Wairau Valley Autocourse is a permanent motor racing circuit in New Zealand's Wairau Valley. The circuit opened in 1971 and has undergone several major changes during its history, with significant redevelopment taking place in 1986, 1993 and 2007.

The circuit is known for its fast and flowing nature, with relatively few heavy braking zones and several long-radius corners. It follows the natural contours of the surrounding land, resulting in approximately 30–40 metres of elevation change over the lap. The circuit is currently licensed to FIA Grade 2 standard.

1971–1985 redevelopment

Wairau Valley Autocourse opened in 1971 as a relatively simple permanent circuit primarily intended for club racing. The original layout was considerably less developed than the present circuit, with basic pit and paddock facilities and limited permanent spectator infrastructure.

Despite its modest facilities, the circuit quickly gained a reputation for being fast. The natural terrain was retained during construction, giving the circuit a number of long sweeping corners and noticeable changes in elevation.

Motorcycle racing became an important part of the circuit's early history, with Wairau Valley becoming a regular venue for national-level motorcycle meetings alongside the growing club-racing calendar.

1986 redevelopment

The first major redevelopment took place in 1986. The circuit was widened and resurfaced, while several corners were modified to improve safety and provide better racing.

The paddock and pit facilities were also expanded, allowing the circuit to accommodate larger national meetings. Although the layout became more modern, the emphasis remained on retaining the circuit's high-speed character.

The redevelopment marked the beginning of Wairau Valley's transition from a predominantly club-level venue into one of New Zealand's more important national circuits.

1993 redevelopment

A further redevelopment followed in 1993. The paddock was enlarged again and permanent race control and timing facilities were introduced, while the pit complex was substantially improved.

Several sections of the circuit were altered during the work, although the basic character of the lap remained unchanged. The circuit continued to rely on the natural terrain rather than extensive earthworks, preserving the elevation changes that had become one of its defining features.

By the mid-1990s Wairau Valley was regularly hosting major national championships, including touring cars, single-seaters and motorcycle racing.

V8 Supercars

Wairau Valley first appeared on the V8 Supercars calendar in 2002. The championship visited the circuit for four consecutive seasons from 2002 to 2005, bringing the largest crowds yet seen at the venue.

The arrival of the Australian championship required considerable temporary infrastructure and further improvements to the circuit's safety arrangements. The high-speed nature of the track proved popular with the V8 Supercars field, although the circuit's relatively small number of major overtaking opportunities placed particular importance on qualifying and tyre management.

After a two-year absence, V8 Supercars returned in 2008, beginning a second period on the calendar which continued through 2017.

2007 redevelopment

The most significant safety redevelopment took place in 2007.

The layout was largely retained, although The Chase was reshaped to improve its approach and runoff. The major part of the project involved the installation of substantially larger gravel traps around the circuit, replacing or supplementing areas of grass runoff that had become inadequate for modern high-performance cars.

Barrier systems, marshal posts, medical facilities and other safety infrastructure were also upgraded.

Following completion of the work, Wairau Valley was granted an FIA Grade 2 licence.

The 2007 work was deliberately conservative in terms of the racing line. Rather than introducing several slow corners or chicanes, the circuit's owners chose to retain its established high-speed character while bringing the safety standards up to modern requirements.

Motorcycles

Motorcycle racing has remained an important part of Wairau Valley's calendar throughout its history. The circuit regularly hosts rounds of the New Zealand Superbike Championship (NZSBK) and other national motorcycle categories.

Several widened sections of asphalt allow optional chicanes to be installed for motorcycle events and other categories where reduced speeds are desirable. These do not form part of the main configuration, allowing the original high-speed layout to remain available.

2025 return of V8 Supercars

V8 Supercars returned to Wairau Valley in 2025, marking the end of an eight-year absence from the championship calendar.

The return was accompanied by further improvements to the paddock and spectator facilities, while the circuit itself was largely retained in its established configuration.

The championship has continued to visit Wairau Valley from 2025 onwards.

