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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 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. Spectators are free.
Track Plus
Track Experience – Your Exclusive 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 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.
Show and Shine Competition
If you’ve got an amazing Toyota old or new, 4x4, car or SUV, then we’d like to see it. Whether it’s an impeccably detailed rebuild, quarter-mile demon or a high-tuned track weapon – any age, model and style can enter – as long as it’s a Toyota or Lexus.
Categories will be based on vehicle age: PRE 1980, 1980-89, 1990-99, 2009-09, 2010-19, 2020+ and Under Construction. Prizes will also be awarded to Best Original, Best Engine Bay, Best Interior, and the popular People’s Choice award.
Timing: Judging will commence at 9.00am and the winners will be announced at 3.30pm (approx.).
Your vehicles will require a Show and Shine sticker to be displayed on the windscreen to qualify for judging (provided at Gate).
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
Toyota 86 Championship Pit Stop Challenge
Challenge a friend and earn bragging rights on who can change a Toyota 86 Championship tyre the fastest. Prizes up for grabs for the three fastest times at the end of the day.
Timing: 9.00am-4.30pm
Cost: Free
Merchandise
Get into gear and check out the latest TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand merchandise. Eftpos will be available.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand Simulators Challenge
Wanting to kill some time between your track sessions? Have a go on the amazing race simulators and be in to win some cool prizes.
Timing: 9.00am-4.30pm
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 Toyotas number one fans. You can expect to see a variety of on and off-track activities such as Track Sessions, Gymkhana and 4x4 activities (Sunday only) as well as a Show & Shine Competition. Or you can just come along for the day and enjoy for free.
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. We recommend visiting your local Toyota Store in your area for a check-up prior to the event.
For the Track Plus (full day) option, you’ll get 2 x 15 min (A+C) track sessions plus 1 x Gymkhana Session. You’ll also then get the afternoon session which includes 2 x 15 min sessions on our full GT Circuit. 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 around 4.30pm. Your Track Sessions are spread out during the day giving you plenty of time to rest and check out other things that are happening.
Yes, you are welcome to enter.
Unfortunately no, but you can still come along and spectate.
You do need a crash helmet in good condition. If your vehicle has a 4-point harness or more, you must wear a FHR.
A race suit is required (minimum of a single layer fire retardant race suit) required for most track activities. Covered shoes must be worn (no sandals or jandals).
Once you register online you should you 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.
Yes, racing slicks, and semi slicks can be used.
The track sessions are all in a controlled environment, and will be lead 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, and it’s your own pride and joy you are driving. Look after each other out there. We want everyone and their rides to return home in one piece.
Generally, no, we advise that you check with your insurance providers as some will add track day cover to your policy for a small premium. Accidents rarely occur if you stay within your limits.
We would suggest that you enter the slow or medium groups and to drive within your own ability. There will be free classroom sessions throughout the day run by experienced circuit drivers who will show you the ropes and the correct way of driving to achieve a flowing lap.
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, and if you own a Toyota, you can park your car in the public carpark for free walk in and still be in to win some cool 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, 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 Toyota 86 New Zealand Facebook.
Yes we typically have our Toyota Racing New Zealand and Toyota Festival merchandise available for purchase. EFTPOS is 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.
The gates open at 7.00am – gate entry is off Cemetery Road and following the signage to Highlands Pit Lane. The official welcome will take place at 8.20am.