Why You Should Go
Your own Toyota on a pro circuit from NZ$59, with free entry for everyone watching
Format
One Day Festival
Crowd
Toyota, GR and Lexus owners and their families, no published figure
Vibe
Owners' track day with a Show and Shine
About This Event
The Toyota Festival is Toyota New Zealand's own track day, the largest manufacturer track event of its year, where owners take their Toyota, GR or Lexus, old or new, onto a professional race circuit. The 2027 festival returns to Highlands at Cromwell in Central Otago, and spectator entry and parking are free.
1What to Expect
The festival day is Saturday 3 April 2027. Gates open at 7:00am off Cemetery Road and the official welcome is at 8:00am.
On track, Track Plus drivers get four 15 minute sessions plus a gymkhana session in three groups from slow to fast, led by a pro driver in a pace car. The sessions are non competitive.
The Show and Shine is open to any Toyota, GR or Lexus of any age, judged by model with prizes for Best Original, Best Engine Bay, Best Interior and People's Choice. Judging starts at 9:00am and winners are announced at about 3:30pm.
Show all 6
Off track there is the GR Hub chill out area, GR Parts with a GR Yaris fitted with more than 20 genuine GR upgrades, race simulators, the Toyota 86 Championship and a Kids Hilux Pit Stop Challenge.
The Toyota Parade Lap is a free slow cruise of the circuit that stops on the main straight for a group photo, with passengers allowed.
On Sunday 4 April 2027 the South Island 4x4 Trek runs as a separate five hour off road drive over rocks, hilltops and farmland, with a refreshment stop and Toyota 4WD staff on hand.
2Best Way to Experience It
- Track Plus is the full day on track for NZ$299 per person: two 15 minute sessions on the A and C layout plus a gymkhana in the morning, then two 15 minute sessions on the full GT Circuit in the afternoon, from 9:00am to about 4:30pm.
- Track Cruise is the cheaper way onto the circuit at NZ$59 per car with passengers free: two 30 minute speed controlled sessions of the full GT Circuit from 12:55pm.
- The Parade Lap costs nothing, and the Show and Shine sticker for judging is handed out at the gate.
About the Venue
Race Tracks
Highlands Motorsport Park
- 4.1 km
- 14 turns
- Opened 2013
Highlands Motorsport Park is on the edge of Cromwell in Central Otago, about 45 minutes from Queenstown.
3Nearby Accommodation
While you're in the area
Experiences near Highlands Motorsport Park
4Logistics
Getting thereDriving, Rideshare and taxis
Driving
- Highlands is on the corner of SH6 and Sandflat Road, Cromwell.
- Festival gate entry is off Cemetery Road, following the signs.
- Toyota, GR and Lexus owners can park in the Show and Shine car park, and other cars use the public parking outside the venue.
Rideshare and taxis
- Uber runs in Queenstown.
Tickets and entryTickets
Tickets
- Spectator entry and parking are free.
- Track activities and the Show and Shine are booked through the organiser's registration form.
On the dayDriver rules, Kit, Food and drink, Refunds
Driver rules
- A road car needs a current WOF and registration, or a race car a current MSNZ logbook.
- A restricted licence is accepted, an international licence is not.
Kit
- A certified helmet in good condition is needed (FIA8858-2002, FIA8858-2010 or SFI Spec 38.1, no MX helmets), plus a race suit of at least a single layer of fire retardant for most track activities, and covered shoes.
- Cars with a four point harness or more need a frontal head restraint.
Food and drink
- Food vendors and coffee are on site, and the organiser suggests bringing your own food for special diets.
- EFTPOS is available at the merchandise stand.
Refunds
- Registrations are refunded up to seven days before the event, and later requests are at the organiser's discretion.
5Frequently Asked Questions
?Just want to look around?
Spectator entry and parking are free for everyone, Toyota owner or not.
?Never driven on a track?
The beginner group is led by a pro driver in a pace car, and professional driver instructors give tips on the day.
?Bringing a passenger?
Passengers ride free in the Track Cruise and the Parade Lap, but not in Track Plus. Children in car seats cannot ride in the Track Cruise.
?Suitable for kids?
The Kids Hilux Pit Stop Challenge is part of the off track programme, and the organiser pitches the day at the whole family.
?Not driving a Toyota?
Non Toyota owners can watch but cannot take part in the track sessions or the Show and Shine. Every Lexus is welcome in all activities.
6Cost Breakdown
| 2027 prices | Price |
|---|---|
| Spectator entry and parking free | |
| Track Cruise | NZ$59 per car |
| South Island 4x4 Trek | NZ$89 per vehicle |
| Track Plus | NZ$299 per person |
Last verified: 5 November 2026Official link: toyota.co.nz
Tags
Off Road and 4x4Car DisplaysCircuit RacingShoppingFree EntryOne Day EventLexusHave a GoToyotaFood and DrinkDrive YourselfSingle Marque EventFamilies
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Tickets
Free spectator entry