Bay of Plenty’s New Motorsport Home
Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park is shaping up to be the Bay of Plenty’s long-awaited hub for grassroots speed, driver training and community motorsport culture.
Construction officially began in April 2026 with a karakia blessing and ceremonial sod-turning as crews set the circuit out on the ground, signalling a move from plans to palpable progress on site at TECT Park. The project received local approvals in August 2025 and has since evolved through iterative design updates that prioritise overtaking opportunities and an engaging driver experience.
Designed as a community-focused facility, Thunder Ridge will occupy roughly 70 hectares and centre on a flowing 3.3 km circuit featuring eight corners, 26 metres of elevation change and undulating terrain that leans into the natural landscape, ingredients for tight races and memorable track days alike. The site plan also includes practical, enthusiast-first infrastructure, with pit garages, on-site garages available for lease, club rooms, a café and even camping grounds to support multi-day events and a festival-style atmosphere.
Organisers have blended fresh construction with motorsport heritage by repurposing iconic buildings from Pukekohe and securing key facilities to enrich the park’s character, reinforcing a sense of continuity with New Zealand’s track history.
Located roughly halfway between Tauranga and Rotorua on SH36, Thunder Ridge aims to serve the wider region (from casual beginners to seasoned competitors) and echo the community spirit of former venues like Bay Park and Pukekohe.
Beyond lap times, the park positions itself as a practical centre for safe skill development, grassroots event growth and regional tourism, all delivered with an inclusive philosophy that invites clubs, families and newcomers to share the paddock. By offering affordable access and a professionally designed track, Thunder Ridge is likely to strengthen local motorsport ecosystems and bring a reliable venue for testing, training and competition to the North Island.
With an anticipated opening window promoted for December 2026, the motorsport community (and beyond) can expect regular updates on spectator amenities, circuit configuration and booking opportunities as the build advances. It promises to be a fresh focal point for wheels, noise and weekend adrenaline – and I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I can’t wait to check it out.