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Open-Wheel Racing

2026 NZIGP Waikato Challenge

Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, Te Kauwhata, New Zealand21–22 Nov 20262 days

Why You Should Go

Eight grids from BMW saloons and V8 utes to Superkarts in one weekend

Format

Two Day Race Meeting

Crowd

No 2026 crowd figure published

Vibe

NZIGP season opener club racing at Hampton Downs

About This Event

The Waikato Challenge opens the NZIGP season at Hampton Downs with eight grids in one weekend, from three BMW Race Driver Series fields to NZ Superkarts and the final round of the North Island Endurance Series 1 Hour. Saloons, V8 utes, single seaters and karts all share the same circuit.

1What to Expect

Three BMW grids: The BMW Race Driver Series runs Open class, 2 Litre and E30, and NEXEN Tyre E46 fields, with entries from a 1987 E30 320i to a 2023 M4.
Superkarts on a full circuit: NZ Superkarts race Rotax and KZ2 classes on the full Hampton Downs track, a form of kart racing the NZIGP calls the fastest in New Zealand.
An endurance finale: The North Island Endurance Series 1 Hour holds its final round here, with Porsche, McLaren 570S and Holden Commodore entries on the list.
Show all 5
Utes, Sixes and Hondas: NZV8 Utes share the track with NZ Six and bring the Holden against Ford rivalry, and the Motul Honda Cup runs 1990s Civics and Integras.
Formula First: The NZ Formula First Championship, the long running entry class for single seater drivers in New Zealand, is on the bill too.

2Best Way to Experience It

Gold

Both days on the Weekend Pass

The racing is spread over Saturday and Sunday, and the Weekend Pass covers both days of all eight grids.

Silver

Walking the circuit in general admission

Hampton Downs events are general admission, so you can move between viewing spots as the categories change.

Bronze

The Family Pass

Two adults and two children aged 12 to 16 years get both days on one pass, which keeps a family weekend at the track cheap.

About the Venue

Race Tracks

Hampton Downs Motorsport Park

  • 4 km
  • 10 turns
  • Opened 2009

Hampton Downs Motorsport Park is near Te Kauwhata in north Waikato, and it's the northernmost circuit in New Zealand.

See the venue guideDirections

3Nearby Accommodation

4Logistics

Getting there

Driving

  • Hampton Downs Motorsport Park is at 20 Hampton Downs Road, Te Kauwhata, in north Waikato.
  • Spectators come in through Gate 1.

Public transport

  • No event bus or shuttle to the circuit is published for 2026.

Rideshare and taxis

  • No rideshare or taxi drop off point is published for 2026.

Best value route

  • Driving is the only way in named for 2026, as no shuttle is published.
Tickets and entry

Tickets

  • From NZ$17.50 for an Early Bird Weekend Pass (2026), sold through the organiser's Ticket Fairy page.
  • Prices include fees.

5Frequently Asked Questions

Suitable for kids?
The meeting is open to all ages, and the Family Pass covers two adults and two children aged 12 to 16 years.
Only want one day?
No single day ticket is listed for 2026. The Weekend Pass covers Saturday and Sunday.

6Cost Breakdown

2026 pricesPrice
Early Bird Weekend PassNZ$17.50
Standard Weekend PassNZ$27.50
Early Bird Family PassNZ$33
Standard Family PassNZ$55
Last verified: 6 November 2026Official link: nzigp.co.nz

Tags

KartingMulti Day EventCircuit RacingBMWOpen-Wheel RacingToyotaMcLarenHoldenFordHondaPorscheEndurance RacingFamilies

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Tickets

From NZ$17.50

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