Supercars and now Taupō claims events capital title
Taupō is fast becoming the events capital of the nation with locals expecting a second Christmas when Supercars roar through the district in April.
Supercars officials said the race was almost an “unprecedented” sell-out and local accommodation providers said they had been booked out by fans as far back as January with estimates of 80,000 people coming to town for race weekend.
Taupō will host the ITM Taupō Super400 for the first time between April 19 and 21 with the event at Taupō International Motorsport Park locked in for at least three years.
The Taupō District Council’s acting district events manager Sarah Ashton said Taupō holds more than 400 events every year, “from Teddy Bears’ Picnics to Supercars, we are the events capital of New Zealand”.
“And I’m sure in a few months we’ll be the best Supercars venue as well.”
Ashton said Supercars had slotted in as one of the town’s four iconic events (alongside Ironman, Summer Concert and Cycle Challenge) and there were “many event organisers contacting us to hold their event here”.
She said a major benefit of holding large events in a smaller tourist town was the fact almost everyone got behind them.
“We had over 2000 volunteers at this year’s Ironman - it really does take a town to deliver our events ... the community support we have here is amazing.
“Events the scale of Supercars bring great economic impacts, and as a destination we are well marketed and know what to expect.
“We’ve got everything that places like Queenstown offer - the top end accommodation, restaurants and cafes, but we cater for all budgets.”
Supercars chief operating officer Tim Watsford said a potential sellout was on the cards for race weekend in Taupō.
He said general admission, corporate experiences and grandstand seating on the Saturday and Sunday “have sold extremely well over recent months, to an unprecedented point where there are only limited options still available”.
“A majority of the tickets sold out within a week of going on sale back in November, which is extraordinary,’’ Watsford said.
“It’s unprecedented to think we are close to exhausting ticketing options available for an event of this scale, which is great news, and is why we are encouraging fans to lock in tickets as soon as possible.”