Teretonga Park
Location
Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand
Current Local Time
Track Info
Teretonga Park - Invercargill, New Zealand
New Zealand's oldest permanent racing circuit still in operation - a fast, flowing and frequently windswept track at the southern end of the South Island
When was the track built?
The Southland Sports Car Club began preparing the Sandy Point site in 1953. Members moved sand, levelled the land and planted grass during organised volunteer working days.
While construction continued, the club held successful international road races at nearby Ryal Bush. Money raised from those events helped complete the permanent circuit.
The original 2.414 km track opened in 1957. Its final section was redesigned in December 1966, creating the faster configuration used today. The name Teretonga is commonly translated from Māori as “Swift South”.
When was its first race?
The first meeting was held on 30 November 1957. Its programme included sports cars, motorcycles, saloons and single-seaters, with Merv Neil winning the feature race in a Cooper-Climax Bobtail.
The first international meeting followed in February 1958. Ross Jensen won the main event driving a Maserati 250F.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and flowing: Turns 1 to 5 form a connected sequence where maintaining momentum is more important than braking as late as possible.
- High-speed loop: The multiple-apex sweeper requires commitment, accurate positioning and a stable vehicle.
- Anti-clockwise direction: The unusual direction places different physical loads on drivers, riders and tyres.
- Changeable weather: Strong sea breezes, rain and rapidly changing temperatures can force teams to alter gearing, tyres and vehicle setup.
Teretonga has only seven corners, but it is not simple. Several bends lead directly into one another, so a mistake early in a sequence can affect much of the lap.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Formula Holden: 0:51.206 - Greg Murphy, Reynard 92D, 1998.
- Formula Regional: 0:53.820 - Liam Lawson, Tatuus FT-60, 2020.
- Saloon outright: 0:54.428 - A. Fawcett and D. Gaunt, McLaren 720S, 2022.
- Club racing car: 0:56.388 - Gary Cooper, Reynard 92H, 2019.
- South Island Formula Ford: 1:02.920 - Seb Manson, Spectrum 015, 2023.
Qualifying, race and testing laps are completed under different conditions. Historic times from the original circuit should not be compared directly with records from the current layout.
Why is it famous?
Teretonga joined the Tasman Series in 1964 and attracted many of the leading international drivers of the period. Bruce McLaren, Jim Clark, Jack Brabham, Denny Hulme, Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill, Phil Hill and Chris Amon all competed here.
The circuit later hosted the New Zealand Grand Prix from 2002 to 2007. Winners during that period included Fabian Coulthard, Ken Smith and Daniel Gaunt.
What events are held here?
The modern programme combines international competition with national and club racing. Formula Regional Oceania and the GR86 Championship visit during the summer, while the South Island Endurance Series brings GT cars and modified saloons.
Other major meetings include the Classic Speedfest and Southern Thunder, featuring historic cars, Super Trucks, V8 Utes and muscle cars. The circuit is also used for motorcycles, drag racing, driver training, sprints and motorkhanas.
Why go?
Teretonga combines international history with an approachable club-racing atmosphere. Its compact lap allows spectators to see the cars frequently, while the exposed setting makes their speed particularly easy to appreciate.
The venue is approximately 8 km west of Invercargill. Food and refreshments are available during race meetings and practice days for major events, although fuel is not sold at the circuit.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight: Best for starts, finishes and activity around the pit area.
- Turn 1: Watch competitors arrive from the straight and commit to the opening part of the flowing sequence.
- High-speed loop: The most dramatic area for seeing speed, aerodynamic grip and driver confidence.
- Final corner: Drivers must balance entry speed with a clean exit onto the main straight.
Admission, paddock access and available viewing areas vary between international meetings, club races and private track hires. Check the organiser's event information before travelling and prepare for wind or rain even when the forecast appears settled.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Teretonga Park (Invercargill)
Teretonga Park is around 8 km west of Invercargill in New Zealand's Southland region. Driving, hiring a car or taking a taxi is the easiest way to arrive, as regular city buses do not run directly to the circuit.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Invercargill: head west towards Otatara on Dunns Highway. After crossing the Oreti River, turn onto Sandy Point Road and continue towards the circuit.
- Navigation: enter 86 Sandy Point Road, Otatara, Invercargill.
- From elsewhere in Southland: aim for Invercargill first, then approach Teretonga through Otatara rather than trying to reach the circuit using smaller rural roads.
- Parking: follow the signs and instructions for your particular event, as spectator and competitor areas can differ.
Tip: Southland weather can change quickly, so allow a little extra time if conditions are wet or windy.
Bus & public transport
Invercargill has a city bus network, but it does not provide a regular direct service to Teretonga Park at Sandy Point.
- InterCity: long-distance coaches connect Invercargill with destinations around the South Island, including Dunedin and Christchurch.
- Invercargill arrival: InterCity uses a central stop on Dee Street, making it easy to continue by taxi or arrange a pickup.
- City buses: useful for getting around Invercargill itself, but not for completing the journey to the circuit.
- Weekend events: Invercargill's city buses run reduced services on Saturdays and do not operate on Sundays, making them particularly unsuitable for many race meetings.