Today

Wairau Valley Autocourse remains a regular venue for major New Zealand racing, hosting V8 Supercars, NZSBK, Formula Ford, touring cars, GTs, endurance races and historic events alongside a busy club-racing calendar.

The circuit's modern facilities contrast with a layout that still retains much of the character established during its early decades. Its combination of high-speed corners, relatively few major braking zones and natural elevation changes makes it one of the faster permanent circuits in New Zealand.

Long before it became a motorsport venue, the Tauherenikau grounds were home to horse racing. Established in the late 19th century, the racecourse had been a centrepiece of the Wairarapa sporting community for more than 100 years before local motorsport enthusiasts began exploring the idea of building a permanent racing circuit on the site.

Those discussions gathered momentum during the mid-1990s, and after several years of planning, construction began in 1997. Rather than flattening the landscape, the designers chose to work with the property's natural contours. The result was a circuit that blended into the surrounding farmland, with long, flowing corners and sweeping transitions that rewarded commitment and rhythm more than heavy braking.

Tauherenikau Raceway officially opened in March 1999. Its inaugural meeting featured touring cars, Formula Fords and motorcycles, giving spectators an early glimpse of what the circuit had to offer. Drivers immediately praised the layout for its flowing nature, although it also became clear that mistakes carried a heavy price. High-speed sections and relatively limited runoff left little room for error.

From the outset, the circuit was built around a simple philosophy: create a track that challenged drivers rather than relying on artificial slow sections. Aside from the Turn 2 and Turn 3 alternative chicanes, which were introduced to reduce average speeds for certain events, the circuit remained almost entirely true to that original vision. Success came from precision, confidence and carrying speed, not from repeated stop-start braking zones.

Throughout the 2000s, Tauherenikau established itself as one of New Zealand's most demanding regional circuits. It regularly hosted national touring car meetings, production car racing, open-wheel categories and motorcycle championships, earning respect from competitors across a wide range of disciplines.

Although the layout looked straightforward on paper, it quickly developed a reputation for being deceptively difficult. Many corners appeared simple enough until drivers discovered just how much speed they could carry. Tiny errors that might have gone unnoticed elsewhere could cost significant lap time—or worse. Several sections became known simply as "commitment corners," where confidence often separated the fastest drivers from the rest of the field.

As the decade progressed, the circuit gained a loyal following for its traditional, old-school character. However, it also faced growing scrutiny over safety, particularly for motorcycle racing.

Modern superbikes were becoming dramatically faster, and lap speeds continued to rise beyond what the circuit had originally been designed for. While the layout itself remained unchanged, the consequences of accidents became increasingly severe. Several serious motorcycle crashes—particularly through the fastest parts of the circuit—prompted discussions about how the venue could improve safety without compromising its identity.

Circuit management considered a range of options but ultimately rejected the idea of redesigning or slowing the track. Preserving the original 1999 layout remained a priority. Instead, attention turned to improving the areas surrounding the circuit.

The largest redevelopment in the venue's history began in 2019 with a comprehensive runoff improvement programme. Large sections of land around the fastest corners were excavated to create substantially larger gravel traps, some of the biggest seen at any New Zealand circuit. The expanded runoff areas greatly increased the distance available for slowing vehicles before reaching the barriers.

Work continued through 2020 and 2021, with further upgrades including improved drainage, revised barrier placement and enhanced spectator protection. By 2023, the programme was complete.

Despite the extensive safety improvements, the racing surface itself remained almost untouched. Drivers today race on essentially the same layout that opened in 1999, preserving the circuit's original character while significantly reducing the risks associated with high-speed accidents.

Today, Tauherenikau Raceway is widely regarded as one of New Zealand's most traditional permanent circuits. It may not have the modern facilities or large-scale infrastructure of newer international venues, but it has earned something many purpose-built circuits strive for: character.

Its flowing layout continues to reward commitment and precision, and many competitors appreciate that the same corners which challenged drivers more than two decades ago still demand the same level of respect today.

The expanded gravel traps have also helped reshape the circuit's reputation. Once criticised for offering little forgiveness, Tauherenikau is now viewed as a circuit that remains challenging while providing a much greater margin of safety when mistakes happen.

