Motorcycling New Zealand is pleased to confirm that the 2026 Un4seen Decals New Zealand ATV Championship will be held in Rotorua on 21-22 November 2026.
The 2026 Un4seen Decals New Zealand ATV Championship will be held on the weekend of November 21-22, 2026 at the Horohoro Bluffs, Rotorua. Photo: Supplied
A huge thank you to the Rotorua Motorcycle Club for stepping forward to host this premier ATV event at their famous Horohoro Bluffs motocross track. Their support ensures ATV competitors will once again have the opportunity to contest a national championship and showcase the strength of ATV racing in New Zealand.
“We’re stoked to be able to accommodate them and step in when we realised the original proposed dates weren’t working for Patetonga,” said Rotorua Motorcycle Club’s Racing Co-ordinator Scott Fletcher. “Our track is well suited for ATV racing as well as for the motocross nationals, which we are hosting the final round in February. I believe we last held the ATV Championships in Rotorua, something like 15 or 20 years ago, so we’re stoked to see it back.”
MNZ would also like to acknowledge the Patetonga Motorcycle Club, who had initially indicated their willingness to host the championship. Unfortunately, the proposed date was unable to be accommodated, however their commitment to supporting ATV racing is greatly appreciated.
“It is encouraging to see multiple clubs willing to support ATV competition,” offers Motorcycling New Zealand operations manager Vicky Hicks. “The willingness of both Rotorua and Patetonga to host a national ATV event demonstrates the passion and commitment that exists within the ATV community.”
The 2026 Un4seen Decals New Zealand ATV Championship will be held on the weekend between the first two rounds of the 2027 New Zealand Motocross Championship. Both are national-level events, which serve different disciplines of our sport, with ATV racing and motocross attracting largely separate competitor groups. Motorcycling New Zealand is pleased to be able to offer championship opportunities for both four-wheel and two-wheel competitors across three consecutive weekends in November.
“It’s the first time in a number of years that a motorcycle club is hosting it and we’re very grateful to Patetonga and then Rotorua Motorcycle Club for doing that,” offers MNZ ATV Commissioner Dennis Cox. “There was an ATV club in Rotorua some years ago, but it went bunk through lack of support of members, etc. And the Rotorua Motorcycle Club are running this as a trial – they hope to have ATV racing involved with their club, which would give ATV racing a central hub in the North Island again.”
The 2026 Un4seen Decals New Zealand ATV Championship will be held on the weekend of November 21-22, 2026 at the Horohoro Bluffs, Rotorua. Photo: Supplied
Cox said ATV racing was very strong in Canterbury, but was quite disjointed in the North Island.
“This could be the pivotal point to help that revival in the north,” he added.
Motorcycling New Zealand remains committed to growing ATV racing throughout New Zealand. We look forward to seeing more ATV events included not only at national championship level, but also as part of club race meetings around the country.
“Providing more opportunities for riders to compete is an important part of strengthening and growing the discipline,” added Hicks. “We look forward to welcoming riders, officials, volunteers and supporters to Rotorua this November for what promises to be an exciting New Zealand ATV Championship.”
The 2026 Un4seen Decals New Zealand ATV Championship will be held at Rotorua Motorcycle Club’s Horohoro Bluffs track near Rotorua. Photo: Supplied