If you are travelling without a car, booking a taxi for both your outward and return journeys is the simplest plan.
Invercargill Airport transfers
- Invercargill Airport (IVC): the obvious airport for Teretonga and located on the western side of the city, relatively close to the circuit.
- Rental car: the easiest option for a multi-day motorsport visit. Several rental companies operate from the airport.
- Taxi: local taxi operators serve the airport and can take you directly to Teretonga or your accommodation.
- Staying in the city: you can base yourself in central Invercargill and make the short road journey to the circuit each day.
Race-day tips
- Tickets: admission prices vary considerably between local club meetings and larger national events, so check the event listing before travelling.
- Food: food and refreshments are available during race days and practice days for major events.
- Weather: the circuit is exposed and Southland conditions can be cool, windy or wet even during the racing season.
- Arrival: allow extra time for larger meetings when more vehicles are using Sandy Point Road.
Competitor facilities
- Paddock power: a limited number of electrical connections are available in the pit paddock.
- Arrange power first: competitors must obtain approval from the administration office before connecting.
- Event instructions: paddock access, trailer parking and arrival times should be checked with the organising club before travelling.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: car or taxi is generally the easiest option because public transport does not reach the circuit.
- Before travelling: contact the Southland Sports Car Club or your event organiser to confirm the most suitable parking and viewing arrangements.
- Airport arrival: arranging a rental car or taxi at Invercargill Airport avoids the need to transfer through the city centre.
Quick guide
- Driving? Head west from Invercargill through Otatara and navigate to 86 Sandy Point Road.
- Flying? Invercargill Airport is the closest and most convenient choice; hire a car or take a taxi.
- Without a car? Travel to central Invercargill by InterCity, then arrange a taxi or pickup for the circuit.
Check the Southland Sports Car Club and your event organiser shortly before travelling, as ticket prices, parking, gate times and spectator arrangements can vary between meetings.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Teretonga Park (Invercargill, New Zealand)
Whether you’re here for Formula Regional, touring cars, classic racing or motorcycle action, Teretonga Park puts you on the edge of Invercargill - a city packed with motoring history, coastal scenery, wildlife and some unforgettable Southland day trips.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Queens Park: This huge city-centre park has gardens, playgrounds, an aviary and animal areas, making it an easy free outing when younger visitors need space to explore.
- Bill Richardson Transport World: More than 300 classic vehicles, including cars, trucks and machinery, make this one of the best off-track attractions for motorsport families.
- Splash Palace: Invercargill's indoor aquatic centre has several pools and hydroslides - particularly useful when Southland's weather turns wet.
- Oreti Beach: Walk along the enormous sandy beach where local speed legend Burt Munro once tested and raced his motorcycles.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Classic Motorcycle Mecca: Explore more than 300 motorcycles dating from the early 1900s onwards, along with motorcycle art and Southland racing history.
- E Hayes Motorworks Collection: Hidden inside a working hardware store is Burt Munro's original 1920 Indian Scout, plus cars, motorcycles, engines and memorabilia.
- Bill Richardson Transport World: Allow at least a couple of hours if you enjoy engineering and transport history - the collection is much larger than a typical local car museum.
Eat & drink like a local
- Invercargill city centre: The CBD is the easiest place for dinner after the circuit, with cafés, restaurants and pubs around Esk Street and the surrounding blocks.
- Southland cheese roll: Try this local favourite made from bread wrapped around a warm cheesy filling and toasted until golden.
- Bluff oysters: When they are in season, these famous oysters from Foveaux Strait are one of Southland's signature foods.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Sandy Point Domain: The circuit shares its wider coastal setting with a large recreation area offering walking, cycling and picnic opportunities beside the Oreti River and Foveaux Strait.
- Oreti Beach: The roughly 26 km beach is ideal for a long walk, sunset or a little motorsport pilgrimage in the footsteps of Burt Munro.
Check current Sandy Point trail conditions before cycling, as individual routes can close temporarily after poor weather or maintenance.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Bluff: Around 30 km south of Invercargill, visit the famous Stirling Point signpost, walk around Motupōhue Bluff Hill and look across Foveaux Strait.
- Rakiura Stewart Island: Fly from Invercargill in around 20 minutes or take the ferry from Bluff for native bush, birdlife, coastal walks and the chance to experience one of New Zealand's wildest corners.
- The Catlins: Make a full day of the rugged coast east of Invercargill, with waterfalls, beaches, wildlife and dramatic viewpoints along the Southern Scenic Route.
Good to know when visiting Teretonga Park
- Check the event calendar: Teretonga hosts major race weekends alongside club meetings, motorcycle events, drag racing and private track hire, so spectator arrangements vary.
- The circuit runs anti-clockwise: This makes Teretonga unusual compared with many road circuits and helps give the track its distinctive character.
- Prepare for wind and rain: The exposed Southland location can feel cool even during summer. Bring a waterproof layer as well as sunscreen for a full day outdoors.
- A car makes exploring easier: Invercargill attractions are close together, but Oreti Beach, Bluff and the wider Southland coast are much simpler to reach by road.
Circuit access, race schedules, museum hours, trail conditions and ferry or flight services can change - check live information before travelling.