Among New Zealand racers, it is often described simply as a proper driver's track—fast, flowing and uncompromising. In an era where many modern circuits are designed around uniformity, Tauherenikau remains a reminder that a track's personality can be just as important as the facilities built around it.

FIA Grade: None

National Grade: 1

FIA Grade 3

Construction of the circuit began in early 1962 following the purchase of several adjoining farmland blocks in Maramarua Forest by a private investment group with the vision of creating one of New Zealand's premier permanent road racing facilities. Unlike many circuits of the era that were developed by clubs or local councils, the venue was conceived as a privately owned commercial circuit from the outset, with an emphasis on year-round motorsport, testing and driver development.

The circuit officially opened in 1964 which was what is now the Inner Circuit, quickly establishing itself as a popular destination for national saloon car racing, motorcycle competition and club motorsport. Its fast, flowing layout, natural terrain and high average speeds earned it a reputation as one of New Zealand's most fastest circuits.

Throughout its history the circuit remained privately owned, changing hands several times as different owners invested in the venue and shaped its direction. While ownership philosophies differed, each contributed to the circuit's continued growth, allowing it to remain relevant as motorsport evolved.

The first major redevelopment came in 1981, when the circuit was lengthened to improve both racing quality and spectator viewing. Additional pit facilities and expanded paddock space accompanied the works, allowing the venue to host larger national events.

A second round of improvements followed in 1984, bringing resurfacing works, upgraded pit infrastructure and revised safety barriers in line with contemporary standards. These upgrades cemented the circuit's position as one of the country's leading privately operated race tracks.

By 1989, increasing vehicle performance prompted another significant redevelopment. The circuit received further layout revisions, expanded run-off areas in key locations and modernised marshal facilities, while maintaining the fast, flowing character that had become its trademark.

The largest redevelopment occurred in 1997, with further extensions to the circuit, a rebuilt pit complex and improved spectator amenities. Although the venue embraced modern safety practices, great care was taken to preserve the original philosophy of rewarding commitment, precision and rhythm rather than relying on slow, technical corners.

The circuit features several positively cambered corners that contribute to its fast, flowing character and reward commitment through high-speed sections. Turn 1 incorporates 5 degrees of positive camber, allowing higher entry speeds after the main straight, while Turn 6 features the circuit's greatest banking at 7 degrees, providing additional grip through one of the lap's slowest corners. Turn 9 includes a more modest 4 degrees of positive camber, helping drivers maintain momentum through the middle sector. Together, these banked corners have become defining characteristics of the circuit, enhancing both driving enjoyment and racing while preserving the venue's original design philosophy.

Beyond national championship racing, the circuit has served as a venue for manufacturer testing, club racing, historic motorsport festivals, driver training, motorcycle track days and special events for more than half a century. Its combination of fast corners, varied elevation and traditional design has earned it a reputation as one of New Zealand's classic permanent racing circuits, continuing to balance its historic character with ongoing investment and modernisation.

FIA Grade 2/FIM Grade A

FIA Grade 2/FIM Grade B

No cool lore for this one because its a modern circuit and not much would have gone on

ITM Circuit Denny Hulme

Situated near Tangiwai in the central North Island, ITM Circuit Denny Hulme is one of New Zealand's most distinctive permanent racing circuits. Opened in 1978 and measuring 3.4 kilometres in length, the circuit is best known for its iconic 1.2-kilometre long Straight and old-school flowing layout.

While many New Zealand circuits have undergone extensive redesigns and redevelopment projects, Circuit Denny Hulme has remained largely unchanged since opening. The result is a circuit that today provides a rare glimpse into the design philosophy of the late 1970s, rewarding commitment, momentum and precision rather than stop-start corner combinations.

Construction and Opening

The circuit was developed during New Zealand motorsport's boom period of the 1970s. Several members of local racing clubs had long argued that the central North Island lacked a major permanent venue between Taupo and Manawatu. Following several years of planning and fundraising, construction began on a large section of sheep and cattle grazing land overlooking the Rangipo Plateau.

