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2025 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival
Don't miss out on this incredible event
Always wanted to take your Toyota on a professional race circuit? Here’s your exclusive chance to drive your Toyota, old or new, on one of New Zealand’s most picturesque and professional race circuits. The annual 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival is returning to Highlands Motorsport Park on 15 March 2025.
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival is an opportunity to come along for a track experience like no other, show off your pride and joy or simply soak in the atmosphere of Toyota car heaven. Activities range from a Track Experience, to Show and Shine, to a Parade Lap, and an exclusive 4X4 Experience.
Track Plus
Track Experience - Your Ultimate Highlands Track Experience
Cost: $299 per person
Time: 9.00am
Get ready for an action-packed day on the famous Highlands circuit. For just $299, immerse yourself in a high-octane experience that starts with morning rotations through a thrilling Gymkhana course and 2 x 15 minute follow the leader sessions on a section of the iconic circuit. But that's not all. After lunch, you'll take it to the next level with 2 x 15-minute follow the leader sessions on the full Highlands circuit. Experience the thrill of driving while enhancing your technique and building confidence behind the wheel, all with expert guidance from professional race car drivers every step of the way.
What’s included
Gymkhana
2 x 15 minute follow the leader track laps around A+C circuit
2 x 15-minute follow the leader track laps around the full circuit
Instruction and feedback from professional drivers
Spaces are very limited so act quickly to secure your spot.
PPE Requirements
Please note in order to take part there is specific PPE requirements you must bring:
- Frontal Head Restraints (FHR) are mandatory for vehicles that have a 4-point harness or greater. There are various tethered devices available including Hans, NecksGen REV, Impact Accel or Simpson Hybrid. All of these are acceptable.
- Helmet – minimum requirement Snell/AS1698
- Race suit – minimum of a single layer fire retardant race suit.
Technical Check
All vehicles need to be in a legal and safe condition. Your vehicle must have a current WOF and Registration, or MSNZ logbook in order to participate.
4x4 Day is back for 2025
We’re heading down south which means our epic and exclusive 4x4 day is back! Join us for an adventurous day out led by our expert 4x4 drivers. More details to come, keep an eye on our social channels for updates.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival is a must-attend for all Toyota enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned pro on the track or a newbie, this event is perfect for everyone.
4X4 Experience
Cost: $85 for 1 vehicle and a driver (includes nibbles)
$45 per passengers (includes nibbles)
Time: 9.30am - 3.00pm
When: Sunday 16th March 2025
Where: Central Otago
Embark on a 4x4 adventure through Central Otago's stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. This medium-level experience is designed for you to enjoy navigating rocks and hilltops, with a lead Hilux and other vehicles in the group to assist you along the way.
Spaces are limited, so registration is essential. The trip will last around five hours, including a mid-way stop for refreshments. Don't miss this chance to experience what Central Otago is famous for. Join the Toyota 4x4 Adventure Day, hosted by Toyota 4WD experts.
Driver's Briefing
All track participants must attend the driver’s briefing. Further information including time and location will be emailed to participants the week prior.
Failure to have the equipment and documents listed will result in you not being allowed on track. No refunds will be given if you don’t have this on the day. Please note there will be breath-testing as there is a strict no-alcohol policy.
Off Track Activities
If the tracks not really your thing, we have plenty of free off-track activities.
Pit Lane Level One
Looking for the perfect place to watch the action on track? Pit Lane Level One will be open with a range of food, full range of refreshing beverages (including beer and wine), and expertly brewed barista coffee.
Food Vendors – we’ll also have a fantastic range of food vendors onsite.
Toyota Parade Lap & Main Straight Photo
Even if you're just there to watch, you can still get on track! Enjoy a slow cruise around the circuit, stopping on the main straight to line up all the cars for the now-famous TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival photo. The best part? It's free, and you can bring passengers along with you.
Timing: Midday
Cost: Free
Frequently Asked Questions
The Toyota Festival is the largest manufacturer track event of the year hosted by Toyota New Zealand. The purpose of the event is not only to provide a safe and enjoyable day on the track, but to celebrate with Toyota’s number one fans!
You can expect to see a variety of on and off-track activities, such as Track Sessions, Show & Shine Competition and pitstop challenge. Make sure you stop and pick up some TGRNZ merch plus be in to win a Hot Lap spot prize!
If you don’t want to participate, no worries, you can just come along for the day and enjoy it for free. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, this event is perfect for everyone!
No, assuming your car is roadworthy (i.e. has a current WOF and is registered) or is a race car with a current MSNZ logbook. The brakes will be worked harder than usual, so we recommend visiting your local Toyota Store for a check-up prior to the event.
If you purchase Track Plus, you’ll get 4x 15 minute track sessions.
The Festival gates will open at 7.00am, followed by a compulsory drivers briefing at 8.00am. The first Track Session will begin at 9.00am and run throughout the day until 4.30pm. Track Sessions are spread out during the day to give you plenty of time to rest and check out other things that are happening on and off the track.
Yes, you are welcome to enter.
Yes, as long as your licence is in English, or converted into English and readable.
To drive on the track, you need a crash helmet in good condition.
If your vehicle has a 4-point harness or more, you must wear Frontal Head Restraints (FHR).
For Factory Standard Cars (lap diagonal belts), a helmet, fire retardant race suit (minimum of a single layer fire retardant race suit) and closed in shoes are required.
For Modified Vehicles (roll cage, 4-point harness, etc.), a FHR, helmet, fire retardant race suit, fire retardant shoes and fire-retardant gloves are required.
No race suit is required if you are only partaking in the slow Toyota Parade lap at midday.
Once you register online you will receive a confirmation email from us.
Yes, we offer refunds until seven days prior to the event. Any refund requests after this time will be processed at our discretion.
No passengers are permitted on Track Sessions. If you are partaking in the slow Toyota Parade lap, then you may take passengers.
Yes, racing slicks, and semi slicks can be used.
Track Sessions are all in a controlled environment and will be led by one of our pro drivers in a pace vehicle. Please drive to the speed that you feel safe and comfortable with. We split cars up into 4 groups ranging from beginners, slow, medium, and fast. The Track Sessions are non-competitive, remember it’s your own pride and joy you are driving. We want everyone and their rides to return home in one piece!
Generally, no, but we recommend that you check with your insurance providers as some will add track day cover to your policy for a small premium.
We suggest that you enter the beginners group and to drive within your own ability.
Yes, you can. Please notify the Festival staff at the gates who will direct you to the correct parking area.
Entry and parking to the event is free for everyone. If you own a Toyota, you can park your car in the public carpark for free and still be in to win some spot prizes.
Although you won’t be able take part in the activities e.g. Track Sessions and the Show & Shine, you are most welcome to attend and ponder why you don’t already own a Toyota. Spectator entry is free and there will be public parking available for your non-Toyota vehicle outside of the venue.
Yes, all Lexus vehicles are welcome in all activities.
Yes, all BRZ vehicles are welcome in all activities.
Yes, you are welcome to, however there will be areas that have restricted access. If you are interested in accessing these restricted areas, please contact us. We have a professional photographer and film crew working throughout the day. All images will be posted on our Flicker Account.
Yes, we will have our TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand and Toyota Festival merchandise available for purchase. Cash and EFTPOS will be available.
Yes, there will be a variety of food vendors and coffee available for purchase. If you have any special dietary requirements, we recommend that you bring your own food.
Event Details
Where: Highlands Motorsport Park
When: Saturday 15th March 2025
Stay Updated
Keep up to date with news and updates by following our Toyota New Zealand or TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand Facebook or Toyota New Zealand and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand Instagram channels.