. A compact chair or seat pad and refillable bottles help on hot days.
- Footwear: Grippy shoes for grassy banks and damp geothermal boardwalks. Lakeside stones can be slick after rain.
- Hot pools etiquette: Rinse before soaking, keep glass away from pool edges and check child height rules for slides.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, swim kit, light layers for evening temperature drops and a small towel for hot stream paddles.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, geothermal site operations and event week schedules can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.