The project was supported by local businesses, farming interests and motorsport enthusiasts from throughout the region. Unlike some of the country's larger facilities, Denny Hulme was designed primarily as a competitor's circuit rather than a spectator venue, with an emphasis placed on flowing corners and high average speeds.

When it opened in 1978, the circuit immediately attracted praise from drivers and riders alike. The layout's long straights and sweeping corners made it popular with touring cars and motorcycles, while its exposed location ensured that weather often played a significant role in racing.

The circuit was named in honour of New Zealand's only Formula One World Champion, Denny Hulme, whose success on the international stage inspired an entire generation of Kiwi racers.

Growth Through the 1980s

The 1980s proved to be a busy decade for the venue despite few changes to the actual circuit.

A permanent timing tower was added in 1981, replacing the original portable facilities used during the circuit's first seasons. Three years later, additional spectator banking facilities were constructed around the NGK Hairpin after growing crowds attended national motorcycle championship rounds.

The late 1980s also saw the beginning of annual drag and sprint meetings on the straight. Although never intended to function as a dedicated drag strip, the enormous straight proved ideal for club-level acceleration events and remains a popular feature of the venue today.

International Recognition

By the early 1990s, the circuit had established itself as a regular fixture on the national motorsport calendar.

While many expected major layout changes to follow, circuit management instead focused on improving facilities and maintaining the venue's traditional character. Small additions included new paddock sheds, expanded camping facilities, and improved access roads, but the layout itself remained largely unchanged.

The circuit's greatest moment arrived in 1998 when it secured a place on the World Superbike Championship calendar.

To meet international requirements, a significant investment was made into safety improvements. The pit lane was completely revamped, gravel traps were enlarged, barriers were relocated, and runoff areas were expanded throughout the circuit. New motorcycle-friendly kerbing was also installed, replacing several older concrete kerbs that riders had long criticised.

Crucially, organisers resisted pressure to alter the circuit layout itself. The flowing nature of the course was considered one of its greatest strengths and remained unchanged.

The World Superbike competition visited the venue for three consecutive seasons. Riders frequently praised the fast, natural character of the circuit and its unique setting beneath Mount Ruapehu.

Although the championship departed after its third appearance due to wider calendar changes, the event remains the only major international series ever hosted by the circuit.

New era of racing

A new race control building was completed in 2000 overlooking the start-finish line, replacing the original timing tower and providing modern facilities for officials and broadcasters.Beyond this, development came in gradually rather than through large scale projects. Additional garages, maintenance sheds,and paddock facilities appeared over time.

Circuit Characteristics

The main straight is among the longest found at any permanent New Zealand circuit and regularly produces some of the highest speeds in domestic motorsport. The heavy braking zone into the turn 1 NGK Hairpin has become the circuit's primary overtaking opportunity and is widely regarded as one of the hardest braking corners in the country.

The circuit's exposed location also creates challenges. rapidly changing temperatures and occasional snow and fog drifting from Mt Ruapehu can dramatically alter conditions during a race weekend.

Despite increasing pressure for redevelopment over the years, circuit management has consistently resisted major changes to the layout. As a result, ITM Circuit Denny Hulme remains one of the country's most authentic old-school racing circuits a venue whose reputation rests not on constant reinvention, but on a timeless design that has challenged generations of Kiwi racers.

A major breakthrough came in late 2007 when ITM Circuit Denny Hulme secured a five-year contract to host a round of the V8 Supercars Championship from 2008. The deal brought top-level touring car racing back to the venue and represented the most significant event on the circuit's calendar since its three-year stint hosting World Superbikes a decade earlier. The arrival of the Australian series also provided a welcome economic boost for both the circuit and the surrounding communities.

The inaugural event proved a success, drawing one of the largest crowds ever seen at the venue. Despite initial concerns about the circuit's relatively compact 3.4-kilometre layout, competitors praised the challenging nature of the track and the numerous overtaking opportunities created by the long straights and heavy-braking hairpins.

