Car Show
2027 PPG Nissan & GT-R Festival NZ
Why You Should Go
Cruising, drifting, roll racing and passenger rides in Nissans for NZ$35 at the gate
Format
One Day Festival
Crowd
Nissan owners, entrants and families, no published crowd figure
Vibe
Grassroots Nissan track day with a show and shine
About This Event
PPG Nissan & GT-R Festival NZ is one day at Hampton Downs where Nissan owners take their own cars on track to cruise, drift and roll race, billed by the organiser as New Zealand's largest festival for Nissans. Skylines and GT-Rs share the pits with every other Nissan powered build, with a show and shine, traders and tuners around the circuit.
1What to Expect
One packed day on Saturday 5 June 2027, with cruising, roll racing, drifting, grip sessions, parade laps and passenger rides on the Hampton Downs circuit.
Every session is driven by entrants in Nissan powered cars, from road cars on the cruise and parade laps to invite only cars in the speed sessions.
Show and shine judging runs from 12pm to 2pm, with new builds unveiled and local and international special guests at meet and greets.
Show all 5
Trade Alley, tuners taking questions and quotes, GT-R merchandise and food trucks fill the ground around the track.
The day wraps up with GT-R vs the World drag racing at Meremere, open to all makes and models, on a separate ticket.
2Best Way to Experience It
- General admission covers the whole day at Hampton Downs: every track session, the show and shine, Trade Alley and the special guests.
- A passenger wristband is NZ$10 for the day (2027) and gets you a ride in any car in the sessions that take passengers (cruising, parade and the photoshoot, plus drifting in fully caged cars). Rides leave from the Cab Stop flags.
- The Meremere drag racing needs its own ticket, separate from Hampton Downs.
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.
3Nearby Accommodation
While you're in the area
Experiences near Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
4Logistics
Getting thereDriving, Public transport, Rideshare and taxis, Best value route, Gates and reentry
Driving
- Hampton Downs is at 20 Hampton Downs Road, Te Kauwhata.
- From Auckland, head south on State Highway 1 for around 45 to 60 minutes (organiser figure) and take the Hampton Downs exit.
- From Hamilton and the Waikato, head north on State Highway 1 to the same exit.
- Parking on site is free, and disabled parking is sorted with the gate team on arrival.
Public transport
- No public transport link or event shuttle is published for 2027.
Rideshare and taxis
- No rideshare pickup point is published for 2027.
Best value route
- A shared car, since parking costs nothing and kids 10 years and under get in free.
Gates and reentry
- In 2026 spectator gates opened at 9am and the track ran from 9am to about 4:30pm.
- 2027 times are not yet published.
- Spectators cannot leave and come back without paying again.
Tickets and entryTickets, Bringing things in, Cash and cards
Tickets
- General admission is NZ$35 (2027), sold at the gate only with no online pre-sales.
Bringing things in
- Non-commercial food and drink can come in, and food vendors are on site.
- The event is strictly alcohol free: security checks bags and vehicles and keeps any alcohol found.
- Pets, gang patches, weapons, illegal substances and drones are not allowed.
Cash and cards
- Eftpos and Paywave at the gate (a surcharge may apply) and at most vendors.
- There is an ATM on site, with transaction fees.
5Frequently Asked Questions
?Suitable for kids?
Kids 10 years and under get in free (2027), and passengers under 18 years of age need a parent or caregiver to sign the indemnity form.
?Do I need a GT-R to drive?
No. Cruising, roll racing, drifting and the parade are open to all Nissan powered entrants, and the Meremere drag racing is open to all makes. Driver entries are made online, usually close 5 days before the event and need a full driver licence. The car does not need a WOF or registration, but without one it has to be towed in.
?What if it rains?
The Hampton Downs day runs rain or shine, though roll racing and other timed formats can be cancelled or moved earlier. The Meremere drag racing only runs in suitable weather, with no rescheduled date.
?Bringing the dog?
No pets, and they cannot be left in cars. Service animals are welcome, though the event gets loud at times.
6Cost Breakdown
| 2027 prices | Price |
|---|---|
| General admission | NZ$35 |
| Kids 10 years and under free | |
| Passenger wristband | NZ$10 |
| Second driver | NZ$100 plus general admission |
| Infield show and shine | NZ$60 plus general admission |
Last verified: 3 November 2026Official link: gtrfestival.co.nz
Tags
Car DisplaysJDMPassenger RidesShoppingOne Day EventCruiseDriftingNissanFood and DrinkCar ShowDrive YourselfSingle Marque EventDrag RacingFamilies
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Tickets
From NZ$35