Wellington in January 2027: Race of Champions and Groups

Short answer: Explera DMC New Zealand plans group stays around Race of Champions, held at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on 9 and 10 January 2027, the first time it has come to New Zealand. It lands in peak summer, so hold rooms and transfers early and use Wellington as the hinge between North and South Island programmes.

Race of Champions is head-to-head racing in identical cars on a purpose-built tarmac track. By 12 October 2026 the organiser had announced eight drivers: Sebastian Vettel, Valtteri Bottas, David Coulthard, Travis Pastrana, Chaz Mostert, Brodie Kostecki, Will Brown and Hayden Paddon. Explera sells no event tickets and publishes no prices; see the 2027 events calendar and the Race of Champions planning page.

Why is January tight in Wellington?

January is high summer and New Zealand's long school holiday season, so Wellington rooms, domestic flights and ferry sailings compete with holiday demand as well as with the event. See our guide to New Zealand in January.

A group of travellers boarding a bus at a station

Why use Wellington as the hinge?

Wellington is where the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries dock, so groups can attend the weekend and then cross Cook Strait to the South Island. Confirm sailings and vehicle space at quotation; our scenic rail and ferries page explains how we sequence them.

What should agents arrange?

Accommodation in central Wellington, with release dates agreed at quotation.
Transfers between the hotel, the stadium and Wellington Airport.
Days either side in the city: the waterfront, Te Papa and Zealandia. See our Wellington guide.

How Explera DMC New Zealand can help

We plan the stay, transfers and programme for travel agents and tour operators at net rates. See group tours and coach and private transfers.

FAQ

When is Race of Champions in Wellington? 9 and 10 January 2027 at Hnry Stadium.

Who is racing? Eight drivers had been announced by 12 October 2026, including Sebastian Vettel, Valtteri Bottas, David Coulthard and Hayden Paddon; confirm the full field before quoting.

Does Explera sell tickets? No. Explera is B2B only; tickets are bought through the organiser.

Can groups continue to the South Island after the event? Yes. Wellington is where the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries dock, so groups can cross Cook Strait after the weekend. Confirm sailings and vehicle space at quotation.

Why book Wellington rooms early? January is high summer and New Zealand's long school holiday season, so rooms, domestic flights and ferry sailings compete with holiday demand as well as with the event.