Strong attendance figures and positive feedback from teams saw the relationship between the circuit and V8 Supercars continue beyond the original agreement. Successive contract extensions followed, and what began as a five-year arrangement evolved into a permanent fixture on the championship calendar. Today, the ITM Circuit Denny Hulme round is regarded as one of the championship's most distinctive New Zealand events, combining modern touring car racing with one of New Zealand's most traditional and atmospheric motorsport venues.

Te Anau Motorsport Park was originally established in 1964 as a small grassroots racing venue built on farmland outside Te Anau by local motorsport volunteers and regional car club members. The original layout measured roughly one kilometre in length and consisted primarily of a simple flowing club circuit with minimal runoff, grass spectator banks and basic paddock facilities. Despite its modest beginnings, the track quickly became known within South Island motorsport circles for its enjoyable rhythm and surprisingly fast nature.

The venue remained largely unchanged through the 1960s and 1970s, hosting club racing, motorcycle competition, autocross events and local endurance races. Its rural Southland setting and naturally flowing layout gave it a distinctly old-school atmosphere, particularly during winter meetings where cold temperatures and unpredictable weather regularly played a role in races.

The first major redevelopment arrived in 1982, when the circuit underwent its initial expansion to better accommodate larger national events. Additional land was acquired surrounding the original layout, allowing the construction of several new sections and significantly increasing overall lap distance and average speed. The improvements also included revised paddock areas and upgraded spectator viewing banks.

Further development followed in 1985 and again in 1990 as the circuit steadily evolved from a small club venue into one of the South Island’s more important permanent motorsport facilities. These upgrades focused on improving circuit width, drainage and safety standards while intentionally preserving the fast-flowing nature that had become central to the track’s identity. By this stage the venue was regularly attracting touring cars, motorcycle championships and endurance events from around New Zealand.

A major modernisation project arrived in 1998 and remains the most significant change in the venue’s history. The redevelopment introduced substantial safety upgrades including gravel traps, expanded runoff areas and revised barrier systems, while several corners were reprofiled to improve racing quality and motorcycle safety. Modern kerbing designed specifically for bike competition replaced many of the older aggressive concrete kerbs which had developed a reputation for causing crashes during wet events.

Importantly, the redesign avoided sterilising the layout. Rather than introducing excessive slow-speed chicanes, the circuit retained its commitment-focused philosophy with long flowing corners, elevation changes and momentum-based racing remaining key characteristics of the lap.

The venue entered a new era in 2007 with the construction of an entirely new pit and paddock complex. The old temporary pit structures were replaced by permanent garages, race control facilities, hospitality suites and modern media infrastructure. Open paddock areas remained a central part of the venue however, with organisers deliberately retaining the approachable grassroots atmosphere that had always distinguished the circuit from larger international-style facilities.

Today the main pit complex includes permanent team garages, race control, scrutineering facilities, corporate suites and elevated spectator viewing areas overlooking much of the circuit. Additional support garages and open paddock bays are also located throughout the paddock to support club-level events and grassroots categories.

The most recent major expansion occurred in 2018 with the addition of a permanent motocross circuit. Built in the infield, adjacent to the main straight, the motocross track features natural terrain sections, large bermed corners and rhythm sections designed to host both competitive racing and recreational riding.

The main circuit itself is best known for its flowing medium and high-speed corners, changing camber and old-school rhythm. Unlike many modern permanent circuits, Te Anau Motorsport Park avoids excessive stop-start corner combinations, instead rewarding momentum, precision and confidence. Several corners feature notable banking and elevation changes, while the circuit’s exposed Southland location often introduces strong winds, low temperatures and rapidly changing grip conditions.

The circuit has become particularly popular among touring car and Super Truck competitors, with the fast nature of the layout regularly producing close and aggressive racing. Motorcycle competitors have also long regarded the venue as one of New Zealand’s most enjoyable permanent circuits thanks to its smooth corner transitions and flowing design philosophy.

Today the venue hosts a wide variety of categories including national touring cars, GT racing, motorcycle championships, motocross competition, endurance racing, drifting, and club motorsport. Track days, driver training and grassroots events ensure the facility remains active throughout much of the year.